US Immigration from New Zealand

I have an interesting situation. Apologies for the lenghthy text. I received a green card via marriage in 2010. I moved out of the USA back to my home country in 2013 but would continue to come back every year. A few times at the airport I was questioned as to why I'm only coming back for 4 weeks a year but was always let back in on my green card. When covid hit my flight was cancelled and I was actually looking to move back again full time in usa. Uncertain about Covid I decided to stay in my home country due to health care and family etc.... Shortly after covid hit, my mother had a massive stroke and I was stuck looking after her. My green card expired in 2020 so I thought I'll never be allowed to return to usa to live again. I was recently offered a very good job in usa from my brother so i reached out to an immigration attorney for options. He told me to apply for a replacement green card using I-90 form. He told me i might have a few outcomes. 1. I get denied.
2. I get an appointment for biometrics which can take months.
3. I get a new green card approved but the wait time is 20 months.
I decided to try option 3 and apply for a new green card. I applied on the 9th of Jan 2025 and on Jan 12th 2025 I got an update from USCIS that my new green card is approved and is being produced and will be with me in about 1 or 2 weeks.

Now. Here is my issue. I've been out of the usa for 5 years. I have a brand new 10 year green card but I fear that i will not be allowed entry once I fly to usa.

I can show evidence that I was my mothers caregiver from the hospital etc...

Any advice, similar scenarios or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

P

Help,

We received a notice of decision that our I-485 was denied, with strong messaging that my husband would have to leave the country within 33 days and that employment authorization would be removed!? My husband and I got married on the K1 visa within 90 days of entry and followed all requested documents and protocol. We submitted all documentation in April, and November we've received notice of denial for complete Federal Tax Return information and evidence of my citizenship (all of which I included). We are terrified. What do we do next?

Thank you,

Dixie

Hi there -

Another "I need to bring my spouse to the US" thread. I've read several threads online and in here but want to make sure I'm aware of all the options available to us.

I have a green card thru my parents. My wife is a New Zealand citizen. I'm aware I need to file form I-130. Processing time is realistically around 5 years.

Is this the fastest route for us? Goal is to minimize the amount of time away from each other.

If we have a baby after submitting the form, can we add the baby to her application?

I'm a software engineer with over a decade of experience. My plan is to find a fully remote job while waiting. Spend 8 months in the US & 4 months in NZ (wife can visit me in the US too). The time zone & taxes will be a pain. It also reduces the potential companies I can work for, but I think it's the best option given our situation. I need to split my time because my parents are getting old with several medical issues.

In other countries when people immigrate, they can bring their spouse & children with them immediately if they work in a certain field or earn a certain amount. Is there something similar in the US?

Thank you all!

We ideally would like to get me a visa which allows me to move in and work for some time like normal couples would to get to really know each other before deciding to marry, but that seems basically impossible?

I currently hold a valid B1/B2 visa which apparently allows me to stay for up to 6 months at one time without working.

I'm nervous about this as I'm not sure how they will view this as me not trying to immigrate or work illegally, neither of which I plan to do at all. I have enough money saved up to be able to support myself so am not worried about showing proof for that.

I am also unsure about if I definitely need a leaving ticket out of America or is the proof of funds enough?

and when I have to leave, how long do I need to have been gone for before I'm allowed to return potentially for another 6 months?

I feel like I have a million questions but now I can't think of anything else.

Thanks in advance for any helpful stories of similar experiences and advice on how to go about this the right way.

Welcome all AOS filers for Sep 2024! Creating this thread as a place for us to discuss progress and support each other

Previous monthly filing threads (such as this one and this one) have included checklists/instructions - feel free to check those out, but instead I would recommend simply reading through the relevant guide. Please double-check that this guide applies to your situation.

I submitted on Sep 4 and received NOA1 for all applications on Sep 11. Unsure why, but on my USCIS online portal, the 'case was received...' entry reads Sep 6. Biometrics will be on Sep 30.

Good luck all!