Securing Housing Before Spouse Receives IR-1 Visa

[alexturgul28 10]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this community, so I hope this is the right place to post this question. I am a USC petitioning to bring over my husband, who is from Turkey. I have been living with him in Turkey since this summer, when my previous rental agreement ended and I was free to move. Prior to that I was going back for short visits periodically since I work remotely and was able to do so. However, I am expecting our I-130 petition to be approved by the end of the year, so I am starting to think about coming back to the US early next year once it is approved so I can find us housing. My question is, does anyone have experience with getting their spouse onto a lease before they come to the US? I am worried that it will be difficult to rent a place with his name on the lease before he comes to the US since he won't have a SSN, visa, etc at the point. However, I need to find us housing before he comes. Staying with my family once he arrives in the US while we find a place isn't an option, since they live in AZ, and I need to return to OR to finish my graduate studies. I'd really love to be able to find us housing in Oregon (where we will be living) before he comes here, so we don't have to live in a hotel while searching for places. In my experience, landlords in the town I live in won't rent out a place to you unless you are able to view it in person, which is why it will be hard to find a place while I'm still in Turkey or if we are staying with my family. Any advice from others who have tried securing housing before their spouse has arrived would be greatly appreciated!

[TBoneTX 45,287]

Welcome to the forum.  

 

I recall a recent thread on this issue, perhaps in this same forum.  I'll see if I can find it.

 

One thing that you might try:  Contact some real estate agents in your area who specialize in rentals.  Explain your situation, and ask for their advice.  Please report back with what you learn, because others will surely be interested.

[TBoneTX 45,287]

Here's the one that I was thinking of:

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/784749-renting-while-aos-pending-no-ssn/?tab=comments#comment-10742419

 

It's not precisely the same issue, but the content is good.

There are probably other threads on the topic.  Search, scroll, or wait for someone helpful who'll locate them.

 

[Chancy 6,241]

Here's another thread with more ideas on the topic --

 

[alexturgul28 10]

Thank you, both! I will definitely contact some landlords ahead of time and explain the situation, I just am not optimistic given that I myself have had trouble finding a place without physically being in town. The other threads you linked suggested adding him onto the lease later, which I did not even think about! 

[TBoneTX 45,287]

15 minutes ago, alexturgul28 said:

I just am not optimistic

Keep a stiff attitude and a positive upper lip.  (Uh... or something.)  

It will be enlightening to hear what you learn.