Anyone have an idea of what papers we'll need for DS-260 if both beneficiary and petitioner are liiving abroad?

[kurumu 11]

I (petitioner) am the US citizen, My wife (beneficiary) is Filipino, but both of us are currently living in Japan. On the I-130 We listed our local US consulate here as the place to apply for a visa.

 

We just got our NOA2 earlier this week, and are hoping to get all the papers for the next step prepared ASAP. So far we have started the process for:

- Police Clearance from both countries

- A new birth certificate (Philippine birth certificates expire, so we need a new copy.)

- I-864 From both myself and my father living in the US as joint sponsor. And related financial documents

 

We don't want to get thrown a curve-ball though, so I'm wondering if anyone else has any idea what other documents we might need to turn in.

[seekingthetruth 1,246]

1 hour ago, kurumu said:

I (petitioner) am the US citizen, My wife (beneficiary) is Filipino, but both of us are currently living in Japan. On the I-130 We listed our local US consulate here as the place to apply for a visa.

 

We just got our NOA2 earlier this week, and are hoping to get all the papers for the next step prepared ASAP. So far we have started the process for:

- Police Clearance from both countries

- A new birth certificate (Philippine birth certificates expire, so we need a new copy.)

- I-864 From both myself and my father living in the US as joint sponsor. And related financial documents

 

We don't want to get thrown a curve-ball though, so I'm wondering if anyone else has any idea what other documents we might need to turn in.

There is no expiration for a Philippine birth certificate.  Some employers, gov agencies, and schools were insisting that the BC be less than 6 months old, but this is illegal now.  Clarified last year.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/03/15/psa-told-clarify-no-expiry-validity-of-birth-certificates/

You do need one that is in good condition.  If it is worn out or frayed, it might be questioned.  If you are getting a new one, get some extras as you might need them later in the U.S.  You can order them online.

 

Just follow the instructions for documents.  How will you deal with the requirement for domicile in the U.S.?  If you don't actually have domicile, you can declare your intent to re-establish domicile.

[kurumu 11]

34 minutes ago, seekingthetruth said:

There is no expiration for a Philippine birth certificate.  Some employers, gov agencies, and schools were insisting that the BC be less than 6 months old, but this is illegal now.  Clarified last year.

My wife will be thrilled at this. She always gets angry when she has to order a new one.

 

About domicile, I've already got that covered I think. I've kept a brokerage and us bank account open my entire time overseas, and have recently opened a new US bank account and new US credit card, so I should be able to prove that my absence was only meant to be temporary and not permanent.

 

 

[Chancy 6,241]

14 hours ago, kurumu said:

- A new birth certificate (Philippine birth certificates expire, so we need a new copy.)

 

As mentioned above, Philippine BCs do not expire, but US immigration requires the BC with PSA seal.  If your wife's BC has the old NSO seal, she will need to order a PSA copy.

 

Your wife will probably need a CENOMAR, even if she will be interviewing in Japan.  Not required for the NVC stage, but I strongly recommend she bring her CENOMAR (or CEMAR, Advisory on Marriage) to the visa interview.