Final question before starting the CR-1 process

[jepi 0]

Hi,

 

Me (US citizen) and my wife got married a bit over a week ago. We are getting ready to start our CR-1 visa process but I'd like your advice on the following:

 

We are relocating to Florida from Finland as I am starting my studies in FL. We intend to leave in a couple of weeks from now. She will continue to work here in Finland but she has been able to get some periods off so that she can visit me. My question is, when should we file? Is it ok for me to send the CR-1 package while she is in the US visiting as a tourist or should I wait until she returns back to Finland? She plans to be in the US for around 3 weeks.

 

Thanks for your help!

[geowrian 22,335]

My suggestion would be to apply while she is in the US, or later. Either is fine. Technically, you could probably file before she arrives in the US, but that might suggest immigrant intent to the CBP officer and she could get turned away at POE. Others have done that fine here, but to be safe, I'd personally say wait until she's in the US.

Edited January 8, 2017 by geowrian

[NikLR 13,220]

You could send it now if you have everything.  Or you can wait until you're in the USA or after she leaves.  It really doesn't matter. 

[jepi 0]

Thank you for your answers!

 

So if we send out the package once we arrive in the US I shall answer on question 14. of the I-130 form that my wife is currently in the US as a visitor. Where can we get the Arrival/Departure record(I-94) as she is travelling with ESTA?