Definition of "short notice" and other potential issues with work-relocation DCF?

[jkxp 0]

Hi all,

Been lurking here for awhile now but wanted to ask a few questions directly. I am a US citizen married to a Japanese citizen, and I have just been offered a job in the states. My understanding is that I should qualify for an exception - the offer letter requires me to relocate by the end of March (~2.5 months). I'm assuming this will easily meet the definition of short notice, but the official wording is vague and seems to give consular officials a lot of discretion. Has anyone ever heard of this being an issue?

Also, are there any other common pitfalls that people fall into with job-based DCF, particularly in the initial I-130 interview? I've seen a lot of comments suggesting that exceptions in general are difficult to get, but on the other hand, most DCF accounts here are positive, and the few rejections I've seen weren't clearly explained. Any pointers to maximize our chances of success would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Edited January 15, 2022 by jkxp

[MXcompadre 75]

Read the U.S. Embassy & Cosulates Japan website regarding their policy "Exceptional Situations' regarding filing/acceptance of an I-130 petition = https://jp.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/family-immigration/apply-step1/

Edited January 15, 2022 by MXcompadre
additional information

[Seashell90 12]

Not sure if you already filed DCF but my experience so far may shed some light. You can probably find my posting if you click on my profile. Hope it helps!

[jkxp 0]

On 2/7/2022 at 10:54 PM, Seashell90 said:

Not sure if you already filed DCF but my experience so far may shed some light. You can probably find my posting if you click on my profile. Hope it helps!

Hi, yes, I did take a look at your thread and it was very informative, thanks. There were some delays, but our interview is scheduled for next week. We haven't had too much trouble with gathering the documentation or filling out the forms, but I have noticed a few things that seem to be a challenge for people filing DCF from abroad. I'd welcome your input, or input from anyone who is familiar:

• Form I-130 requires an intended address in the United States. As I am relocating for a short-notice job offer via DCF, I don't have an address sorted out yet. I'm planning on temporary accommodations until I physically arrive and can find something more permanent. I've seen conflicting advice on what to put down for this, and a common solution seems to be using the parents' home address, but I'm unsure of this, as I'm relocating for a job, and my parents don't live near the place where I'll be working. It does seem like most people filing for DCF haven't had much trouble explaining this portion of the form to consular officials, who I imagine understand that the situation is complicated for people relocating from abroad - but I'm still a bit concerned and welcome advice. 
• I see a lot of people are filing form I-864 at the initial I-130 interview. It is optional in Tokyo, and I am personally leaning towards filing it later, because as I understand it, only current income counts, and while my job offer lists a salary that should more than suffice, I haven't started the job yet, and don't currently have a sufficient income. If filed later, I should be able to show proof of current income. I was thinking about discussing this with the consular staff during my interview - but if there is a compelling reason why I should submit the I-864 right away regardless of the above concerns, again, I'd like to know.

Appreciate the time of anyone who has bothered to read this far - I'm looking forward to getting to the interview but want to make sure I'm as well-prepared as possible. 

Edited March 5, 2022 by jkxp