Immigrating from Canada

[JDCT 1]

My wife (US Citizen) and I (Canadian) have been living in Vancouver, Canada for the past eight years and were hoping to move to the US to be closer to her family in MD. We also have a 2yo daughter who has dual citizenship. I just have a few questions regarding the immigration process.

1) We both live and work here, so proving domicile will be tough. I read the pinned topic and was wondering if she would have to leave Canada and start a new job/life before I can go with her? Or can she get a joint sponsor (father/siblings)?

2) If/when form I-130 is approved, would it be easier to move to the US then and do all the paperwork from within the country? Everyone keeps telling me I will have to have my interview in Montreal, on the other side of the country and I was hoping to avoid an 8 hr flight for a 20 minute interview. Can I get a temp immigrant visa after I get I-797 NOA back from them or file for adjustment of status?

3) Do we send the fees with I-130, or do they go to the NVC after I-130 is approved?

4) One more question, for the medical exam, are there any physicians outside of the US? I tried looking at the a few websites but they did not show any being in or around Vancouver.

Thanks!

Edited August 11, 2016 by xxspartacxx

[NikLR 13,227]

1) yes she can use a joint sponsor however hopefully you gleaned from the pinned thread that she should have a residence in the USA (and preferably a job) by interview

2) no. You must interview in Montreal. It's illegal use a non immigrant visa to immigrate. As your wife and child are USC, you have a lot of immigrant intent. You risk being banned for life.

3) the petition fee is sent with thr i-130 and the rest to the NVC after the petition is approved. Please read the guides in the wiki as well as the main one.

4) yes there are panel physicians in Canada and you must have your medical done at one of them once you have an interview date. There is a Dr Cheema in Surrey.

[JDCT 1]

Thanks for the help! We planned on signing a rental agreement with a family member for a place of residence. As for a job, I'll need a visa for that won't I?

Also, I read this on USCIS website and was under the impression I could enter the US after I-130 is approved...

Get a Green Card While Outside the United States:

If you are currently outside the United States and are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you can become a permanent resident through consular processing. Consular processing is when USCIS works with the Department of State to issue a visa on an approved Form I-130 petition when a visa is available. You may then travel on the visa and will officially become a permanent resident when admitted at a U.S. port of entry.

Edited August 11, 2016 by xxspartacxx

[NikLR 13,227]

No the USC needs a job and a place for thr beneficiary to go.

There are 3 stages to the IR1 process. Petition - NVC (DOS) - Consulate

Once the petition is approved, you can apply for a visa, then you go to the consulate for the interview to see if you get a visa. Once you get a visa you van move. You need the immigrant visa.

You guys can visit the USA during the process but a non-USC cannot move to the USA without an immigrant visa.

The petition does not grant a visa. This process takes about a year.