living overseas and want to take wife to america for vacation

[Z&L 0]

hi..im new here. so i want to ask everyone if you can give me some advice...

i am living overseas and i have work visa for this country. i want to take my wife of 8 months to america to meet my family. what is the procedure and what forms do i need? oh ya, im in indonesia. i am trying to contact the us embassy but its very difficult to reach them due to the times they take calls for this type of question. thanks for any advice you can give

[hikergirl 277]

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html#3

Assuming she is a citizen of Indonesia she would require a visitor visa. Take a look at the website I linked as it will give you an idea of what is required for evidence of her going as a visitor and not an intending immigrant.

Edited October 18, 2011 by hikergirl

[Oksana & Max 94]

You can try to apply for the B2 tourist visa and hope that your wife can get it and qualify for it.

Another option that you have since you are an USC, you can start the immigration process for CR-1 spousal visa, which could take about a year.

Edited October 18, 2011 by Oksana & Max

[Z&L 0]

If I want to process for CR1 Spousal visa, Could I file it while im working in here (Indonesia) ?? coz what ive heard from my friend was.. if I want to file the visa, I have to be in US and not live together (separate country) while they`re process the visa...is it true ?? thanks for the reply !

[Guinness 3]

If I want to process for CR1 Spousal visa, Could I file it while im working in here (Indonesia) ?? coz what ive heard from my friend was.. if I want to file the visa, I have to be in US and not live together (separate country) while they`re process the visa...is it true ?? thanks for the reply !

No expert on this, but believe you don't have to return to the states. Can file at embassey there. Read the guides

I'm sure someone will correct me if wrong

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Can't file with the embassy, as there is no USCIS office in Indonesia, but you can stay with your wife, just need to send your papers to the Chicago Lockbox. The only issue with filing while you are abroad is the Affidavit of Support (I-864), as you won't have US based income, so you may need a co-sponsor.

[Z&L 0]

@Penguin : yeah i was thinking about the affidavit form aswell..lil bit complicated since im not working in US..so the co sponsor has to be USC live in the states rite..do you know how much the minimum income to become co sponsor ??and could i have ur opinion, whats the best type of visa for my wife (tourist visa or cr1-spousal visa)? since we are planning to stay here for about another 5 yrs..(just visit US for vacation)

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Try for a tourist visa at least. If she, and you, have strong ties to Indonesia it may be granted. It'll be cheaper and quicker- and what you really need! The CR-1 is for immigrants.

The affidavit of support co-sponsor needs to be a USC or greencard holder living in the USA. How much they need to make will depend on the household size- for example if they are single, no kids or other dependants it is just under $19'000. Details here: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

[Z&L 0]

Try for a tourist visa at least. If she, and you, have strong ties to Indonesia it may be granted. It'll be cheaper and quicker- and what you really need! The CR-1 is for immigrants.

The affidavit of support co-sponsor needs to be a USC or greencard holder living in the USA. How much they need to make will depend on the household size- for example if they are single, no kids or other dependants it is just under $19'000. Details here: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

Thanks Penguin for the info..really appreciated it..

[Anh map 2,098]

It will cost you approx. $1000 to get to the spouse visa interview. And you would have to do it all over again in 5 years if you are planning to move to the US at that time.

Applying for the tourist visa will cost much less and happen much quicker. Try the tourist. And if that is unsuccessful then go for the spouse visa.

[MalaysianGirl 26]

Agree with Anh map. And all the best, OP! (Seems like you're loving Indonesia... woots! )

[Z&L 0]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys....would probably applying for tourist visa and hopefully it will work!

By the way, 1.is that true if my wife never been to US for 2 years after we got married, once she goes there,she can apply for green card ?? and what type of visa she has to apply ? tourist or spouse ?

2. if its true..Does she has to stay in US for 5 yrs and not living the country ??? thanks again for the answers...

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

1. Untrue for tourist visa. True for spousal visa, as the reason for the spousal visa is to immigrate. She would get a 2 year conditional greencard if married less than 2 years upon entry to the US, or a ten year card if married more than 2 years.

2. Once she gets a greencard, she can travel, but a greencard is for Legal Permanent Residents, thus she must officially live in the USA and be inside more than half of any year otherwise she may jeopardise her greencard. After being a greencard holder for 3 years and still happily married, she can become a US citizen and then she can travel as much as she wants.

[Z&L 0]

Thank you so much for all the explanations...!!! u guys are great !