Online I-130 vs Just Mailing it

[cali2bali 1]

So I started to do the I-130 application online and I got to a section where I couldn't type in my Indonesia number. I do not have a US number anymore after living in Bali for over two years. I though that maybe this online application wasn't for someone living outside the USA??? I would also like to hear opinions from people who have read similar threads in these forums. I would like to hear some pros and cons. Thanks

[Crazy Cat 41,980]

What "number" are you talking about?

[cali2bali 1]

Telephone number 

[cali2bali 1]

1 hour ago, cali2bali said:

So I started to do the I-130 application online and I got to a section where I couldn't type in my Indonesian “phone” number. I do not have a US “phone”number anymore after living in Bali for over two years. I though that maybe this online application wasn't for someone living outside the USA??? I would also like to hear opinions from people who have read similar threads in these forums. I would like to hear some pros and cons. Thanks

 

[Just Paul 4,595]

58 minutes ago, cali2bali said:

Telephone number 

You could always put that in the end section.

 

If you are living in Bali what are your plans for re-establishing domicile?

 

You have been keeping up with your US tax returns too?

[cali2bali 1]

I’m up to date on taxes , I still have a address in the USA through a friend, I still have a job there, bank accounts, and I’m going back for work this May for 4 months. My boss will also co sponsor if I need to. 

[Crazy Cat 41,980]

Just now, cali2bali said:

I’m up to date on taxes , I still have a address in the USA through a friend, I still have a job there, bank accounts, and I’m going back for work this May for 4 months. My boss will also co sponsor if I need to. 

The address "through a friend" is not domicile......going back "for 4 months" is not domicile.  You, as the primary sponsor, must have domicile in the US, regardless of a joint sponsor or nor.....

[cali2bali 1]

The address through my friend has been my address for a long time , where I keep my possessions, its my primary address for drivers license , passport and taxes. My job there has been my job for the last 5 years which is seasonal. So if none of these reestablish domicile, then what will? If I am only here in Bali to support my wife until she gets approved to move  to the states ?

[cali2bali 1]

And what about the I-864 @missleman 

and all these :

 

• Opening a bank account -I already have one
• Transferring funds to the United States- 
• Making investments in the United States-  will open a llc when I get back in May 
• Accepting a job offer or seeking employment in the United States- I still have the same job 
• Registering children in U.S. schools- I have a daughter that I pay child support to monthly through my USA bank account 
• Applying for a Social Security number
• Voting in local, state or federal elections- I will vote this year and I am still registered to vote in Colorado 
• Signing a lease or purchasing a primary residence. Can get my friend to sign and prove that I have been living there when I’m not in Bali for so many years and I still get mail there
• Establishing utility bills, telephone bills, etc. in the sponsor’s name I have internet in my name in Colorado at that address 

Edited March 2, 2020 by cali2bali

[J/G 85]

On 3/2/2020 at 4:10 AM, cali2bali said:

So I started to do the I-130 application online and I got to a section where I couldn't type in my Indonesia number. I do not have a US number anymore after living in Bali for over two years. I though that maybe this online application wasn't for someone living outside the USA??? I would also like to hear opinions from people who have read similar threads in these forums. I would like to hear some pros and cons. Thanks

Hello Cali2Bali, 

 

I hope this helps. We applied our I-129 / K-1 visa while both living in Bali, Indonesia. The easiest solution for your question regarding Phone Number is to get a Skype US Telephone Number Subscription. You need to have a Skype Account, a smart phone (iOS or Android), a Skype App installed on your phone, and Internet Connection. You can choose how long you want to keep this Skype number, I'm no "IT Person" by any definition but this worked for us. 

 

Also, just to perhaps lift your spirit, none of our communications during application process was done over the phone from the US -- at least this is true for us. Everything was done either via e-mail or US mailing address. So I imagined you're technically not required to have a US Phone Number during your application period. If I'm wrong, or there has been changes since 2016 please someone correct me. 

 

The only time I used my US Skype phone number was when phoning USCIS office and to get a call back, instead of waiting for 3 hours on the line. Aside from that it was basically unnecessary. 

 

As for the US address, during our application stage and while living full time in Bali we used my husband's sister US address in PA to receive any letter from USCIS, she then FedEx / DHL said letter to us in Indonesia. Sounds complicated but it's really easy. 

 

Upon our arrival in the US, we settled in CA and all of our applications since then have used our CA address and we have never encountered any issues. I hope this help. 

 

Also, "Back in my days..." said Grandpa, filing online was not an option for I-129F so we used FedEx to mail all of our documents to USCIS. We used the FedEx office on the By-Pass Ngurah Rai road (en route to Nusa Dua Beach). 

 

Finally, there are complications or extra work and effort required when you're filing from abroad, but IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE! This forum offers a lot of advice and suggestion, and there are a lot of people that have been in your position. That being said, take all advice with a grain of salt. Anyway, Good luck!!

 

J/G

Edited March 8, 2020 by J/G