File for IR-1 Spouse Visa while living outside the US

[Kathleen Martin 0]

Hello all!

I am a US citizen, looking to file for a IR-1 Spouse Visa. I have read the helpful guides and believe I have an understanding of what forms and information to include when filing for the IR-1 Visa. Currently, we are residing outside the US (in Mexico). In my research it seems there is a different filing process when the US citizen is residing outside the US? Is this accurate?

Another question, my husband has his US tourist visa, so when filing do we also need to file for more of a visa transfer rather than a new visa entirely?

 

I hope my questions are clear and I appreciate any and all feedback. VisaJourney is an excellent resource and I am happy to be part of it. 

 

Thank you,

Katie 

[powerpuff 6,697]

3 minutes ago, Kathleen Martin said:

In my research it seems there is a different filing process when the US citizen is residing outside the US? Is this accurate?

For the USCIS portion of the process, no, the process is not different. 
 

After petition approval (12-14 months), at NVC, you’ll need to show intent to establish domicile in the US and also find a qualified joint sponsor if yo do not have a US based job.

 

5 minutes ago, Kathleen Martin said:

Another question, my husband has his US tourist visa, so when filing do we also need to file for more of a visa transfer rather than a new visa entirely?

Tourist visa is irrelevant. It’s a non immigrant visa that allows him to visit at the discretion of CBP. You’re applying for an immigrant visa which is totally different and separate.

[SalishSea 17,818]

5 minutes ago, Kathleen Martin said:

Hello all!

I am a US citizen, looking to file for a IR-1 Spouse Visa. I have read the helpful guides and believe I have an understanding of what forms and information to include when filing for the IR-1 Visa. Currently, we are residing outside the US (in Mexico). In my research it seems there is a different filing process when the US citizen is residing outside the US? Is this accurate?

Another question, my husband has his US tourist visa, so when filing do we also need to file for more of a visa transfer rather than a new visa entirely?

 

I hope my questions are clear and I appreciate any and all feedback. VisaJourney is an excellent resource and I am happy to be part of it. 

 

Thank you,

Katie 

No, an immigrant visa is completely separate from tourist visas.

 

You will be applying via a lockbox for consular processing.   You need to file an I-130 petition to get the ball rolling.

[Ali91 3]

On 11/8/2024 at 7:24 AM, Kathleen Martin said:

Hello all!

I am a US citizen, looking to file for a IR-1 Spouse Visa. I have read the helpful guides and believe I have an understanding of what forms and information to include when filing for the IR-1 Visa. Currently, we are residing outside the US (in Mexico). In my research it seems there is a different filing process when the US citizen is residing outside the US? Is this accurate?

Another question, my husband has his US tourist visa, so when filing do we also need to file for more of a visa transfer rather than a new visa entirely?

 

I hope my questions are clear and I appreciate any and all feedback. VisaJourney is an excellent resource and I am happy to be part of it. 

 

Thank you,

Katie 

My wife (US citizen) is living abroad since 12 years and she filed my I-130 petition. It got approved within 14 months. Next step is NVC and we provided all the required documents asked on NVC portal. now my interview is held next month at the US consulate overseas where we live at the moment. Nothing is different or difficult but if you lived overseas for long time then you have to provide proof of Domicile which can be (property, lease agreement, valid driving licence, voter registration ID, bank account, medical records etc). And if your income is not in the US or below the poverty line then you need to find a joint sponsor who qualifies for it. Good luck!

[pushbrk 12,876]

On 11/8/2024 at 7:31 AM, SalishSea said:

No, an immigrant visa is completely separate from tourist visas.

 

You will be applying via a lockbox for consular processing.   You need to file an I-130 petition to get the ball rolling.

Just to clarify, "lockbox" is kind of an insider term.  You are filing with an intake facility.  They have a PO box address, but they also have a physical address.  Only USPS can deliver to a PO Box.  It's called a "lockbox" because it has a number, but you don't walk up to it and open it like a regular little PO Box.  Those aren't big enough for the amount of mail they get.  If filing from Mexico on paper, use the physical address and DHL, UPS, or FedEX, etc.