Foreign Spouse Visiting on B2?

[pecohicks]

I am a US citizen by birth and my wife is Indonesian. We have one daughter with both US and Indonesian passports.

I work in Indonesia with an American company. I receive wages in US dollars to my US account and pay taxes to the IRS, but work exclusively in Indonesia and generally only
return to the US to visit for 1-2 months every 2-3 years.

I would like to bring my wife and child to the US for a visit (3-6 months). We have no intent to reside long-term in the US. My wife owns a house and land in Indonesia.

As far as I can tell, my wife would not be able to retain a green card, and without intent to immigrate it would be inappropriate. Is B-2 the way to go? If so, will there be barriers I should know about?

Thanks very much for any help you can offer.

[peace999]

She can try for a B2 but there is no guarantee as it all depends on officer discretion.

If you are interested, her case is just perfect for 319(b) fast naturalization . In fact 319(b) was designed for spouses of US citizens living outside US.
Since they cannot maintain their green card they are allowed to apply for US naturalization immediately after getting a green card. There are certain conditions
most important of which you satisfy. That is you are working with a US company.

If you are interested, send me a Personal message on this forum and I will give you a detailed reply.

[pecohicks]

She can try for a B2 but there is no guarantee as it all depends on officer discretion.

If you are interested, her case is just perfect for 319(b) fast naturalization . In fact 319(b) was designed for spouses of US citizens living outside US.
Since they cannot maintain their green card they are allowed to apply for US naturalization immediately after getting a green card. There are certain conditions
most important of which you satisfy. That is you are working with a US company.

If you are interested, send me a Personal message on this forum and I will give you a detailed reply.

Thanks very much for the reply and advice. The 319(b) would indeed be a great option. However, at this time my wife does not wish to give up her Indonesian citizenship (which I understand she would be required to do if naturalized).

Because of this, am I correct to assume that B-2 is the only appropriate visa for our purposes? If that is the case, do you have any advice that could help increase probability of success with the B-2?

Many thanks.

[peace999]

US allows dual citizenship. You yourself said your daughter has both the passports.
So your wife won't need to give up her Indonesian passport for 319(b).

Anyway, if you are more interested in B2, strong ties to Indonesia will be considered.
When she applies ,she can take with her a copy of your passport and proof of your employment and income.( pay stub/salary slip)
Also, on the form DS160 she should mention that you are paying for the trip.

[pecohicks]

Thanks very much for another reply. We will take your advice on the B2.

Yes, US allows dual, but unfortunately Indonesia does not at this time (https://www.immihelp.com/countries-t...l-citizenship/), with the exception of minors from mixed marriages (indonesiaexpat.biz/featured/indonesian-citizenship-concerns-for-children-from-mixed-marriages/). Our daughter will have to choose one citizenship at age 18 (although with a "grace period" she effectively has until age 21).

Peace, you have been a great help in confirming which way we should go. If you or anyone else viewing this has experience with a situation similar to ours i.e. obtaining a B2 visa as a spouse of a US citizen, please do post additional advice or experience.

Thanks!

[peace999]

Ok. I am sorry, I did not know Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship.
Do they have some kind of 'Persons of Indonesian origin' cards if they give up their citizenship.

We, in India have 'Persons of Indian origin' cards for people who have given up their Indian citizenship but
want to again live/work in India.

With a B2 , it is never a definite thing. Usually they deny to spouses of US citizens but again it depends on the officer
how he looks at her application.Nothing you can do on your own to affect the interview outcome. She should be relaxed and truthful at the interview
and must know everything in head that is completed on the DS160 form.
All the info on DS160 should be accurate as they read that thoroughly.