What Are the Biggest Challenges You've Faced During the U.S. Immigration Process?

shayan karim

shayan karim

New Member
Hello everyone,


I'm new to the forum and wanted to start by saying thank you for having such a helpful space for those of us navigating the U.S. immigration process. I recently began my own immigration journey and I know that each person's experience can be very different.


I’m really interested to hear from this community:
What was the most difficult part of your immigration process?
Were there any unexpected delays or issues you had to deal with?
Any tips you wish you knew earlier that could help newcomers?


Whether it’s about H1-B, green cards, family petitions, or any other aspect of U.S. immigration — I’d love to learn from your stories. I believe hearing real experiences is one of the best ways to prepare and stay motivated.


Looking forward to your responses!


Warm regards,
shayan karim
 
Not an issue with me. Was very positive experience for me.
A guy from Indian military family.

I was part of US Navy back then during Naturalizion interview.
Multiple IO in interview panel.
She asked, why do you want to become US citizen.
I showed her my US Navy I'd.
I told her, my degree can take me to be US Navy Nuclear ratting.
But I can only enlist as sailor with Green card. To become an US Navy Officer, I need to be US citizen.
She said we need guys like you. Took US citizen oath the same day.
shayan karim said:
Hello everyone,


I'm new to the forum and wanted to start by saying thank you for having such a helpful space for those of us navigating the U.S. immigration process. I recently began my own immigration journey and I know that each person's experience can be very different.


I’m really interested to hear from this community:
What was the most difficult part of your immigration process?
Were there any unexpected delays or issues you had to deal with?
Any tips you wish you knew earlier that could help newcomers?


Whether it’s about H1-B, green cards, family petitions, or any other aspect of U.S. immigration — I’d love to learn from your stories. I believe hearing real experiences is one of the best ways to prepare and stay motivated.


Looking forward to your responses!


Warm regards,
shayan karim
Click to expand...
Came to US on H1B visa in late 90s. Green card 2003.
 
Wow, that’s truly inspiring!


Thank you for sharing your story — it’s great to hear about a smooth and honorable path like yours. Serving in the US Navy and using that journey to earn citizenship shows real dedication.


I really admire how clear your purpose was and how you aligned your goals with your service. Stories like yours are exactly why I joined this forum — to learn from strong, real-life experiences.


Wishing you continued success and thank you again for your service!


Warm regards,
Shayan Karim
SEA400 said:
Not an issue with me. Was very positive experience for me.
A guy from Indian military family.

I was part of US Navy back then during Naturalizion interview.
Multiple IO in interview panel.
She asked, why do you want to become US citizen.
I showed her my US Navy I'd.
I told her, my degree can take me to be US Navy Nuclear ratting.
But I can only enlist as sailor with Green card. To become an US Navy Officer, I need to be US citizen.
She said we need guys like you. Took US citizen oath the same day.

Came to US on H1B visa in late 90s. Green card 2003.
Click to expand...
 
shayan karim said:
Wow, that’s truly inspiring!


Thank you for sharing your story — it’s great to hear about a smooth and honorable path like yours. Serving in the US Navy and using that journey to earn citizenship shows real dedication.


I really admire how clear your purpose was and how you aligned your goals with your service. Stories like yours are exactly why I joined this forum — to learn from strong, real-life experiences.


Wishing you continued success and thank you again for your service!


Warm regards,
Shayan Karim
Click to expand...
@shayan karim

To be frank, US Navy was not part of plan for USC jouney.
I could have done USC oath just with the Engg and IT background.
2008 & 2009 was bad for US economy. US Real Estate bust. Also affected economies across the globe.
Job was an issue to find in IT even for GC LPR, so tried US Navy. US Military ASVAB - armed service vocational aptitude battery was easy peasy for IT guy from India.
The score decides whether you are good enough for Nuclear or US Navy Aviation or US Navy Medic.
 
Last edited:
SEA400 said:
@shayan karim

To be frank, US Navy was not part of plan for USC jouney.
I could have done USC oath just with the Engg and IT background.
2008 & 2009 was bad for US economy. US Real Estate bust. Also affected economies across the globe.
Job was an issue to find in IT even for GC LPR, so tried US Navy. US Military ASVAB - armed service vocational aptitude battery was easy peasy for IT guy from India.
The score decides whether you are good enough for Nuclear or US Navy Aviation or US Navy Medic.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the clarification—that really adds a lot of depth to your story.


It’s insightful to hear how the economic conditions at the time played such a major role in your decision. It’s true, 2008–2009 was a rough period for many in the IT and engineering fields, even for those with solid qualifications. Your decision to pivot and serve in the US Navy shows adaptability and courage—especially at a time when opportunities were limited.

Also, really interesting to hear about the ASVAB process and how your IT background aligned with roles like Nuclear or Aviation tracks. Not many people realize how much technical talent the military seeks out.

Thanks again for sharing more of your journey—it’s genuinely inspiring.
 
shayan karim said:
Hello everyone,


I'm new to the forum and wanted to start by saying thank you for having such a helpful space for those of us navigating the U.S. immigration process. I recently began my own immigration journey and I know that each person's experience can be very different.


I’m really interested to hear from this community:
What was the most difficult part of your immigration process?
Were there any unexpected delays or issues you had to deal with?
Any tips you wish you knew earlier that could help newcomers?


Whether it’s about H1-B, green cards, family petitions, or any other aspect of U.S. immigration — I’d love to learn from your stories. I believe hearing real experiences is one of the best ways to prepare and stay motivated.


Looking forward to your responses!


Warm regards,
shayan karim
Click to expand...
Nice!
 
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