Off2USA

Thank you all for your help. I sent the I-130 and associated documents off last week (unfortunately before I saw the advice to include in the cover letter the fact that we're overseas residents), so now the wait begins! I will definitely follow the advice to start preparing the AOS and IV documents now though...

Hello

My (US citizen) husband and I want to move to the US so I've just begun to look into how to get a visa. I've found a lot of the available information quite confusing, but this site seems to have answered lot of my questions - thank you!

Can someone let me know if I have this right please:

Step 1 - Send I-130 to the US, with supporting documents as listed in the I-130 guide on this site

Step 2 - Wait for that to be approved, then await contact from the Sydney consulate

Step 3 - Attend interview in Sydney after obtaining police checks and medical check, and take along lots of supporting documents, including the affidavit of support (or should that be filed with the I-130?)

It seems that this process can take up to a year, sometimes more. Is that right?! We were hoping to move in the first half of next year, so it would be really disappointing if it took that long. Other than getting the documents right, is there any way to speed this up? Also I've seen reference in some places to a K1 visa, but I gather the processing times for that can be equally long so there's little point.

Finally, in terms of documents evidencing our marriage is genuine, would the following be sufficient or should we get more (e.g. affidavits from those who know us)?

1) Marriage certificate

2) Birth certificates of our two children

3) Copy of our lease showing it's in joint names

4) Copies of bank account statements going back 5 years showing joint accounts

Any other tips or hints most welcome and appreciated!