Dan91422

Thank you very much!

We did get qualified for both stimulus checks according to IRS website (where you can check the status of your tax return/stimulus check being processed). Now, hopefully in a few days, again according to IRS website, we should receive our money. Will keep you up-to-date

Your wife has being resident for tax purposes since the first year you filed jointly with her. Since she was abroad, you most likely filed with a ITIN number, that's why you haven't received the first stimulus. If she has a SSN by the time you file taxes, she will be eligible for the first two stimulus on this return, the third one will come either after this one is filed or when 2021 return is filed. You, the USC, are eligible for all 3 as well...
 

Came here literally for this. And while I did get a similar answer to this before, just wanted to let people know that the IRS is slow (probably because of volume) and getting the stimulus based on the change from ITIN to SSN etc. will take time. My wife and I filed our taxes more than a month ago and they still haven't been processed. Possibly because of my SSN being used for the first time for filing (we also sent a letter/document requesting merging of ITIN with SSN) or possibly because they just want to verify whether I qualify for the stimulus. So yea, just wanted to put that out there as well, in case people start thinking they will receive the stimulus promptly. 

Hello! Just a short, but very positive update  we already had our interview and everything went smooth. We had some updated financial documents in case a consular would ask for them, but she didn't even mention them. In terms of which affidavit of support documents to provide NVC with, we went along with the advice you gave us and had my husband's father as the joint sponsor and his mother as a household member of my husband's father. It all worked out perfectly. Thanks again for your help and good luck to everyone else!:)

Hello! Just a short, but very positive update  we already had our interview and everything went smooth. We had some updated financial documents in case a consular would ask for them, but she didn't even mention them. In terms of which affidavit of support documents to provide NVC with, we went along with the advice you gave us and had my husband's father as the joint sponsor and his mother as a household member of my husband's father. It all worked out perfectly. Thanks again for your help and good luck to everyone else!:)

You are the best person ever! thank you very much!

I will keep this thread up-to-date, so other members know how it went at the interview. Thank you again!!!

1) How you file taxes is separate from how the I-864 is completed. File taxes in a manner to minimize your tax liability.
 
2) You can file either MFS or MFJ (or HOH with a dependent child).
MFS is simpler - you write in "NRA" for your spouse's SSN/ITIN. She doesn't file anything.
MFJ usually results in a lower tax liability...potentially thousands of dollars less in taxes owed/more in refund due. But this requires an SSN or ITIN and to report worldwide income for both individuals (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/nonresident-alien-spouse). To get an ITIN, you need to complete a W-7 and go through that process. The FEIE (2555/2555EZ) may reduce or (likely) eliminate any additional taxes due to the foreign income.
Neither filing option maters to immigration. Do what makes the most sense to you.
You cannot file as single if you were married.
Option 2 is to file MFS now then amend (1040X) once she has an SSN to get the extra deduction at that time. Just know it's likely leaving money on the table for some time (until she gets in the US, gets the SSN, and then you amend the taxes).