what to do while waiting?

[ckmo2 0]

Hi Everyone,

We've submitted our I-130 and it's been received. We had to mail additional material, but that went quickly and easily. Now, they said that we should wait for about 90 days. . . I have two questions:

1- What should I be doing while I'm waiting? Probably preparing for the next step. Does anyone have a list of what that is and what we need to gather? (I feel like an idiot, but I'm just overwhelmed and totally nervous.. . )

2- What's this about filing for taxes? I've (the US citizen) been working in Germany for almost three years and paying taxes here. My accountant in the States has always told me that I don't have to file US taxes then. So, I feel like I've put myself into a trap! What should I do? Any suggestions?

I appreciate anyone's advice and expertise here. This site is so great- just to have a sounding board and to gather opinions and advice!

Thanks in advance,

Marianne (the 'MO' of our log-name )

[brnidokiegurl 0]

look in the forms section i believe it is and there it will give you the step by step process after the application is sent in. I havent really studied it myself as i just sent in our application yesterday but i am also with you at this point, guess we will study and learn what next. The taxes we already filed with applying for the W7 number for him

[Otto 83]

Hi Everyone,

We've submitted our I-130 and it's been received. We had to mail additional material, but that went quickly and easily. Now, they said that we should wait for about 90 days. . . I have two questions:

1- What should I be doing while I'm waiting? Probably preparing for the next step. Does anyone have a list of what that is and what we need to gather? (I feel like an idiot, but I'm just overwhelmed and totally nervous.. . )

2- What's this about filing for taxes? I've (the US citizen) been working in Germany for almost three years and paying taxes here. My accountant in the States has always told me that I don't have to file US taxes then. So, I feel like I've put myself into a trap! What should I do? Any suggestions?

I appreciate anyone's advice and expertise here. This site is so great- just to have a sounding board and to gather opinions and advice!

Thanks in advance,

Marianne (the 'MO' of our log-name )

Marianne,

The Step-By-Step Guide will give you a good idea about 'what is next.'

As for taxes (filing ITR) - I can't answer why your accountant told you that you did not have to file from abroad - it is my understanding that US citizens do have to file - although much of their foreign-earned income is not taxable - they still do have to report it. Just a lay-persons understanding of it.

[ckmo2 0]

Thanks for your help, everyone. I had just started gathering what I need when the packet came. Now, we've filled out our DS230 and sent it back in. When we have everything that we need, we're supposed to fax the consulate and tell them that we're ready for an appointment.

Until then, I have to get my taxes in order. Geesh. I can't believed that I believed that I didn't have to report and pay my taxes when I wasn't in the U.S. Oh well. I'm on it now!

Thanks for your support!!!!

Marianne

[rjp44 1]

Hi Everyone,

We've submitted our I-130 and it's been received. We had to mail additional material, but that went quickly and easily. Now, they said that we should wait for about 90 days. . . I have two questions:

1- What should I be doing while I'm waiting? Probably preparing for the next step. Does anyone have a list of what that is and what we need to gather? (I feel like an idiot, but I'm just overwhelmed and totally nervous.. . )

2- What's this about filing for taxes? I've (the US citizen) been working in Germany for almost three years and paying taxes here. My accountant in the States has always told me that I don't have to file US taxes then. So, I feel like I've put myself into a trap! What should I do? Any suggestions?

I appreciate anyone's advice and expertise here. This site is so great- just to have a sounding board and to gather opinions and advice!

Thanks in advance,

Marianne (the 'MO' of our log-name )

After USCIS approves your pettition and forwards it to the NVC you will start recieving a chan of letters starting with choice of agent and $70 fee bill for I-864. Since you won't get to this point before April 15th, just file tax return for 2007 since only the current return is needed along with W-2. After that you will receive the bill for visa $400 and the DS-230 for which you will need 2 passport size photos of the beneficiary, and their birth certificate and an up to date police clearance(s). As a hint, since the benefiary fills out and signs the Ds-230 parts, it can be dowlloaded from the USCIS site after I-864 is finished so that it's ready to go as soon as the letter arrivves requisting it. After all that is done you'll be ready for the interview and another round of collecting your proofs.