New here, have some questions

[Tarisus517 2]

Hello guys and gals, I’m a USC who is 30 years old and married my wife two weeks ago (she’s 39). She also has two kids (13 and 8), I have a few questions please. And any additional tips would be welcome.

 

Additional info: Ive been living in US for over 20 years and been a citizen in 2016 or some time around that. We do plan on having a kid as soon as possible. 

 

1. does our age gap affect her coming to US? I’m thinking about CR1/IR1.

 

2. I met her in 2020 but didn’t get together until Sept. 5 of 2021. Should I go ahead and apply for the visa?

 

3. Can I apply her and her daughters at the same time? Only the older daughter is under her.

 

4. What proofs should I start collecting? We have a trip together and photos together. I live with her in China at the time. Should I be added to her car loan or mortgage if possible? Does her owning a home and car in a foreign country help?

 

5. Are there anything else that would help? I do meet the 125% poverty line as I work a lot. I’ve read most of the guides and info so far. 
 

Edited October 20, 2021 by Tarisus517

[Redro 4,611]

7 minutes ago, Tarisus517 said:

Hello guys and gals, I’m a USC who is 30 years old and married my wife two weeks ago (she’s 39). She also has two kids (13 and 8), I have a few questions please. And any additional tips would be welcome.

 

Additional info: Ive been living in US for over 20 years and been a citizen in 2016 or some time around that. We do plan on having a kid as soon as possible. 

 

1. does our age gap affect her coming to US? I’m thinking about CR1/IR1.

Shouldn't be a problem. It's usually bigger age gaps and when the USC is a woman and past childbearing age and the beneficiary's country places a lot of importance on children. 

 

2. I met her in 2020 but didn’t get together until Sept. 5 of 2021. Should I go ahead and apply for the visa?

As long as you are married and have proof you were free to marry at the time it should be fine. You can file the i-130 as soon as you've got the marriage certificate. 

 

3. Can I apply her and her daughters at the same time? Only the older daughter is under her.

You have to file and pay for I-130s for all intending immigrants. You're wife will probably have to get written permission from the father to have them move to the States (not sure about custody arrangements in China).  

 

4. What proofs should I start collecting? We have a trip together and photos together. I live with her in China at the time. Should I be added to her car loan or mortgage if possible? Does her owning a home and car in a foreign country help?

Check out the suggestions in the I-130 filing instructions. If you can be added to bills in her home that would be good (indicating you live at the same address). 

 

5. Are there anything else that would help? I do meet the 125% poverty line as I work a lot. I’ve read most of the guides and info so far. 

If you currently live in China and work in China, you'll have to show proof this income will continue in the States. If not, you'll have to find a joint sponsor or use assets. 
 

 

[millefleur 5,047]

2 hours ago, Tarisus517 said:

1. does our age gap affect her coming to US? I’m thinking about CR1/IR1.

Age gaps can be an issue with certain countries, but I don't think China is one of them. As with all cases, the more evidence you have, the better. If you "front load" the I-130 with lots of evidence, it will make your wife's interview easier.

 

2 hours ago, Tarisus517 said:

4. What proofs should I start collecting?

Since you married recently, feel free to also include evidence from the wedding.

 

2 hours ago, Tarisus517 said:

I live with her in China at the time.

If you live abroad during the process, down the road you (as the USC) might have to include an "intention to re-establish domicile in the US" letter. Basically, USCIS wants to see that you intend to relocate and live in the US with your wife. Just something to be aware of for later on.

[Tarisus517 2]

Thank you for the replies guys. I’m planning on flying back to the US and live there for few months. What proofs can I collect for the I-130 besides video chat and texts? Can I add myself to her bills/banks? Certainly can’t do this on US side.

 

I’m kind of hesitant to file the I-130 because we’ve only been together for almost two months and married for a week. Although, we do have a baby planned, she might even be pregnant right now.

 

If I send her money from US side is that bad/red flag? She has a car loan/mortgage/credit cards to pay off.

Edited October 21, 2021 by Tarisus517

[millefleur 5,047]

23 minutes ago, Tarisus517 said:

What proofs can I collect for the I-130 besides video chat and texts? Can I add myself to her bills/banks? Certainly can’t do this on US side.

Since you were lucky enough to live together, include everything you can showing that. Photos, mail in either of your names to the same address, passport stamps if you traveled together, any activities you did together, include evidence of that. Strongest evidence tends to be photos of you with friends and family as well as "financial co-mingling." Texts/chats is considered weaker evidence. Time spent together and proof of that trumps anything else. For the financial part, get her added to your US bank account. If you're still in China, absolutely have her add you to the car loan and/or mortgage if possible. The more financial stuff with both of your names on it, the better. 

 

23 minutes ago, Tarisus517 said:

I’m kind of hesitant to file the I-130 because we’ve only been together for almost two months and married for a week. Although, we do have a baby planned, she might even be pregnant right now.

It's not a problem. We filed the I-130 about four months after our wedding. We also got engaged after knowing each other only about 2 months. And my husband and I also have a similar age gap to your case. Include as much stuff from your wedding as you can. Show cards/letters from family, receipts, wedding plans, etc. Did you go on a honeymoon? Show pictures of that and travel plans. Keep in mind you probably won't file right away as you'll need time to gather all this evidence and put it together. If you don't include evidence along with your petition, you risk getting an RFE later where they will ask for it, and that will just slow down the process.

 

23 minutes ago, Tarisus517 said:

If I send her money from US side is that bad/red flag? She has a car loan/mortgage/credit cards to pay off.

I think this is fine in the context of other really solid evidence. Other members here have paid off their spouse's debts, it's not necessarily a red flag on its own unless there are other red flags that make it look scammy.

Edited October 21, 2021 by millefleur