We started the process at the end of May 2015 from Australia.husband received his visa in his passport at the end of April 2015. He had his interview April 21 and was approved and he received the passport less than 5 days later. He can travel here now, we are waiting on a house to sell in Australia.
As for Domicile, I had quotes of moving stuff to the USA (including a pet which the deposit was paid for), a letter from family that we could stay with them, and conversation with real estate regarding how to rent a place in USA and about selling our house in Australia. I also have a bank account with Bank of America. I had no problems with Domicile.
As for supporting and sponsoring my husband, we had nearly $180,000 in assets, but they said that a joint sponsor would hold more ground as they would be settled in the USA with a job. We showed our assets and also had a joint sponsor making about $5,000 over what was required. Again, no issues at all.
Now that hubby has his visa, he has 6 months from issue date to get to the USA. That's fine.
As for how long, definitely start now. We started in May 2015. I delayed at NVC stage for 2 months (didn't send in paperwork after our I-130 was accepted), and then we received a Checklist for filling out a form wrong and I again delayed for 2 months. We could have been finished in January at the latest. I know two other couples who have also taken around 8-10 months to finish in the past year from Australia. Go ahead and get the ball rolling and good luck. Remember, one step at a time.
My husband recieved his permanent visa for Sweden in 6 weeks. lol. Good luck Helena with the U.S visa. It's pretty lenghty but filing from abroad seem speedier.
You send it to the Chicago lock box as per the I-130 instructions. There is no USCIS office in any consulate or embassy in Australia so you cannot file DCF. (Direct Consular Filing)
Because you have a joint sponsor and some items that you can present for domicile, you do not need to move ahead of time.
