Wife is living 3 hours away in different state

[ROC-AL 87]

Hi: 

 

I have a unique question about our future Removal of Conditions. My wife has a job possibility in TN. We currently live in northern AL. I would be seing her 3 days a week, because of my job. We would live around 3 hours away in different states, but we really are worried how this, if in any way affect our future processing the Removal of conditions. One of the proofs is to send in that you share a common address. She is just starting this job and the pay is considerable for me to consider living apart for few months till I find another job to relocate with her in TN. 

 

a) Is she required to change her drivers license to a TN one? or can she just claim she is residing in AL still, since the job has a 6 month contract to hire. Our plan is for her to go, or me (mostly) to go to her. 

 

b) how do we proof  that we live together, w/o breaking immigration rules, like the fact that she mainly will be in TN. USCIS requires address change in the 10 tens after moving for any permanent resident

 

These and other concerns, that I have not thought of yet....anyone here in a similar situation or has been? I know truck drivers and such professions have this similar situation.

 

Thanks for your or any input.

 

[Lemonslice 4,967]

1. You would have to check with TN RMV/DMV about their rules. Depends on the state.

[elmers 293]

My wife (fiance at the time) lived in state B for work while I was in state A. I put her in the rental contract and we showed her plane tickets coming 'home' to state A. She did however moved to state A several months before our interview as her work in state B was done.

 

As for your first question, sure it depends on the state DMV rules but I don't think they really care much if you don't get a new license. I lived in state C for nearly 2 years but maintained my state A license mainly because I didn't want to go through the hassle of changing my license. I probably broke the DMV rules in state C but they clearly didn't come after me.

[Sukie 1,465]

You do not have a unique situation.  There are MANY couples who need to live separately during the ROC period - mostly (but not limited to) for job opportunities and schooling.

 

I think the answer to your first question also hinges on whether or not TN will be your ultimate destination.  Most states say you have to get a new license within xx days of moving there - but if your spouse is on a 6-month contract to hire - it could fall through.  Since you are not quite at the ROC process, then you might want to wait to change any addresses until after that 6-month period and a decision to move to TN permanently.  That should not be a problem for TN - even if she is working there.  She would say her permanent address is in AL until the 6-month period is over.  She might want to carry a letter from her employer stating that she is on a 6-month contract in case the TN state troopers or local cops start questioning.

 

All you have to do when you submit your ROC package is EXPLAIN why you lived apart for a certain time.  Again, your situation is not unique.  You merely add a paragraph to your cover letter explaining the reasons why you lived apart for a period of time.  Keep records of your travel - such as a mileage log in your car showing your travel.  Keep gas receipts and restaurant receipts showing you spent time together.  Take pictures together with friends in places that are recognizable.  If she's in Nashville, then take a picture in front of the Grand Ol' Opry.  If Chattanooga, then go to the Chattanooga Choo-Choo.  You get my drift....

 

You'll be fine!

 

Sukie in NY (originally from AL)

 

 

[ROC-AL 87]

12 hours ago, elmers said:

My wife (fiance at the time) lived in state B for work while I was in state A. I put her in the rental contract and we showed her plane tickets coming 'home' to state A. She did however moved to state A several months before our interview as her work in state B was done.

 

As for your first question, sure it depends on the state DMV rules but I don't think they really care much if you don't get a new license. I lived in state C for nearly 2 years but maintained my state A license mainly because I didn't want to go through the hassle of changing my license. I probably broke the DMV rules in state C but they clearly didn't come after me.

Thanks, at least that with the DMV rules, helps me understand it and I may be able to get away with this. More concerns is how to proof we share the same address and this is not somekinda long distance marriage to a possible immigration officer.  We had an interview for K-1 and adjusted status. ROC is coming not until next year November 2020. I would also not want to change my license, job and location in case her job does not get extended or something else. 

[ROC-AL 87]

10 hours ago, Sukie said:

You do not have a unique situation.  There are MANY couples who need to live separately during the ROC period - mostly (but not limited to) for job opportunities and schooling.

 

I think the answer to your first question also hinges on whether or not TN will be your ultimate destination.  Most states say you have to get a new license within xx days of moving there - but if your spouse is on a 6-month contract to hire - it could fall through.  Since you are not quite at the ROC process, then you might want to wait to change any addresses until after that 6-month period and a decision to move to TN permanently.  That should not be a problem for TN - even if she is working there.  She would say her permanent address is in AL until the 6-month period is over.  She might want to carry a letter from her employer stating that she is on a 6-month contract in case the TN state troopers or local cops start questioning.

 

All you have to do when you submit your ROC package is EXPLAIN why you lived apart for a certain time.  Again, your situation is not unique.  You merely add a paragraph to your cover letter explaining the reasons why you lived apart for a period of time.  Keep records of your travel - such as a mileage log in your car showing your travel.  Keep gas receipts and restaurant receipts showing you spent time together.  Take pictures together with friends in places that are recognizable.  If she's in Nashville, then take a picture in front of the Grand Ol' Opry.  If Chattanooga, then go to the Chattanooga Choo-Choo.  You get my drift....

 

You'll be fine!

 

Sukie in NY (originally from AL)

 

 

Thanks Sukie, I had no idea like how many others had a similar situation. My bigger concern is how and when to proof this difference in living situation, which you explained. Then there are taxes also. TN does not have a state income tax and AL does. I can move to another position with my employer, but as usual it's a longer process and to availability also. Not counting the loss in possible income and getting a second apartment to rent,  as her job would be for now with an employment agency, no benefits either. My head is just spinning trying to figure out where to stay for the first couple of weeks. Again, very helpful on the evidence part. Did not think about gathering more for this part of the journey.  My foreign wife is going to Nashville. 

Edited October 13, 2019 by ROC-AL