Living separately from spouse while I-130 is pending,,

[shytown 45]

I submitted I-130 on behalf of my husband in September 2021. I’ve been living with him in Europe for 5+ years now. Since in all likelihood, we will probably get a visa decision made this Fall/Winter according to predicted processing times, I’ve already gone ahead and got a job in the States. I’ll be moving back to start my new job soon, so my husband and I will need to live separately until there’s a resolution on his visa.

 

My question is, does this work against us in any way to be living separately, even when it’s basically me setting things up in the US for the both of us as we wait for his visa? Is this common to do? 

[SalishSea 18,073]

23 minutes ago, shytown said:

I submitted I-130 on behalf of my husband in September 2021. I’ve been living with him in Europe for 5+ years now. Since in all likelihood, we will probably get a visa decision made this Fall/Winter according to predicted processing times, I’ve already gone ahead and got a job in the States. I’ll be moving back to start my new job soon, so my husband and I will need to live separately until there’s a resolution on his visa.

 

My question is, does this work against us in any way to be living separately, even when it’s basically me setting things up in the US for the both of us as we wait for his visa? Is this common to do? 

It will not work against you;  on the contrary, it is great evidence of being domiciled in the US.

[RO_AH 1,661]

4 hours ago, shytown said:

My question is, does this work against us in any way to be living separately, even when it’s basically me setting things up in the US for the both of us as we wait for his visa? Is this common to do? 

Most everyone that files for a I-130 lives separately and is filing so they can live together.

[Redro 4,611]

4 hours ago, shytown said:

I submitted I-130 on behalf of my husband in September 2021. I’ve been living with him in Europe for 5+ years now. Since in all likelihood, we will probably get a visa decision made this Fall/Winter according to predicted processing times, I’ve already gone ahead and got a job in the States. I’ll be moving back to start my new job soon, so my husband and I will need to live separately until there’s a resolution on his visa.

 

My question is, does this work against us in any way to be living separately, even when it’s basically me setting things up in the US for the both of us as we wait for his visa? Is this common to do? 

Some consulates (like Montreal) used to require the USC move back to the US before interview stage. (I believe they're more lenient these days due to Covid)

And several members have moved back to the US before their partner as it helps prove domicile/helps with I-864. 

You have strong evidence for the I-130 to be approved (5+ years living together in Europe) and after the move you'll have strong proof for domicile.  

 

[shytown 45]

On 6/17/2022 at 12:02 AM, Jorgedig said:

It will not work against you;  on the contrary, it is great evidence of being domiciled in the US.

I appreciate your advice. That's great to hear. Related to this question, I was wondering if you could help me with a second issue regarding notifying them of my change in address which doesn't seem to be simple when you submitted the petition while living in a foreign country... 

[SalishSea 18,073]

2 hours ago, shytown said:

I appreciate your advice. That's great to hear. Related to this question, I was wondering if you could help me with a second issue regarding notifying them of my change in address which doesn't seem to be simple when you submitted the petition while living in a foreign country... 

I haven't personally had to do that, but it's possible @ROK2USA has.

[Redro 4,611]

5 hours ago, shytown said:

I appreciate your advice. That's great to hear. Related to this question, I was wondering if you could help me with a second issue regarding notifying them of my change in address which doesn't seem to be simple when you submitted the petition while living in a foreign country... 

We didn't submit a change of address when the I-130 was pending. 

You need to change your address through paper mail (can't do it via the website). 

Just waited for the petition to be approved and updated address on the DS260.

Asked asked our former landlord to forward any mail to us when it arrived. I think we got our physical letter 1.5 months after our NOA2.