Application process if couple is living outside the USA

[heartn2countries]

Hi,

I am a US citizen, and my husband is a Canadian citizen. We have been living in Canada since our marriage last year since that made the most financial sense for us at the time. We plan to continue to live in Canada with me as a Canadian permanent resident for awhile and then would like to make plans to move to the US. I want to make sure we know the process and how long it takes now so we are prepared when the time comes.

With that, I have a few questions:


1. Can you explain to me the basic process for me sponsoring my husband while we are both outside of the US?

2. Can we both move from Canada to the US at the same time when the paperwork is complete (i.e. will I need to be separated from my husband while we process paperwork?)?

3. How long does the paperwork typically take?

4. Can my husband work immediately once he gets to the US or will he need to wait and for how long?

5. Are there any other sticky points in this process I need to be concerned about given our situation?


P.S. this is our first marriage, there are no children, etc.

Thank you so much for your help!

[iuy87]

1. Can you explain to me the basic process for me sponsoring my husband while we are both outside of the US? the process will take longer since u both are outside the US typically 3 months longer.

2. Can we both move from Canada to the US at the same time when the paperwork is complete (i.e. will I need to be separated from my husband while we process paperwork?)? yes

3. How long does the paperwork typically take? while outside the US typically 6-8 months

4. Can my husband work immediately once he gets to the US or will he need to wait and for how long? no he cannot work immediately, he have to wait for 3-4 months for the work permit to be issued

5. Are there any other sticky points in this process I need to be concerned about given our situation? yes, since u have been living outside of US I'm assuming u haven't been paying US TAX, so u need to find a joint sponsor shoes household income is above poverty guideline