I-864 proof of domicile

[mapi 21]

Hi all,

 

Story:

Last week my wife and I filed the i-130 from the Netherlands (online application) and I am preparing some future steps to be ahead.

 

My wife and I are both employed here and plan to move to the US as soon as I receive my visa. Now, my mother-in-law will be a joint sponsor, so that's covered. The only question I have is to proof that my wife (US citizen) will establish domicile in the US no later than me (beneficiary).

 

She worked in the last 1.5 years of her PhD also here for an US company, under Dutch contract, just to cover expenses (from what I understand this might be contradictory to the temporary part(?))

 

Case:

She lived in the Netherlands for about 8 years, but only for studies. So, I'll try to proof that by showing records of:

- letter from mother-in-law we're going to live at here address to start our house-seeking journey;

- proof of registration of her master program 

- proof of her PhD program (ended June 2022)

- US bank account

- US tax filed last years

- US election votes 

 

Question:

We might even have a job lined up by then, but we're not sure about that yet. Eight years is a long time. Does anyone has a clue if this sounds like strong case to proof my wife's intention to establish domicile?

 

Thank you all very much.

 

Martijn 

Edited July 11, 2022 by mapi

[pushbrk 12,764]

Probably sufficient coming from the Netherlands.  A job offer would be a great addition to the above.

 

Note your wife must enter the US with or before you.  She need not actually establish residence before your entry, as you certainly can enter together.

[mapi 21]

6 hours ago, pushbrk said:

Probably sufficient coming from the Netherlands.  A job offer would be a great addition to the above.

 

Note your wife must enter the US with or before you.  She need not actually establish residence before your entry, as you certainly can enter together.

Thank you so much. You're very helpful, sir.

That's good to hear.

 

Of course we both will try to have a job lined up or have at least some invitations for interviews. 

 

Would it help if we transfer a lump sum cash to her US account?

Also, she always kept paying off her debt for university in the US on her own bank account. That helps a lot I guess?

 

 

[Family 3,937]

50 minutes ago, mapi said:

Of course we both will try to have a job lined up or have at least some invitations for interviews. 

 

Would it help if we transfer a lump sum cash to her US account?

Focus on your wife gathering evidence of intent, your own efforts or good fortune won’t be considered 

https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM060114.html

 These are only needed when you ge5 to NVC:

 

1. Establish MIL address as your permanent US address , she can write a Letter stating you pay no rent , all utilities are in her name and her home is your home for an unlimited duration. ( It’s ok when the t8me comes that you buy or rent other lodgings) or if you will be helping MIL w household expenses , just say so 

 

2. Have your wife draft Intent to Re-establish Domicile Letter , no formal format just state what/how’s 

 

2. Transferring money to US account is great idea / set address to MIL

 

3. Job searches are good enough ( in case she does not have one lined up) 

 

4. If she has a chance to pop into the US, visit mom, get a state id or renew her drivers license , you get brownie points ( ok if she cannot) and perhaps she can refresh / renew voter registration 

 

 

[mapi 21]

@Family thank you!

I know that my intentions do not count

 

Great to hear that that will be sufficient.

She has been voting for the last years, and also het DL is valid. Does it make sense to renew it then?

 

her bank account is already on MIL address and we've been paying of student loan for years on that account + we'll transfer a lump sum to that account.

[Family 3,937]

The FAM / Foreign Affairs Manual link I sent has re establishing domicile spelled out in black and white and you hit all major points , so you will be fine .

Student Loan repay is of course good.

[Family 3,937]

11 minutes ago, mapi said:

valid. Does it make sense to renew it then?

No need to renew until it expires, valid DL means you are already ahead of the game

[mapi 21]

41 minutes ago, Family said:

The FAM / Foreign Affairs Manual link I sent has re establishing domicile spelled out in black and white and you hit all major points , so you will be fine .

Student Loan repay is of course good.

You're right. I didn't look at it yet (just woke up). But now I did.

Thanks for the handy page.

 

As you said, we'll be good