Hi All,
My name is Caroline and I'm a Canadian newly married to James, an American enlisted in the army and currently deployed to Afghanistan. I've just started out filling in the forms and am feeling extremely overwhelmed. Not sure what I should do with the question on the I-130 form asking where we plan to live...we haven't found a place yet. And I'm worried that I won't be able to enter the states while my application is being processed....I need to find us an apartment to live in before James gets back. Any helpful suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am so thankful my friend Alfie gave me this website!!

You're Canadian. I'm sure you could enter the US. If you're concerned, bring proof that you will return to Canada (your lease, mortgage, a letter from you boss/co-worker saying where you work, that you are on vacation and expected to be back on ___ day).

Also, you can apartment search online pretty easily. I know its not ideal. But its great if you can't travel to where you're looking to settle. If you worry about the place not being exactly what you want you could do a short term 3 month lease lease. Also, post a message in Off Topic asking if VJer in whatever city know the area your looking at or the specific apartments.

Hi there! I'm a newbie as well, in the same Canadian/American situation...From what I've learned you can cross the border at anytime during your I-130 being processed, you just have to bring proof that you're still a resident of Canada (ie. letter from your place of employment, mortgage papers, etc.)

Good luck!

Where does he usually stay when he's on leave?

I realise it's not the same form but on our application Mark put his parents address as the address where we intended to live, since that's where he's staying at the moment, but he will be apartment hunting nearer the time (e.g. while I work notice at my job after approval of the visa). I don't think it matters overly much since you can notify them at any stage of a change of address.

Since he is deployed and a member of the armed forces, I believe your processing can be expedited somehow - do a search in the forums for this. As per the domicile for the I-130, I agree with the previous poster: you can put down his folks' place. OR he can ask his CO about this. Good luck!

Welcome to VJ! You can search apartment from online, but it is better, if you know someone in the area where you are planning to move who can advise you about good areas, etc. In any case, getting a short term lease it best when you are moving to an area that you are not familiar with. Also please check out, if your immigration case can be expedited, since your husband is deployed.

Welcome To VJ. And good luck

welcome

WELCOME TO VJ!