Hi everyone.
I'm a British national and would like a little assistance and clarification for emigration to the US as the spouse of a US citizen (my wife).

We have resided together in London since we were married in the US(September 29th 2001). My wife has had her indefinate leave to remain in the UK for a few years now, but we feel that it's time to relocate to the US. We are looking at heading over there at the end of April 2007, but we obviously need some help regarding the timing of the applications etc.

I have the I-130 application form and G325A form, plus the relevant copies of marriage certificate, an international money order for $190 (payable to the Dept. of Homeland Security), my wife's birth certificate and also her passport and Visa details. We just need to get some passport sized photos done and then I believe we are ready to post the lot off.

Now, are we doing this too soon? I'm worried that we may get my visa but that it will expire before our (hopefully) emigration date.

Also, we are heading over there to visit the family this coming November, will that cause a problem at all?

My apologies for the long post, but I would like to get everything we need to do crystal clear in my head before we begin the process. Thank you very much in advance.

Personally I do not think it is too soon seeing most processing times are taking anywhere form 6 months up to a year. You can check the timelines here at the top to get an idea.
Be sure to confirm whether you are sendig photocopies or certified copies or original documents (ie birth certificates etc. I would NOT send originals... only copies when allowed or certified copies)
I STRONGLY recommend you keep copies of EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING you send to them!
Good luck

Thanks for replying.

Don't worry, we will be sending copies of the relevant documentation.

One thing that may be an obstacle is the affidavit of support. My wife (or myself) won't have a job in the US when we move over there, and we will be staying with her parents until we both find work. I have been told that someone other than my wife can supply the affidavit instead, and i'm wondering if her parents will be acceptable (we have talked about it and they are extremely happy to do it).

Actually, since your wife is there on indefinite remain ...you very well could possibly file for DCF at the US embassy in London. It would be much quicker and probably be your best route to take. I would call the Embassy asap and find out if you qualify. I don't have the number off hand but I am sure someone reading this can direct you.I know you can get it if you click on guides and look up DCF. Hope it works for you!

Laura Mitchell

Hi Laura,

Yes, that's what we've been intending to do.

Sounds like you are on the right track.. Good luck

Since you say you are filing directly in London, youi will have better replies by posting the DCF/Direct consular filing section.

there are a lot of London experiences if you want to research your questions.

Yes. Here parents can financially sponsor you. Your wife would fill out form I-864 and then her parents would fill out form I-864A. Your wife will then submit them together.

Joel

Hiya...We started the DCF process in March 2006, and were approved in June. The embassy is moving really quick!! Once your visa is issued, you'll have 6 months to activate it.

Hi,

You can have a look at my timeline, it might give you some ideas as to when to file and all that.

I don't see why you would not quilify for DCF so, just send your paperwork out.... The approval of the petition is the one that takes up the most time, so if I was you, I would send what you have now, and start asking your inlaws to get their things together for the affidavit.

Your wife will have to sponsor you aswell, if you have any properties or savings in the bank this can count towards her affidavit. If after this you still need a co-sponsor then ask her parents to fill in the forms and give some evidence so that you can submit all together.

If by the time you get your petition approved you realise that there is still plenty of time before your move date, don't worry, this does not expire and you can put it on hold until say November - December. Once you send your DS230 part 1 and your Notification for Readiness the Embassy might take a few weeks to assign you an interview date (it took them nearly a month to send us the packet).

If you have any more questions, just ask away... We were recently approved, and if you look at my timeline you'll see that I put our application on stand-by for nearly a year! Nothing wrong with that, no one asked any questions or had any problems with this at the interview...

Good luck!

Editing to correct typos...