Crazy Cat

Welcome to Visa Journey!! Sounds like very good information from that attorney. This is my analysis: Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation. K-1 More expensive than CR-1 Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork) Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 6-8 months) Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 months) Some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed. A K-1 might be a better choice when 18-21 year old children are immigrating also In some situations, marriage can affect certain Home country benefits, making a K-1 a better choice A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire K-1 entrant cannot file for citizenship until after having Green Card for 3 years. Once an I-129F has been approved, delaying the case is difficult to impossible if the need arises. CR-1/IR-1 Less expensive than K-1 No Adjustment of Status(I-485, I-131, I-765) required. Spouse can immediately travel outside the US Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival. Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card within 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport. Spouse has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US. The clock for citizenship filing starts immediately upon entry to the US. A CR-1/IR-1 case can be delayed indefinitely at NVC if the need arises. ****I moved this topic to the "What Visa Do I Need?" forum****

Sounds like you don't actually live in the US. If true, you cannot sponsor a beneficiary. Domicile proof requires evidence of actually residing here.....or concrete steps in re-locating to live here.

The process is going to take about 18 months. ESTA???

You can make visits during the process, but you cannot live in the US without a proper visa. One is option is to marry, meet, then start the spousal visa process. You are fortunate that you are close enough for short visits during the process of immigration....which is legal. You might find it to be a better option than a K-1. Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation. K-1 More expensive than CR-1 Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork) Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 6-8 months) Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 months) Some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed. A K-1 might be a better choice when 18-21 year old children are immigrating also In some situations, marriage can affect certain Home country benefits, making a K-1 a better choice A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire K-1 entrant cannot file for citizenship until after having Green Card for 3 years. Once an I-129F has been approved, delaying the case is difficult to impossible if the need arises. CR-1/IR-1 Less expensive than K-1 No Adjustment of Status(I-485, I-131, I-765) required. Spouse can immediately travel outside the US Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival. Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card within 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport. Spouse has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US. The clock for citizenship filing starts immediately upon entry to the US. A CR-1/IR-1 case can be delayed indefinitely at NVC if the need arises.

***Another new topic merged*** @Mr Trav, Please keep questions concerning this case to this thread***

Unbelievable...30 days while other legal applicants wait 3 to 8 months......

***Topic locked at the request of OP***

Correct. However, OP said "He's been a heavy user for over half his life so it's been difficult for him to stop." I don't expect quitting will be easy for him. A year is a long time to stay clean without a lot of support.

***Hijack question split to new topic*** -VJ Moderation

****Topic split from existing thread****

***Old thread locked to further comments****

Are you the beneficiary or petitioner?

I assume you have a valid, unexpired 10 year Green card: 1. Zero. You will be admitted. They might ask questions. Be ready to show how you always meant to return. I don't think Covid excuse will work. 2. NTA is very unlikely, imo. We have seen people stay outside the US longer. Other advice: I would not delay.

***Moved to Work Visas Forum***

I do not like that FBAR and foreign asset reporting stuff. It's a hassle, imo.

Excellent points......

***I moved this topic to the Tax and Finances forum**** 1. Yes. Almost of my wife's income goes into her home-country accounts (as it is from a foreign source). She simply transfers some of it to her US account as needed. 2. You will definitively have to report that income to the IRS via US taxes (All world-wide income must be reported). However, I would absolutely consult a qualified tax pro who is competent in world-wide income reporting since it might qualify for foreign income exclusion. I also highly suggest that tax pro help you decide the best tax strategy (joint vs separate filing) for your first tax year in the US. 3. The only advantage I see is to avoid the hassle of transferring funds if needed. Others here might have other thoughts. Good luck on your move.

Wife's experience at Dallas (Irving): N-400/I-751 Interview: 12/14/2022 Oath Ceremony Date Received: 1/9/2023 Oath Ceremony conducted 1/26/2023 in Plano, TX. The IO at the interview said it would be about 4 to 6 weeks....and he was correct in our case.

Is there more below " ..benefit sought for the following reason(s)" ?

Keep in mind that medical exams are valid for no more than 6 months. She must travel to the US before the medical exam and visa expire.

Please provide a link to where you saw this. No one get a pack on arrival. As stated above, SS card and GC are mailed if the $220 was paid and the SS box was marked on the DS-260. .....

2. US tax returns do not list savings. Tax returns list only income...not wealth.

****Old topic locked for future comments.. One recent comment split to new thread*** - VJ Moderation

***Topic split from an old thread. Reference to old thread removed*** - VJ Moderation

Desperate methods by desperate losers. They are simply throwing everything against the wall because the handwriting is on that wall for the current occupant of the White House. They will all go down in flames together...and rightfully so.