So, how long? 6 months or so? My husband would like to work full-time during the process and somewhat after it to save money to come so we can buy another car and furniture and all that crap. How long would he have after receiving the visa to do that?

Ours took about 3.5 months and we could have made it a little shorter maybe by handing in the I-130 in person and having some other documents ready earlier. Timelines could change by the time you file but Frankfurt DCF is known for being pretty speedy over the past few years. You can activate the visa before the end of the 6 months by going into the US if for some reason you don't actually move within the 6 months.

Since many German companies require 3 months notice on your contract, I don't think the consulate would question it if you said you hadn't set the exact date you intended to move before you got the visa. But they did want to know about where we intended to live and if we were applying for or had jobs lined up in the US so I would have some sort of plan in mind other than "we will see in 6 months". You also have to have a US address to put down as where you intend to be first. Could be a parents house or something though.

We just gave 3 months notice at work when we had our I-130 approved. Worked out fine as we could work while we finished up the process. The good thing about getting the visa in hand earlier is that the non USC can then put on resumes that he is eligible to work in the US upon arrival, and so you may have a better chance of arranging a new job before you move.

OK.

I am planning to go back to the US as soon as we file the I-130, which would be about a month before he graduates. I am pretty sure I will be living with my grandparents during that time. While I am gone setting up shop, he wants to work for however long it takes to get the visa and then maybe a few months after that. He'll only be looking at short-term or contract jobs or just anything that makes money. I doubt there will be any problem with terminating the contract.

Thanks!

Once issued, the visa is valid for 6 months; the bearer must enter the US within that time.

That said, many people find they need to come over, get their PR status underway by entering with the immigrant visa and then turn around and go back to their home country to finish up.

This is what I will be doing. I am hoping to get my visa not long after my interview in early October, and shall be travelling to the US to get my PR status underway in early January. However we will not be moving to the US permanently until some months later.