watanabe

Haven't been accepted to any schools in Boston yet (only U of Michigan) but I'm trying to prepare for any options instead of pulling out my hair waiting for admits. I'm looking for a 2-3 bedroom place for myself, my wife and baby, and my mother(financial basket case, think she's better off living with us and providing free babysitting). I've been pre-approved for a loan from the Japanese government for 150,000yen(approx 1500$USD) a month with an awesome 2% interest rate which doesn't start accumulating till after I graduate. I figure that should help bridge any extra living expenses above and beyond what I'm able to secure with FAFSA/school aid/etc. Any suggestions on some quieter places for a small family like mine? Would be attending either MIT or Harvard. I don't mind walking/biking 2-3 miles 1 way, living in Tokyo for 5 years has gotten me used to walking all over. Doubly so if it allows me to get a nicer placer for cheaper. Local supermarket would be nice but I don't imagine we'll be going out much in an effort to save money so that's not really important.

No, I think you are trying to escape this situation. It is not awkward; it is wrong. And you are unrepentant.

Well went to the embassy today; turns out the easiest way is to get a co-sponsor. Doesn't have to be a relative, anyone will do, just have to prove something like 20,000$USD income per annum and fill out the appropriate I-864 form. Hope that helps

For all of you who are doing/have done this, I have a question regarding actually procuring the green card for your spouse: My background: Japanese father, American mother, born/raised in the USA, lived there until 18, have a us pasport/social security/etc. I left the country in 2003 to pursue my undergraduate degree in Japan. I am now 23 and have been married for almost a year, and have a 4 month old daughter (my wife is a Japanese national). Both of us speak fluent English, and my Japanese is passable. I am graduating with an undergraduate degree in June, and have been accepted to Master's programs in the states (only U of Michigan so far, waiting to hear back from harvard/yale/princeton/MIT) to study architecture. I have been pre-approved to receive assistance from the Japanese government in the form of a 150,000yen/month (approx 1500$USD) loan, which accrues no interest while I'm enrolled, and does not have to be paid back until 6 months after whenever I graduate (3.5 year degree), and it only has a 2% interest rate! My other income has been from teaching English (20 hours a week) and earning approximately 1-1.2k USD$ a month, depending on exchange rates. I only started doing this in April of '08, so my income in 2008 was pretty low (maybe 8-9k, not enough to have to file taxes, I think?). Now I am in the process of trying to get a visa for my wife to live in the states while I load up on debt and get a degree which will (hopefully) allow me to support my small family (my undergrad was in "liberal arts" and I have no interest in becoming an investment banker/consultant). From my understanding, I need to prove an income of around 23k USD, or that, minus my income, times 3 (since we are married). I understand the rules regarding poverty level/etc, but I'm worried about whether this monthly loan from the Japanese government will be acceptable as "income" to help me prove I can support my wife and child. I will also, presumably, be getting limited support from whatever university I end up going to, in addition to the normal FAFSA loans. Is this the the case? Meaning 23000 - (1500 x 12) = 5000 x 3 = 15,000? As in I need 15,000 in assets to make up for my lack in income? Do I even need that if I can use my income from teaching as proof? I don't think I could because it would not be possible for me to keep doing that job if I live in the states... How are you all proving that you can support your SO while at grad school? I'm pretty sure this question is fairly convoluted, so if you need me to clear anything up I would be more than happy to...