I-130 approval to interview

[darth vader 133]

My wife (U.S.C.) and I (Indian citizen) went to graduate school in Canada for 2 years and currently live and work in Canada. We have filed an I-130 with P.D. in early Jan. We have been assigned Potomac Service Center. We do have enough funds in our bank account to meet  the 3xpoverty guideline minimum funds requirement.

We are torn between my wife staying with me till we move or get a job and move a bit ahead of me.

 

I have following questions:

1. Since Montreal consulate makes a big deal out of the domicile stuff, can you guys please advise which of these options(my wife staying till the end or moving ahead of me and getting a job) would make most sense?
 

2. How does the I-130 approval to interview process looks like? If we have all the documents for DS-160 together before we get to NVC and apply right away, can we minimize this time and by how much? Any other pro-tips are welcome.

 

3. We are planning to buy a house and a car as soon as we move. Would the emails etc. from my wife to her parents, talking about buying house and car help to prove that we are genuinely trying to move once my visa is approved?
 

4. Would me (non-U.S.C. husband) finding a job in the U.S. before the interview help or hurt?

Thanks!

Edited February 11, 2018 by darth vader

[acidrain 325]

1. It's really up to each couple as to when the USC moves to the US. Generally the sooner she can move the stronger her ties will be. Most USC's are established in the US by the time they have the interview. Individual timelines can vary so it's hard to predict which month you will have your interview.

2. Your i130 will take anywhere from 5-8 months to get approved. Then you will move onto the NVC stage where you submit documents and fill out the DS 260 and i864. The NVC process is done online and can be done within a month if you have all your documents ready. From the time your i130 is approved the average case takes 3 more months for the interview. The visa takes anywhere from 1-3 weeks to be issued once you are approved.

3. Emails generally do not show proof of domicile. Domicile is very strict in Montreal and they want to see things like a lease or house purchase. Some people move in with family but that can be risky as it does not show a solid tie. Proof of domicile are things like a job, drivers license, proof the USC is or intends to live in the US. You have to provide as much evidence your spouse will live there. Promises are not as strong as actual steps taken.

4. If you have confirmed employment you could mention it at the time of the interview. As the petition is based on the USC it may not influence the outcome all that much.

[Crazy Cat 41,844]

1.  Actually, EVERY consulate makes a big deal about domicile.  She will have to show connections and intent to live in the US.

2.  You will complete the DS-260 along with an I-864. 

3.  I don't think emails will have effect.  It would be helpful if she had bank accounts, Tax returns, etc to show intent to live in the US.

[darth vader 133]

4 minutes ago, missileman said:

1.  Actually, EVERY consulate makes a big deal about domicile.  She will have to show connections and intent to live in the US.

2.  You will complete the DS-260 along with an I-864. 

3.  I don't think emails will have effect.  It would be helpful if she had bank accounts, Tax returns, etc to show intent to live in the US.

Thanks for the reply missisleman, addressing your #3: she HAS following documents:

 

1. U.S. tax returns.
2. Active U.S. bank accounts.

3. Active U.S. credit card.

 

I hope these will help?

Edited February 12, 2018 by darth vader

[Crazy Cat 41,844]

3 minutes ago, darth vader said:

Thanks for the reply missisleman, addressing your #3: she HAS following documents:

 

1. U.S. tax returns.
2. Active U.S. bank accounts.

3. Active U.S. credit card.

 

I hope these will help?

Those are certainly helpful ties to the US......Good Luck...

[Lemonslice 4,836]

22 minutes ago, missileman said:

Those are certainly helpful ties to the US......Good Luck...

They are "ties to the US", not the kind of domicile documentation required by Montreal. They would want to see a job/job offer, American driver's licence, registration of self or children in school/daycare, insurance, etc.  If not living in the US, very, very clear intent to move back soon with a lease signed or property to move to.