Hello,

This is my first post on this site. I have read a lot of the information provided......but still I have a few questions I hope someone can help me with.

After moving to Sweden in 2000, my husband gave up his green card (we knew we would not be able to return to the US every year as they require). We are now considering moving back and wonder if there is some way of going about reinstating his former status, or do we need to start from the beginning? Is the I-130 the same as a green card or is it a visa that you must then use to apply for the green card after you arrive?

I don't have any family left in the US to sponsor us.....we have money here, but it is in our house- which we wouldn't sell until we were ready to move. How do they look at that- will they consider that as assets? How much money do they consider "enough" and do they consider our education and ability to get jobs (he's a computer programmer)?

Okay, last question, once we apply and assuming we're approved- how long do we have to actually move back? I'd like to get the paperwork started now, but we probably wouldn't move for at least 2 years. Is there an expiration date, for example you must enter by this date?

Thanks in advance!

You could start looking into a returning resident's visa/SB-1? This is for the purpose of reinstating LPR status. I have zero idea of what qualifies someon for that vs refiling as a new immigrant. contact your Consulate's American Citizen Services and look for a sympathetic ear. Or, make friends with the folks in the IV Unit. They can give you some starting ideas anyway.
The I-130 is merely a petition that says you are a USC, your husband is not, and you are married. His Immigrant Visa application, made after approval of the I-130, is the next step and the Immigrant Visa becomes a "green card" status when he enters the US with it.

Your real estate in Sweden could be either an asset or an income stream. If you have been living outside the US for 6-8 years, you'll want to look into "domicile" and what you need to do in that regard. Again, your consulate can be of help to you with this. Some psots are pickier than others about how strong your ties to the US must be. Please see the DCF Guide for links and resources regarding domicile: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...custom&page=dcf

Immigrant Visa are valid for six months. At the most conservative, start your application about six months before you want to move. Applying two years before you want to move will not be of any use to you (but good on ya for thinking ahead!).