IR1 Process Query

[Kiith 0]

So my wife and I are about to start the process of applying to live in the US (Ohio if it matter). She's a US citizen, living in Ireland for the last 6 years, and I'm Irish born and raised. Did my J1 in NY, and have been over a few times, but first time applying for a long term visa.

 

We have been married and lived together in Ireland for the last 4 years. She now has permanent residency through marriage here as well. I've been employed through that entire time, and can show tax forms/proof of income etc... My wife hasn't been working though, as she was originally a student then had a very traumatic experience when her mom died that put her out of work for a good while. She's much better now, and looking to start working when she gets back to the US. As she has no proof of income, we figure we'll need a sponsor, which her aunt is happy to do. She's a full time special needs teacher, earning roughly 80k (plus husband working in IT, 50k+ per year), so should be enough to sponsor us. We will be staying with them as well for a few months to get ourselves settled in, before renting a place of our own.

 

I've asked the Irish Embassy a few things, but they haven't replied to me as of yet, and wanted to get as much info before we apply.

 

1. Anyone know if we can do a DCF filing in Ireland? From what I've read online, they seem to be a lot quicker then then 12-18 months I've seen listed for the IR1 visa elsewhere.

2. Will my wife's lack of employment in Ireland be an issue? If so, will my wife's Aunt be suitable as a sponsor, or does it have to be direct family member?

3. Does the IR1 visa allow me to work there, or do i also need to apply for a work permit?

4. Is it really 12-18 months for the average IR1 visa? We'd really like to get over there sooner (but i guess so would everyone).

 

Appreciate any additional info anyone can give us.

Edited March 9, 2020 by Kiith

[Just Paul 4,595]

6 minutes ago, Kiith said:

1. Anyone know if we can do a DCF filing in Ireland? From what I've read online, they seem to be a lot quicker then then 12-18 months I've seen listed for the IR1 visa elsewhere.

Only available under "exceptional circumstances".  See the consulate website for details.

 

7 minutes ago, Kiith said:

2. Will my wife's lack of employment in Ireland be an issue? If so, will my wife's Aunt be suitable as a sponsor, or does it have to be direct family member?

Your wife is always the primary sponsor.  Her Aunt can be a joint sponsor.

 

8 minutes ago, Kiith said:

3. Does the IR1 visa allow me to work there, or do i also need to apply for a work permit?

You can work on the first day.  You will need to get a social security number if you want to get paid.

 

8 minutes ago, Kiith said:

4. Is it really 12-18 months for the average IR1 visa? We'd really like to get over there sooner (but i guess so would everyone).

That is a good range to use.   Not much to do to speed things up.  In part it is based on whether you get assigned to a fast service center or a slow one.

 

Your wife will also need to re-establish US domicile before the visa is issued or show that she will do so when you enter the US.  She will also need to be current on her US tax reporting.

 

 

[Amber L 0]

2 hours ago, Kiith said:

 

4. Is it really 12-18 months for the average IR1 visa? We'd really like to get over there sooner (but i guess so would everyone).

 

 

I'm doing IR1 right now, it's been 15months, our case is still at NVC. We would expect another 4-6months to get the IR1 visa. Maybe we are over positive. I guess.  The USCIS processing time was ok, however, every case is different. 

Just for your reference.