Unusual circumstances - US citizen spouse and child immigration

[nrobinson]

Hi,

I have an unusual case. I am a US citizen residing in Australia. I acquired my US citizenship approx 12months ago through birth (I am 30 years old now) and as yet have only just realised I need a social security number and to submit IRS tax returns. These of course are requirements for family based petitions (I-130 etc). Applying for SS number in Australia takes 3-6 months and I have a job in US starting in July 2007 and I would like to know whether I should get my spouse and child to accompany me on a B2 visa before applying for a change in status once in the US or should we wait and apply fully for a permenent residency application in Australia no matter how long it takes? Thank you.

Nick Robinson

[peace]

There is something called direct consular filing of I-130s at US embassies
abroad which is a fast process for immigrant visas for immediate relatives
of US citizens. Takes 3-4 months. Visit the website of US embassy in
australia and they have all the instructions there on how to go about it.

Getting a B1/B2 for yur family will be hard in your situation. (conflict of
intent---non-immigrant vs immigrant) and is actually pointless when
processing in australia will be much faster.