> This is the OP again. Many MANY thanks for all the informative
> replies.
>
> You have helped me to eliminate the problem of the employer
> sponsorship -- no reason to bother,
>
> Here's some more information--Yes, it is SSI and it will end if I re-
> marry. My previous marriage was to a man who developed extreme mental
> illness to the point that I was a battered woman and I had to leave
> the marriage. I sold our house years ago to help pay for his credit
> card bills from his spending sprees. Since HE cannot work and
> receives disabililty, I ended up with nothing -- I now live in
> "elderly" housing.
>
> So I do not have a house, I have very little money, and the reason I
> get SSI -- the needs based one that ends when you get married -- is
> that when I was able to work I was a teacher, then a professional
> librarian. In both cases I worked for a city or town and it is a
> little known secret that state and town employees do not pay into
> social security.
>
> I paid into a state retirement system instead but, of course, withdrew
> the money to help my former husband. I also cashed in my IRA
> (mutual funds).
>
> I would be entitled to my former husband's earned SS when he dies even
> if I am married as long as I married after age 60. I don't expect my
> former husband to die soon, I don't really wish him dead anyway.
>
> Most of my relatives who had money to sponsor him are long dead. I
> have one sister who has a little house and has been working full time
> but only for about one year. YES, it is a very difficult ask. I
> hinted to her and she backed off as I thought she would.
>
> But if there is the possibility of joint sponsorship, maybe that could
> help us. Also the idea of using capitol, such as my sister's house
> rather than her short work history.
>
> Someone mentioned living together for 6 months and then he could count
> his own assets??? Really? He has his pension and he owns a small
> house in England. Maybe that's the way to go. One potential
> problem with this method is that since I am living in "elderly"
> housing, I cannot be gone for more than three months/year or they will
> give my apartment to someone else! Also, he cannot legally live
> here with me in "elderly" housing unless we are married and once we
> are married I lose my income. He might be able to stay with me for 6
> months, unmarried -- but would his tourist visa allow that? And would
> living in my apartment when he's not supposed to sort of illegally
> count against us?
>
> I apologize for the length and complexity of my posts and I deeply
> appreciate all the knowledgeable input from you.
>
> Oh, as for health insurance (such as it is here in the US) -- there is
> a new law here in MA that will guarantee health insurance to all.
> Ours is the first state to do this. Thank you so very much for your
> help; any more shedding of light or added information is more than
> welcome, of course.
It is possible, but difficult to get a tourist visa for 6 months. I
think however, that they are counting his income only if you are married
during that 6 months - someone will correct me if I am wrong I am sure.
Hmmm... just thinking.... might be that sis could co-sponser him for the
fiance visa, then count his income towards the real binding sponsorship,
that for the AOS, and not need your sister to do that. I'm not sure,
hopefully someone else will comment.
As far as your sister, they would be looking at current income, and
assets if they don't consider that sufficient. Doesn't really matter
which they look at, since noone will go after her for money unless he
goes on public assistance.
Also, you might need to make sure that the MA law regarding insurance
applies to him, before he is an permanent resident/conditions removed or
a citizen. Also, if it covers pre-existing conditions, if he has any.
It might be easier for you to move over there, if you would consider it.
--
Posted via http://britishexpats.com |