STAY IN USA forever OR MOVE BACK HOME ?

[Cassie 8]

I guess I'm surprised that so many people want to leave the U.S., some even as soon as possible by their posts. I guess most are here to get dual citizenship and then peace? After all, if one knew they wanted to be close to their SO yet wanted to live in the other country... why not apply for a family-based visa in that country (especially if they want to leave the U.S. ASAP).

it's not a matter of leaving the US ASAP -- at least not for me. It's a matter of getting ourselves through all this red tape from both countries ASAP so if something happens, we can be in either country whenever we want.

For us, financially speaking, the US was a better choice for us for now. Like I said before, we both want dual, so that we have flexibility.

And people need to realize that there are other countries out there that are just as great as the USA, and that our spouses want to spend time there as well.

[Jack and Barbara 0]

I guess I'm surprised that so many people want to leave the U.S., some even as soon as possible by their posts. I guess most are here to get dual citizenship and then peace? After all, if one knew they wanted to be close to their SO yet wanted to live in the other country... why not apply for a family-based visa in that country (especially if they want to leave the U.S. ASAP).

Quite a number of us had to make the choice based on whose career would be sacrificed and family obligations. Once those commitments have been satisfied and/or goals have been attained then we will be able to return to the country we prefer to be in. The decision for most just isn't as simple as yours must be, I guess.

Actually, my girl's opportunity in her country is far better than mine will probably ever be. However, we looked in the long run and determined U.S. is best for both of us. Obviously there are cases where coming and going back home due to family obligations (i.e. kids, sick family, etc) would make coming here and going back to the SO's home a worthwhile option. However, I can't help but think of those who are trying to immigrate to the U.S. to live here indefinitely (at least as a plan) and wondering how those who are applying for visas only to go back home soon thereafter might be holding up visas for those who want to stay. Not judging anyone but for those that coimplain about how CSC is taking forever for visa approval might look at their fellow petitioners and beneficiares as being the reason for the holdup.

[Chocolot 0]

I guess I'm surprised that so many people want to leave the U.S., some even as soon as possible by their posts. I guess most are here to get dual citizenship and then peace? After all, if one knew they wanted to be close to their SO yet wanted to live in the other country... why not apply for a family-based visa in that country (especially if they want to leave the U.S. ASAP).

Some couples have significant family ties in each country, we dont want to restrict our choices. Parents get older and need support, as a grandparent I dont want to miss out totally on my grandchildren. 

There are couples going through this journey from all sort of age groups, careers and stages of life. What suits one couple may not be ideal for another.

And while we do have to apply for a visa, all over again, it surely cant be as stressful as this journey.

[Chocolot 0]

I guess I'm surprised that so many people want to leave the U.S., some even as soon as possible by their posts. I guess most are here to get dual citizenship and then peace? After all, if one knew they wanted to be close to their SO yet wanted to live in the other country... why not apply for a family-based visa in that country (especially if they want to leave the U.S. ASAP).

Quite a number of us had to make the choice based on whose career would be sacrificed and family obligations. Once those commitments have been satisfied and/or goals have been attained then we will be able to return to the country we prefer to be in. The decision for most just isn't as simple as yours must be, I guess.

Actually, my girl's opportunity in her country is far better than mine will probably ever be. However, we looked in the long run and determined U.S. is best for both of us. Obviously there are cases where coming and going back home due to family obligations (i.e. kids, sick family, etc) would make coming here and going back to the SO's home a worthwhile option. However, I can't help but think of those who are trying to immigrate to the U.S. to live here indefinitely (at least as a plan) and wondering how those who are applying for visas only to go back home soon thereafter might be holding up visas for those who want to stay. Not judging anyone but for those that coimplain about how CSC is taking forever for visa approval might look at their fellow petitioners and beneficiares as being the reason for the holdup.

While it is true, some couples are in the queue and do not want to live in the USA forever, there are no options to stay legally or even to keep returning so the alternative is for couples to pursue dual citizenship.

As some have already said the USA isnt the be all and end all, there are countries that offer significantly better lifestyles, and because the immigration rules do not have a procedure that allows longer stays we have to follow the same rules and join the same queue as someone who has their whole life planned to stay in the USA.

I am glad that you discussed fully with your SO about your future, I am sure your reasons seem compelling to choose the US and for her to sacrifice her opportunity which you state would be better in her own country.

Our reasons are compelling that we have the choice of living or staying in either country, sadly there are always compromises in life, and things are not always how we would like them. I dont feel that I am impinging on someone elses place in the queue, we are all on this journey, we all love someone and the only way to be with them is to go through the requirements of the country involved.

[lynny 0]

I have actually already moved back to my home country. I lived in USA for 3 yrs but could never quite get used to the fast paced life style. I am very luckly that my husband loves living in Australia.

[Krikit 1,166]

Actually, my girl's opportunity in her country is far better than mine will probably ever be. However, we looked in the long run and determined U.S. is best for both of us. Obviously there are cases where coming and going back home due to family obligations (i.e. kids, sick family, etc) would make coming here and going back to the SO's home a worthwhile option. However, I can't help but think of those who are trying to immigrate to the U.S. to live here indefinitely (at least as a plan) and wondering how those who are applying for visas only to go back home soon thereafter might be holding up visas for those who want to stay. Not judging anyone but for those that coimplain about how CSC is taking forever for visa approval might look at their fellow petitioners and beneficiares as being the reason for the holdup.

My own, personal, opinion is that it's the 9/11 attack which impacted the visa process policies more so than people who are planning on returning to their home country.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

With our situation I have to move there before we get a chance to get him here. But that's a year away. He talks about moving back to Egypt after a few years and retiring well. I always felt it would be better if we stayed here (well that is if we ever get him here).

[Dr. Obvious 49]

I guess I'm surprised that so many people want to leave the U.S., some even as soon as possible by their posts. I guess most are here to get dual citizenship and then peace? After all, if one knew they wanted to be close to their SO yet wanted to live in the other country... why not apply for a family-based visa in that country (especially if they want to leave the U.S. ASAP).

it's not a matter of leaving the US ASAP -- at least not for me. It's a matter of getting ourselves through all this red tape from both countries ASAP so if something happens, we can be in either country whenever we want.

For us, financially speaking, the US was a better choice for us for now. Like I said before, we both want dual, so that we have flexibility.

That is somewhat it for us. We came back to the US because it was a better move financially for the moment, however moments are always subject to change. US immigration is a hassle and my husband don`t want to deal with it again if it turns out we return to Germany for awhile. At the moment, the plan is stay here and see if my husband will be allowed dual citizenship and if so, apply for it. After that, there will be no more dealing or backlog from us from USCIS. The place where this differs is that there is no red tape for me to return to Germany. Getting German PR as a spouse of a German citizen is a cakewalk like none other. I have to keep reapplying though because one of the requirements for German naturalization is definite proof from your country of origin that you have officially renounced that citizenship. Suuuuurrrrrreeeee.

As for living in your SO`s country opposed to the US, I like others have already been there done that. We came back for a variety of reasons and not all of us have shut the door on going back. Marrying a foreigner, there is always an elephant in the room if one party is not adamant about never going back wherever they came from. It can be a sore point for some couples.

[Imua 0]

Move back to Nepal eventually.

[bora bora 1]

I actually told my husband this morning that I want to move to Brazil in a few years. I dream of living on the beach and know that I can get work there.

But, I want my husband to first have his American (it'll be dual) citizenship and I want to have some savings...so it wouldn't be for a few years now.

[Mrs. BB 0]

I didn't just fall in love with my Australian husband....I fell in love with Australia.

Everytime I went there it felt like home and I actually get homesick feelings for Melbourne even though I've lived in California my whole life.

Our original plan was to live there but life happens when your busy making other plans. *sigh* So here we are. We will move when things change....and they will.....it will just take some time. In the meantime this is what we have to do to stay together as a family.

[mawilson 2,133]

Move back to Nepal eventually.

Ok, now I know for a fact that you're wack on crack and deserve a smack.

[Cassie 8]

However, I can't help but think of those who are trying to immigrate to the U.S. to live here indefinitely (at least as a plan) and wondering how those who are applying for visas only to go back home soon thereafter might be holding up visas for those who want to stay. Not judging anyone but for those that coimplain about how CSC is taking forever for visa approval might look at their fellow petitioners and beneficiares as being the reason for the holdup.

So enlighten me -- where in the immigration paperwork does it state that I have to stay in the USA forever and ever, amen?

[KarenCee 3]

However, I can't help but think of those who are trying to immigrate to the U.S. to live here indefinitely (at least as a plan) and wondering how those who are applying for visas only to go back home soon thereafter might be holding up visas for those who want to stay. Not judging anyone but for those that coimplain about how CSC is taking forever for visa approval might look at their fellow petitioners and beneficiares as being the reason for the holdup.

Hmmm....do you have information to sustain what you say here? I guess I am very confused...how would applying for either the K1 or K3 (CR1/IR1) have any impact whatsoever on the process if the plan for the future is to move out of the US in favour of living in the other spouse's country? I realise also your comment that you are not judging...yet you throw out the comments that sound as if you are complaining as well. I guess maybe I need to read something to either prove or disprove this type of thought process. Whether the goal is to move back to the SO's country or stay in the US doesn't have any bearing at all on the amount of time it takes to go through this process. At least to MY way of thinking.

As for me and my husband...I much prefer to live in Canada and so does my daughter. I would have emigrated there instead of going through this hellacious process of US Immigration. He came here for me and my daughter since I could not leave the US *with* my daughter due to the unfortunate joint custody I am forced to endure with her biological father. He would not give permission for us to emigrate even with the very generous visitation schedule, even though he is not active in her life So, the choice for us was a no brainer. We did what we had to do to be together, and we are doing what we have to do here in the US for the time being. ONCE joint custody is fulfilled we are moving. Nova Scotia is more home for me than where I am at the moment. I have no family here, my parents are gone, I have no one. The only family I do have is back home in my husband's province.

I am sorry you feel the way you do. I'm glad you and your wife plan on staying here for the rest of your lives. I feel that to imply those of us who plan on leaving the US at some point are in some way responsible for slowing down the process is complete and utter hogwash.

Of course, as always, this is only MY opinion.

[Dr. Obvious 49]

I think his argument only makes a tiny bit of sense for serial reapplicants. However, I doubt that is any significant number of applications, not enough to cause real backlog. Most sane people only want to go through this process once, therefore staying until citizenship is the smart thing to do.

I think also that his argument holds less water when you consider most reapplicants he is referring to would be filing DCF where available to come back and there would be no applications though CSC, for example.