How I fell in love, expired a visa and got married in America
'14.08.2021'
Source: Irk.ru
Irkutsk woman Arina lives in a small town in Maryland, 25 minutes from Washington. The girl shared a romantic story of moving to the United States of America. Arina told the publication about the Work & Travel program, Russian immigrants and obtaining a green card Irk.ru.
Love story
The story began with the fact that two years ago a friend offered to go to the USA under the Work & Travel program. All summer we lived in Massachusetts, worked in a trailer park, it's something like a recreation center. Our duties included cleaning the trailers where the tourists were settled.
A few weeks later she met a young man and fell in love. Summer, ocean, love - I was incredibly happy, everything was like in a fairy tale, but it's time to fly home. I cried all the way to the airport, I didn’t want to believe that my romance and my American trip were over. Deep in my soul, I knew that I needed to stay, that I would regret if I flew away. I called my parents and told them that I decided to stay. I was incredibly scared, but I missed my plane and started a new life overseas.
Adaptation
The most difficult period of my life in America came after I did not board a plane. I realized that there was no turning back, that the visa had ended, and if I left the country now, I could not return. I missed my parents and friends, I did not know when I would see them again. The future husband supported me, but the adaptation was slow, I really missed the house. Many immigrants experience this.
We started collecting documents in order to legalize me as soon as possible. Combined the bills for the house, phone, bank account. Since there was no work permit, I did not work for more than six months.
Soon we got married in the small town of Annapolis in Maryland. The ceremony was held in a small church, gathered only close friends. Our parents could not come because of the visa situation. Husband's parents live in Serbia, where he comes from. Our wedding was modest, we didn’t spend too much, because a lot of money was spent on paperwork to receive a green card. We spent almost 5 thousand dollars and a year on documents and a lawyer, but many wait longer.
On the subject: How I married an American soldier
Interview
After I received a work permit, a letter came with the date of the interview. This is when you and your spouse come to the immigration office (court) and prove that your marriage is not fictitious. I was not afraid, because I knew that everything was real with us, but my husband was a little worried.
We dressed up, grabbed the family album and the necessary documents and went to the office. We were invited to the office where the judge was sitting, on whose decision my future fate depended: I will receive a card or go home. My husband and I were seated in front of a camera, which recorded every word, a lawyer was sitting behind, and a judge in front. With our hand up, we vowed to speak only the truth.
After that, the interrogation began. The questions were simple: when is the husband’s birthday, what are his parents' names and where do they live, how much does he earn per year, how did he meet. He was asked about the same thing. The interview lasted about 40 minutes. In the end, we were told to wait for a letter with the results.
Sometimes I feel like the heroine of a Hollywood movie.
It was the most exciting moment. We understood that nothing else depended on us, and simply waited. A month and a half later, the treasured card came. Now I am a full-fledged resident, and in three years I can obtain US citizenship.
On the subject: Married in America: Imported Bridegroom
Life in america
Now we live in Maryland, my husband was transferred here for work. The company provided the house under a contract. I work with him. It is not difficult to find a job here, the main thing is to know basic English. Thousands of new companies spring up every year, and everyone needs employees.
In America, she made friends not only with the locals, but also found Russian friends. There are not many Siberians here, mostly Muscovites or Ukrainians, I have not met anyone from Irkutsk yet. Compatriots work in different areas, for example, the IT industry, catering.
I love American culture and people. It was difficult to get used to the difference in mentality. Here, no one follows your life and does not condemn, this gives a certain freedom. The main thing is to do everything according to the law. Another plus is the protection of women and children by the state. If your husband beat you or the children, call the police, and he will not only be fined, but also put in jail for some time.
In the USA, they respect and love pets. On the street you will not find a single stray dog or cat. Animals are kept in the nursery, many find a family. If they see that the owner is mistreating the dog, they will select a pet and write a fine.
Prices in the USA are high. To rent an apartment, you need at least $ 1500 per month. There is no way without a car, you still need medical insurance that is not paid by the state (about $ 400), car insurance, plus phone bills and other obligatory payments. The first two years for immigrants are the most difficult financially and psychologically.
In shops or restaurants at the checkout, the amount is higher than on the price tags or on the menu, since taxes are not included in the price. And no matter what service you use, be it a manicure, a haircut or a pizza delivery, you need to leave a tip, about $ 7-10.
Travel home
After receiving the green card, I was able to leave the country. In February I came to Irkutsk to visit my parents and see friends. I had already forgotten how cold it is here!
The cost of the flight New York - Irkutsk - New York is about $ 1000. In total, the road took 16 hours.
By the way, they know about Siberia in America, but some people think that this is a separate country, where it is very cold and has one forest, winter all year round and few people. But everyone I asked would like to be here.
