Where do I begin?

[GregnJing 0]

Hello everyone, I'm new here.

This website was recommended to me by a good friend who used it to bring his new wife to the US.

I am a US citizen who is currently teaching English in China.

I have been here a little more than a year and just signed a contract to teach here for another year.

Last week, I married a wonderful woman here in China. She has a eight year old son from a previous marriage who I adore.

We would like to try and move to the US in about 3 or 4 years.

I have gone through the site. However, I am confused as to where to begin.

I know I need to file a l-130 petition.

Here are a few questions, I hope you guys can help:

1. Should we file a l-130 now or wait till we are ready to make the move?
   
2. Do both her and her son need a l-130?
   
3. Do I qualify for Direct Consular Filing (DCF) Note: I am not a permanent resident, I am here on a work visa.
   
4. Since I am not filing taxes in the US, will I need to get a sponsor?
   

I hope someone can help me get the ball rolling with this.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Greg

[Darnell 8,479]

1. 6 months prior to intended move date, via DCF

2. yes, 2 I-130's

3. yes, you qualify.

4. yup.

study the I-864 instructions about domicile also, as you'll have to PROVE UP INTENT TO RE-ESTABLISH DOMICILE on interview day (so you have a buttload of time to craft your plan on domicile)

[bigdog 376]

Congratulations, D is on top of it like usual.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Us citizens are required to report their worldwide income on US tax returns.

Even with a co-sponsor who meets the financial requirement, you still need to file US tax returns on your Chinese income. The failure to file could result in the cases for your wife and stepchild to be denied.

[GregnJing 0]

1. 6 months prior to intended move date, via DCF

2. yes, 2 I-130's

3. yes, you qualify.

4. yup.

study the I-864 instructions about domicile also, as you'll have to PROVE UP INTENT TO RE-ESTABLISH DOMICILE on interview day (so you have a buttload of time to craft your plan on domicile)

Thank you very much!

You are right Wuhan does rock!

[GregnJing 0]

Us citizens are required to report their worldwide income on US tax returns.

Even with a co-sponsor who meets the financial requirement, you still need to file US tax returns on your Chinese income. The failure to file could result in the cases for your wife and stepchild to be denied.

Thanks to you too aaron2020!

How does one go about filing. There are no W-2, no paper work.

Is this something that can be done online?

[GregnJing 0]

Congratulations, D is on top of it like usual.

Thanks BigDog!

[aaron2020 11,651]

Thanks to you too aaron2020!

How does one go about filing. There are no W-2, no paper work.

Is this something that can be done online?

You list it as other income on your tax return.

If you file a Chinese tax return, you would also get a US tax credit.

You could use Turbotax or some other tax return software. You could also hire an accountant to prepare your tax returns.

[Darnell 8,479]

just file a normal 1040, with a 2555 .

If you'd like to 'add her' to show you two filing 'married filing jointly' then she'll need an ITIN, obtained via filing the W-7 at the same time as the US Tax Return.