Documents accepted but need more proof of domicile (Split)

[andreg 0]

Hi, may I ask how things worked out for you in the end? We are in the exact same situation.

My wife is the US citizen, I am the sole breadwinner in our family, we have a 6 month and autistic 5 year old, so splitting up our family is entirely out of question.

As proof for intent to establish domicile we submitted:

- letter from my wife’s grandfather confirming we can live in his house

- bank statements confirming my wife maintained a US bank account since 2020

- statement confirming she opened a US savings account and transferred money to it last year

- proof that she opened an investment account in the US and bought stocks

- voting record showing she voted regularly in all elections

- an email showing she gathered information about studying in the US

- receipts showing she already ordered things to her parents’ address that are waiting for us in the US

 

Still got the message that my wife "might not have a principal residence or be domiciled in the United States. Please submit proof of domicile." - the submitted proof is marked as accepted though. Really unsure what to think of this.

 

On a side note, this domicile requirement is an absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary burden on US citizens. What better evidence could there be for your intent to re-establish a US domicile than going through this whole visa process and then entering the country together with your family?

Edited February 3 by Crazy Cat

[Crazy Cat 41,836]

***This topic was split from an old thread with no activity for 4 years***

[Redro 4,611]

1 hour ago, andreg said:

Hi, may I ask how things worked out for you in the end? We are in the exact same situation.

My wife is the US citizen, I am the sole breadwinner in our family, we have a 6 month and autistic 5 year old, so splitting up our family is entirely out of question.

As proof for intent to establish domicile we submitted:

- letter from my wife’s grandfather confirming we can live in his house

- bank statements confirming my wife maintained a US bank account since 2020

- statement confirming she opened a US savings account and transferred money to it last year

- proof that she opened an investment account in the US and bought stocks

- voting record showing she voted regularly in all elections

- an email showing she gathered information about studying in the US

- receipts showing she already ordered things to her parents’ address that are waiting for us in the US

 

Still got the message that my wife "might not have a principal residence or be domiciled in the United States. Please submit proof of domicile." - the submitted proof is marked as accepted though. Really unsure what to think of this.

 

On a side note, this domicile requirement is an absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary burden on US citizens. What better evidence could there be for your intent to re-establish a US domicile than going through this whole visa process and then entering the country together with your family?

Research daycare or schooling options for your two children. This is additional evidence they suggest for proof of domicile. 
Maybe have your wife enroll in some classes, too. 
And I agree the domicile requirement is extremely burdensome for USCs living abroad. But, the CR1/IR1 visa is about family REUNIFICATION in the US. So, the thinking is if you’re already in another country together AND if the beneficiary does not get a visa the family can and will remain in the other country… there is no reason for the consulate to issue a visa. 
So, your wife needs to plan things as if she HAS to go to the US with or without you…

Which embassy will you interview at? 

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

2 hours ago, andreg said:

What better evidence could there be for your intent to re-establish a US domicile than going through this whole visa process and then entering the country together with your family?

 

Which consulate?

[powerpuff 6,697]

*** Topic moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures ***

[PGA 240]

3 hours ago, andreg said:

Still got the message that my wife "might not have a principal residence or be domiciled in the United States. Please submit proof of domicile."

I think (though I may be wrong) that this is a pretty standard message they send if the petitioner's address is listed as outside the US. They often send a similar standard message regarding a need for a joint sponsor if you're planning on using only assets for support.  Aside from that, the evidence you listed seems pretty good but it doesn't hurt to follow others suggestions for even more. 

Edited February 3 by PGA