Hello,

I am a US Citizen living in Argentina with my wife, who is from here. We were married in Oakland CA over 6 years ago. She had the Conditonal Residency but gave it up because we went to live in Spain while she got a Masters. She is also and Italian Citizen and I was able to get residency that last five years. After Spain we moved to Argentina were I got the residency here becuase we knew that we would be going back to the US after 2 years. On the website of the US Embassy in Argentina says the a Legally Residing USC can apply for his spouse, but when I contacted then they sent me a paper that says nothing about this and also that the marriage had to have taken place in ARgentina. I´m a bit confused because the web page says one thing and this paper another.

Anyways so we are looking for new avenues because going through the US is not an option. Spain is that option. I am a resident and so is my wife. We would be basically be flying in just to do the paperwork. That won´t be a problem? They are aware that people do that, right? Also does my wife have to be a citizen of Spaiin or does haveing residency or EU Passport enough?

Thanks in advance, and if anybody has experience with my problem with Argentina, becuase really we don´t want to go back to Spain, that would be great.

Steven

Steven, I really encourage you to follow up in Argentina first--explain your situation more fully and you might get a different answer. You could actually prepare the I-130 package and follow their directions as if they would accept your petition.

Otherwise, you'll need to get in touch with Madrid. You say you are both still residents there? How long have you been away?
No, it's not normal for both halves to 'just fly in', normally one must be 'normally resident' in the country.

All things considered, I'd put a bit more effort into Argentina and get them on board with the program.

Thanks for the advice

To answer your question my residency in Spain last 5 years. I am in the 2 year of the residency. I will call the US Embassy in Spain to let them know my plans.

As for as Argentina, I have been trying to communicate with them, but they are not responding. I told them exactly about my situation, more or less like it is explained above. I tried to call but you can't connect with the immigration department. They don't accept calls. I live in Cordoba and the embassy is in Buenos Aires.

I will try to do it here but I also want to have a plan B so that is why I was asking about Spain. I'll give them a call.
Thanks
Steven