DCF and domicile issues

[T and M 1]

Hi all,

I have read a number of threads on the domicile issue, and I'm still not sure what to put on my I-864. We have been blessed with a surprise I-130 interview on Tuesday, which is why I'm trying to throw everything together, I-130 and DS-230....just in case.

So, our situation is thus: I am on a five-year student visa (been in the UK for two and half years). The US embassy has allowed us to file an I-130 for my wife, who is a Bolivian citizen and has been living with me in London for the past six months. We are planning to establish domicile in the US (GA, with parents) once the visa is granted in July (fingers crossed).

All that said, do I claim domicile in the UK (that would be difficult, because I own no property and have never worked in the UK) or in the US (that would be easier since I have bank accounts, a drivers license and tax returns.) Lastly, how do we prove that we are planning to establish domicile together in the US, other than show them our flight in July? My dad took back four huge bags, so I guess I could have him fax the receipt to show that we are moving "stuff" to Georgia. We only have four more huge bags, so we aren't using movers! We are planning on putting her name on my accounts in the US once there, but we can't do anything yet to show our "intent," can we?

Lastly, my tax returns are filed at my apartment in Washington, DC (my last US address) but my drivers license and bank accounts go to my parents address in GA, where we are planning to establish domicile. Will that be a problem?

WE HAVE A SURPRISE INTERVIEW ON TUESDAY, WHICH IS WHY I'M FREAKING OUT ABOUT EVERY LITTLE THING!!!

All best! And good luck to everyone.

[MargotDarko 0]

You must claim US domicile and be able to show it in some way - address in the US, US accounts, valid US driver's license, etc. Any other domicile means that you cannot sponsor your wife to immigrant, which obviously is very bad! You can easily use your parents' address as proof of US domicile and bring something from your US bank (print something off showing your US address if you don't have an official statement) in case they ask about it. If they ask where you'll live in the US, just say you'll be staying at your normal US address with your parents until you've found your own place. And you're good to go. So again, make sure you put US for domicile!

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

Hi Thomas,

I would say that since they've already accepted your application, they are happy with your eligibility to file DCF in the UK. The main thing they'll be looking for will be evidence of a bona fide relationship, and intention of re-establishing domicile in the US. I would expect that your bank account statments, and letters addressed to you at your parents house shoule be adequate.

[T and M 1]

Hi Thomas,

I would say that since they've already accepted your application, they are happy with your eligibility to file DCF in the UK. The main thing they'll be looking for will be evidence of a bona fide relationship, and intention of re-establishing domicile in the US. I would expect that your bank account statments, and letters addressed to you at your parents house shoule be adequate.

Thanks guys!

To be honest, though, the joint bank statements weren't enough. We sent them in February and sworn affadavits from myself and three colleagues were requested and sent in May. This time, we are taking photos from the wedding and from all our travels over nine months, emails and messenger chats for nine months, and proof that we have traveled together.

As for proving intent to set up residence in the US, I will have my tax returns for 2005-2007, mail addressed to me at my parents house in GA. The only proof we have aside from that are the overweight luggage fees my dad paid when he took a bunch of our stuff to the US in May. We are taking the rest whenever this process ends...all by plane.

Again, thank you for your advice. I really hope they believe us this time. My parents keep asking us if we need letters from our Congressman or Senators, but i have heard those are worthless.

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

sorry, I should have said - I meant adequate for evidence of US domicile. I would think that the more relationship evidence you bring the better

[T and M 1]

sorry, I should have said - I meant adequate for evidence of US domicile. I would think that the more relationship evidence you bring the better

Many thanks for all your kind comments! Our interview was performed by a nice young lady, who asked all sorts of questions about our life, our adventures...and all separately. I assume it all went well as she told Milena that we should expect a letter in the mail late this week or early next week! We can't wait for that case number!!! Dying to schedule the medical and hit the home stretch.

Thanks for all the support.

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

Yay!! Good for you guys, I'm very happy to hear that it went well. You've really earned that visa by now!

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

Fantastic! It should all fly now.