Two specific I-693 and I-864 questions

[durov_ivan]

Hi, my name is Ivan and i came to this country about 5 years ago as J-1 student. Then i was applying for B-2 visa twice. Second time i had to move to another place and as a result of this didnt get a reply from USCIS, so i dont have my original I-94. I overstayed my visas and was working illegally (i have my own social security number, just no work authorization). About 3 years ago, on one of well known internet dating websites i met a girl. She lives 800 miles away from me. We were talking alot, i visited her few times, but couldnt move to her state, cuz it has very strict immigration rules (i can not find job there). So we decided to get married. Problem is, we still live far away. She is also young mom of 2 kids, so she is currently unemployed.

My questions are:
-is it alright for me to get I-693 done in my current state of residence, or should i better do it after i move to her current state?( we are married in her state)
-also, since she is currently unemployed and getting food stamps, what should i do with I-864? I have few friends who can wright one for me, but i dont know how to do it in this case. I guess she will loose the ability to get any kind of government support, otherwise my sponsors will be forced to pay for it?

Hope You will be able to answer this questions
Thank You!

 

[Jackolantern]

Is your J-1 subject to the 2-year home country residence requirement?

is it alright for me to get I-693 done in my current state of residence, or should i better do it after i move to her current state?

You can get it done in any city in any state, as long as its done by a designated civil surgeon.

-also, since she is currently unemployed and getting food stamps, what should i do with I-864? I have few friends who can wright one for me, but i dont know how to do it in this case. I guess she will loose the ability to get any kind of government support, otherwise my sponsors will be forced to pay for it?

She won't lose her government support*, but she or your joint sponsor can be forced to repay the government if YOU collect** government support before you become a citizen or accumulate 10 years worth of Social Security credits. And you may be labeled a "public charge", which could cause other problems for you.


*unless when you start working, you earn so much that your household income becomes too high
**it is acceptable for you to collect unemployment benefits (once you have worked long enough to qualify) without causing any liability for her or your joint sponsor.