Living overseas while waiting for visa interview: What to do while there?

[Nathan Alden, Sr. 17]

Hi, all. I'm a US citizen who recently submitted Form I-130 for my Filipina spouse (although the overseas country shouldn't matter much for this discussion). Given the insane two- to three-year waits that seem to be inevitable before her visa interview, I decided to move to the Philippines to live with her for the time being. Finances are not an issue and I have nothing tying me to the US. My plan once I get to the Philippines is to rent a house or an apartment with her jointly in order to begin gathering co-mingling evidence. I'll apply for an ACR-I card as soon as possible, then apply for a 13(a) visa so that I am able to legally work, own property, etc. (things that can't be done on a non-immigrant visa). While there, I plan on saving every receipt, ticket, itinerary, photo, etc. that can be used as evidence during the visa interview. For employment, she and I are going to start an online business based in the US that should be usable during the visa interview to prove support of beneficiary and also intent to re-domicile, which seem to be two problems people commonly run into during that stage. We also plan on taking a motorcycle driving course and buying a motorcycle.

 

My question for the experienced people here: What else should I focus on gathering or doing to ensure the visa interview goes as smoothly as possible?

Edited June 25 by Nathan Alden, Sr.

[Boiler 45,449]

Meet the I 864 requirements

 

Be able to show US Domicile

[Nathan Alden, Sr. 17]

9 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Meet the I 864 requirements

 

Be able to show US Domicile

 

Thank you. I have plans for both of those things. I figured the steps were relatively simple.

[pushbrk 12,870]

Note that foreigners cannot own property in the Philippines, no matter what their visa is.  You can buy a Condo no matter what visa, or you can use your money to buy property for a Filipino.  Don't expect to find work.  Plan to enjoy life together.

 

ACR card must be applied for by tourists, between day 44 and day 58, whether you want it or think you need it or not.  You won't get that second extension without applying for it.  Enjoy

[Nathan Alden, Sr. 17]

8 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Note that foreigners cannot own property in the Philippines, no matter what their visa is.  You can buy a Condo no matter what visa, or you can use your money to buy property for a Filipino.  Don't expect to find work.  Plan to enjoy life together.

 

ACR card must be applied for by tourists, between day 44 and day 58, whether you want it or think you need it or not.  You won't get that second extension without applying for it.  Enjoy

 

Thanks. I completely forgot the laws about foreigners never being able to own property, and I had just read that a few days ago! I'm too stressed, LOL.

[pushbrk 12,870]

4 minutes ago, Nathan Alden, Sr. said:

 

Thanks. I completely forgot the laws about foreigners never being able to own property, and I had just read that a few days ago! I'm too stressed, LOL.

A little off topic, but you can own through inheritance, if your wife dies first.  Not a pleasant thought, buy your non-Filipino heirs cannot inherit the property when YOU die.

 

[TexasRafael 134]

If you are going to be there, why not get married and the apply for spousal visa, much cheaper and when your spouse comes to the US already will have green card.

[Nathan Alden, Sr. 17]

2 minutes ago, TexasRafael said:

If you are going to be there, why not get married and the apply for spousal visa, much cheaper and when your spouse comes to the US already will have green card.

 

That was my plan. However, I learned that there is still a specific medical requirement that I can't meet. I've abandoned the 13A as a viable path.

[OldUser 6,612]

14 minutes ago, Nathan Alden, Sr. said:

 

That was my plan. However, I learned that there is still a specific medical requirement that I can't meet. I've abandoned the 13A as a viable path.

I'm pretty sure the medical requirements are similar for K-1 vs CR-1? Immigrant may delay certain vaccinations during K-1 but they'd be required to complete it for AOS.

 

Do you mind sharing more if not too personal?

[Boiler 45,449]

Vaccine waiver presumably

[pushbrk 12,870]

6 hours ago, TexasRafael said:

If you are going to be there, why not get married and the apply for spousal visa, much cheaper and when your spouse comes to the US already will have green card.

He's already married.  The 13a visa mentioned is for him, not her.

[Larry207 9]

I'm reading on Reddit USCIS that people are getting approved in 12 to 14 months. My friend and his spouse who are living in the Philippines got their 1-130 approval on 6/30 2024. They applied May 2023.

Edited July 1 by Larry207

[mam521 2,058]

On 7/1/2024 at 6:50 AM, Larry207 said:

I'm reading on Reddit USCIS that people are getting approved in 12 to 14 months. My friend and his spouse who are living in the Philippines got their 1-130 approval on 6/30 2024. They applied May 2023.

The I-130 approval is only the first step in the process.  There are successive steps after that require more time and further approvals.