Securing apartment while waiting for approval?

[JRoo 0]

Hello everyone! 

 

I am curious if most people secure an apartment lease/housing while waiting to have their DCF application approved? I understand having evidence of housing (such as an apartment lease) can strengthen the application, but is it too risky in case it gets rejected?

 

To share more background:

I am a US citizen living in London and have a job offer relocating me to the US. My spouse is a UK citizen. We have nothing complicating our application. 

 

I would like to travel to the US while my partner's application is pending, so I can secure an apartment for when he is approved to move. 

 

I know this is a subjective question - but is it stupid to put a deposit down on an apartment while the visa is pending? Are there any common issues to look out for, to make our application as strong as possible? 

 

[Crazy Cat 33,617]

Has the consulate already agreed to take your case? 

[JRoo 0]

Just now, Crazy Cat said:

Has the consulate already agreed to take your case? 

No I haven't submitted my request yet, just planning in advance  

[Boiler 38,251]

Where are you going to live if you do not?

 

What is your other option?

[Paul & Mary 4,565]

What the consulate will be looking for is that the USC has residency in the UK.  Meaning you need to show you have the correct Visa and paperwork to be there.  Having other proof that you are 'residing' in the UK is helpful but not absolutely required. For example having a drivers license helps.

[JRoo 0]

10 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Where are you going to live if you do not?

 

What is your other option?

We have flexibility on my start date of my job, so we could technically wait for DCF to be approved, then apartment hunt, then move. 

[Boiler 38,251]

3 minutes ago, JRoo said:

We have flexibility on my start date of my job, so we could technically wait for DCF to be approved, then apartment hunt, then move. 

That seems a bigger issue, DCF is for short notice job relocation.

[JRoo 0]

2 minutes ago, Boiler said:

That seems a bigger issue, DCF is for short notice job relocation.

 

I will have an employment contract specifying a start date for my role in the US. I have a good relationship with my manager, so basically I can say "I am planning to move XX date" and they will make the relocation contract based on that. 

 

One more question - my contract for my job move will say 12 months - is this long enough to apply for DCF? Or do they want to see that your relocation to the US is indefinite in the employment contract?

[Boiler 38,251]

The DCF cases I have seen have not been so vague so I cannot really answer. 

[Redro 2,950]

21 hours ago, JRoo said:

We have flexibility on my start date of my job, so we could technically wait for DCF to be approved, then apartment hunt, then move. 

Are you aware of the timeline for DCF?

First you write London and see if they will accept your request for DCF. 

If they accept the request you submit the petition. 

Then you are good to go! 

I'm not sure of London timelines right now, but I believe it is about 3-6 months. 

Wait until you get the OKAY from London to submit the petition. Then go house hunting etc. 

ETA: London appears to be extremely lax with DCF. A few months ago someone was approved with a part time job offer that was not enough to sponsor the intending immigrant. Her husband (the immigrant) was able to use his income to qualify (as he was going to continue working for the same company in the US). 

Edited Friday at 11:21 AM by Redro