Planing an immigration

[Kudal]

Hi

I am from Denmark and I just married my american wife this summer. We have known each other for 5 years and lived together for 4 years in Denmark already, so proving our relationship shouldn't be a problem. We are planing on moving to the US in 3 years when my wife will be done with her studies. I work as a high school teacher and would very much prefer moving between school years. So we would like some suggestions on when to start the application process. How long time would you think it will take for an educated person from a visa waiver country without a criminal record and a three years marriage (eight years relationship) to obtain the greencard when the american citizen will not be living the US at the application time but move there with me? And also: How long of a window do you have before you have to enter the US after you have obtained the greencard.

best regards
Jacob

[rayb]

Kudal,

Your wife can submit an I-130 petition to apply for a spousal visa for you anytime. It normally takes about 8-10 months for processing to complete and an Embassy interview to be scheduled for you. The Green Card is not issued until you are in the U.S. With the spousal immigrant visa, however, you have up to 6 months (from medical exam) to use the visa.

--Ray B

Hi

I am from Denmark and I just married my american wife this summer. We have known each other for 5 years and lived together for 4 years in Denmark already, so proving our relationship shouldn't be a problem. We are planing on moving to the US in 3 years when my wife will be done with her studies. I work as a high school teacher and would very much prefer moving between school years. So we would like some suggestions on when to start the application process. How long time would you think it will take for an educated person from a visa waiver country without a criminal record and a three years marriage (eight years relationship) to obtain the greencard when the american citizen will not be living the US at the application time but move there with me? And also: How long of a window do you have before you have to enter the US after you have obtained the greencard.

best regards
Jacob

[Kudal]

Kudal,

Your wife can submit an I-130 petition to apply for a spousal visa for you anytime. It normally takes about 8-10 months for processing to complete and an Embassy interview to be scheduled for you. The Green Card is not issued until you are in the U.S. With the spousal immigrant visa, however, you have up to 6 months (from medical exam) to use the visa.

--Ray B

Hi Ray

Thanks for the response. Will it be a problem that my wife will not be living in USA when filing form i 864, or do you think that will be ok, if her family can prove a substantial annual income? Also she might not count as domiciled anymore after 8 years abroad not paying taxes.

Jacob

[rayb]

Your wife should have a U.S. address to use as her base (domicile), even if not in the U.S. But she should also plan on returning to the U.S. before or at same time you use your immigrant visa.

Also, she will still have to be the primary sponsor, even without income, but a co-sponsor, with a separate I-864, will be okay.

--Ray B

Hi Ray

Thanks for the response. Will it be a problem that my wife will not be living in USA when filing form i 864, or do you think that will be ok, if her family can prove a substantial annual income? Also she might not count as domiciled anymore after 8 years abroad not paying taxes.

Jacob