Info, timelines and advice

[Angela Murray 4]

Hi everyone,

I'm a US citizen and my Husband is from the UK. We met and married while I was living in England. We were married in March 2012 and filed CR-1 in April. We hired a lawyer and the petition was filed in London. Just after we received his case number we decided it would be best since I am self employed to establish my business stateside in anticipation for his arrival. He came to New York with me on August 15th and stayed with me for 3 weeks until he had to leave to go back to the UK last night as his medical appointment is tomorrow. We've not spent a day apart in 2 years so less than 1 day into this distance thing we're in agony. 8-12 weeks to go (ish?)

I have a few questions and I was hoping I could gain some insight and some support. When you're side by side this whole thing seems easier but once that distance is put between you the gravity of what hangs in the balance hits you like a ton of bricks and it's almost crippling. It's coming down to the wire now, so naturally I'm genuinely freaking out. I want nothing more than to have my husband here with me but, it is what it is and all we can do is our best to get this thing right. Be forewarned, lots of questions.....

I am self employed (I have an etsy business). My first year (2011) made $11K. This year I've made just over $22K. But since the year isn't up yet I don't have tax returns to back this up. What I do have are official etsy 'shop stats' showing my earnings and paypal statements showing the incoming money each month. Would these be acceptable or are there other ways to validate this that I am missing? I also have a co-sponsor, my mother who makes $33k. We signed the affidavits of support before my husband's flight and he's dropping them by the lawyer whilst in London. I know the fact that I have a co-sponsor that makes significantly more than me does help however since I am the partner and principle sponsor is it possible they may view my self employment as precarious or not accept my earnings for this year at all since the tax year isn't up?

While he was here he managed to make such a good impression on my family that he was given a job invitation by my cousins business that's been in operation over 22 years. Is this something that they legitimately look at and take into consideration or is it one of those things that 'doesn't hurt'?

His medical appointment is tomorrow. About how long do you think we can expect between now and the interview?

I'm gonna be honest, I might think of more questions after I post this. Thanks in advance!

(I may have posted this thread in the wrong forum. I wasn't sure which one)

[Holly2234 66]

As far as your business goes, it doesnt really matter at all if you have a joint sponsor. If they have given you tax returns, W-2's and a few pay stubs and a photocopy of their passport or birth certificate, that will be fine if they dont accept your earnings.

The affidavit of support forms do not need to go to your lawyer (unless you want them checked over) since your husband needs to present these himself at the interview.

Since you have already re-established domicile in the US, all he needs are the things on this page http://london.usembassy.gov/application_documents.html and some proof of relationship items could be helpful (not usually required but i wouldnt go without it just in case) such as joint bank statements, bills, photos etc.

The time between medical and interview varies quite a bit. I have you sent back the DS-230 and DS-2001 yet? They wont schedule the interview unless you have sent those. It could be a month or so as a very vague guess. But then it could be a month before you even get an appointment.