What is my residency? I-864

[spinkycow 34]

I am a US citizen living in Namibia as a missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), a US based inter-denominational missions organization. I am petitioning to bring my South African wife to the US. My visa in Namibia is up at the end of July, then my family will travel to South Africa to await her green card. At that point I will no longer have an address other than in the United States (my parents' address). Our kids and I will be in South Africa on a tourist/visitor visa.

When I fill out the I-864 I will put my parent's address as my mailing address. The Part 4, Question 3 asks, "Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?" Should I check yes or no?

If I say no & give a temporary (airbnb) address in South Africa, do I claim domicile in the US as an employee of "A religious denomination or interdenominational missionary organization having a bona fide organization in the United States, if the person is engaged solely as a missionary"? As a missionary all my support goes to YWAM and I receive a 1099misc from them, technically making me self-employed.

Not sure if I am domicile in the US based on this or if I'm just a resident of the US again when I leave Namibia (even though I'm not yet there). Any help?

[elfinkel 12]

I'm not expert in this, but I'd say you can put that your current physical address as an international address. Maybe not an Airb&b in South Africa though...My instinct is that putting an address in Namibia would be better--but I could be totally wrong! Do you know anyone who lives more permanently in Namibia that you would have frequent contact with? Maybe they'd be willing for you to put their address on the form. But it wouldn't be true to answer "Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?" with a "yes." 

I feel like if you're still filing taxes in the U.S. you should be able to claim that as domicile, no matter what your current physical location is. 

[spinkycow 34]

Thanks! I think we will consult with a lawyer.. I spoke with the NVC and the agent just suggested we change the address with them as we go. We will claim domicile in the US either way. I see we were approved on the same day!