Dublin, Ireland DCF - timing questions

[dublin2usa 0]

Hi all,

I am an American with an Irish husband, living in Ireland and I am looking for some advice on my situation. Basically we started the DCF process 1.5 years ago but never followed though. Back in September 2009, we received packet 3 from the Dublin embassy. Around the same time, I got pregnant and we decided to put the moving plans on hold. Now we are thinking of finishing the application but have some questions:

1) Would we have to re-file the 1-130 since it has been so long? (impossible to get a hold of anyone at the embassy to answer this)

2) We don't know exactly when we'd be moving. It really depends on when a suitable job comes up for me in my company, and when that job comes up (which may be awhile away), we'd need to get over there on fairly short notice. I'd really like to have the visa sorted but what happens if you get it and don't use it within 6 months? Is it possible to enter the country on it, then leave again if we are not ready to move for real yet? (We'll be using my parents' address)

Thanks for any advice in advance!

Sally

[Inky 1,111]

what happens if you get it and don't use it within 6 months?

Then its expired. You will need to use it to enter the USA before the 6 month mark on the printed visa exp date.

A few weeks after entry the green card will arrive. The CR-1/IR-1 will be stamped with an I-155 which will act as a temporary green card until the real one arrives.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

I belief the I-130 "stays approved", though after so long, they may need a couple of weeks to get it out of storage. Do check with the embassy, just in case.

Once issued, you two would need to immigrate within 6 months. The immigrant will get a stamp on his visa which will act as a temp greencard until the physical one arrives, and technically can leave the USA again, though if they stay out of the country a long time (longer than 6 months), they may consider the greencard abandoned.

How quickly will you need to get over once you have a job? Is it imperative that you travel together (kids etc)? DCF- especially with the I-130 already approved- should only take a few weeks, so your best option may be to wait till you have a job offer.

Edited April 12, 2011 by Penguin_ie