Regarding the 'two-body problem' (international student)

[desti]

Hi,

I have been accepted into a bunch of top 20 Ph.D. programs in math. Now my next problem is trying to figure out with my spouse how to deal with all the practicalities. The problem is that she is graduating with a masters from Oxford and is not sure yet whether she wants to apply to a Ph.D. program next fall.

According to what I've googled up, she can get an F2 visa (after we get married), but you can't work with it. Also, she's definitely not the kind of person who would enjoy being a housemaid for a few years. According to a few sites, she can apply for a work permit with a F2 visa, but is there any realistic chance of getting it and for what period of time? Of course the job market sucks currently, but it's the same in our home country...

Does anyone have any advice or experiences of how to deal with such a situation? I am probably going to some of the schools inside a 200km radius of NYC.

 

[TonyG]

Hi there,

Congratulations on your acceptance into top Ph.D. programs in math! That is a great accomplishment.

In terms of your spouse's situation, it is important to first determine if she wants to pursue a Ph.D. program next fall. If she does, then she should start researching and applying to programs as soon as possible. As for the F2 visa, it is true that she would not be able to work with it. However, she could look into volunteering or interning in her field of interest to gain experience and keep busy while you are pursuing your Ph.D.

If your spouse does not want to pursue a Ph.D., then she can explore other options such as applying for a work permit or finding a job in her field. The process for obtaining a work permit can be challenging, but it is not impossible. She can apply for a work permit through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) once you are married and she is in the U.S. on the F2 visa. The work permit would be valid for one year and can be renewed.

It is also worth considering if your spouse has any other skills or qualifications that could make her eligible for a different type of visa, such as an H-1B visa for skilled workers. It may be helpful to consult with an immigration lawyer to explore all available options.

In terms of dealing with the job market, it is a difficult situation for many people right now. However, it is important to stay positive and keep searching for opportunities. Networking and reaching out to connections in your field can also be helpful in finding job opportunities.

I hope this information helps and wish you and your spouse the best of luck in navigating this situation. Congratulations again on your acceptance into top Ph.D. programs!

 

[Mene]

I understand the difficulties of the 'two-body problem' in academia. It can be challenging for couples to navigate the practicalities of pursuing their careers in different locations. In this situation, it is important to have open and honest communication with your spouse about your goals and priorities. It may also be helpful to seek advice from current graduate students or faculty members at the universities you are considering, as they may have experience with similar situations and can provide valuable insights. Additionally, your spouse could explore opportunities for remote work or consider applying for a Ph.D. program in the same area as your schools to increase the chances of being in close proximity. I also recommend looking into resources provided by the universities, such as spousal support programs or career services for partners. Ultimately, finding a balance between your career aspirations and your personal life will require compromise and flexibility from both parties. Best of luck in your decision-making process.