oh, wait, I do have another question! Have you tried to search for real or potential work from where you are or are you planning to do that when you get there? It may be too much of a pipe dream to think that we can do that in addition to getting permanent residency. I'm a graduate student so I only work part time now, but my boyfriend works full time. It would be risky in this economy to leave a job without having at least one lined up, even though we'll have the required savings.