smdexpat

Hi

We did DCF through Switzerland two years ago and had a similar situation, except for the fact that I had a job offer pending successful completion of the Green Card approval process. I had more in cash assets than you do, but my wife didn't have much in personal assets.

I was not required to secure a co-sponsor and the fact that my wife was not planning on working didn't seem to be a major hurdle. However, the job offer and my immediate intent to start working were seen as very positive.

I would advise trying to secure a job offer if you can - even if it is much lower salary or entry level than you would otherwise consider. If you're both employable and don't have any dependents, it should be OK.

best of luck

Vivian,

Obviously there are no guarantees with the process - but based on my own experience - married my US wife in the USA but left immediately for Switzerland, assets in my name for the I-864, job offer for me based on Visa approval - you have nothing to worry about.

Mae sure you include a copy of your offer letter/contract (signed by you as well) as although this is not technically admissable, I found that the consular officer wanted to include it and it carried a lot of weight.

My wife had no earnings/no tax returns and all we needed to do to prove domicile is tell them that I had resigned, we had booked movers and our son was enrolled in school. The guy said "We'd better get you sorted out then."

Perhaps not typical - but our experience was really great after the !-130 approval.

cheers

You gotta love DCF:

Started in June - I-130 filed on June 5th, NOA 1 arrived June 6th.

Sent Packet 3 notification on July 30th - got receipt and Interview on August 2nd.

Interview today (I could have done it sooner but we were on vacation) and got approved in about 20 minutes, Pick up my visa tomorrow.

US embassy in Bern - very tough on paperwork and accuracy - but couldn't do more to help us. Truly "strict but fair". Very nice people and ultimately very helpful.

I am so grateful for the resources and advice on VJ - made life much easier.

thanks to all.

Stuart

Can anyone explain to me how the USA residency requirement for the USC & Sponsor works - if living outside the USA.

I read a post on SkyWeb where a lady and her husband actually had to lease an appartment in the USA and fax a copy of the lease to the embassy.

My wife and I live in Switzerland and intend to stay with family (her parents) until we find a place to rent/buy when we are in the USA.

Anyone else been through this?

thanks

Thanks Very much - the intention to move requirement is clear. I was wondering how strong the "intention" needs to be. I suspect that we'll be OK.

regards

Can anyone explain to me how the USA residency requirement for the USC & Sponsor works - if living outside the USA.

I read a post on SkyWeb where a lady and her husband actually had to lease an appartment in the USA and fax a copy of the lease to the embassy.

My wife and I live in Switzerland and intend to stay with family (her parents) until we find a place to rent/buy when we are in the USA.

Anyone else been through this?

thanks

Okay, I will clarify a few things and perhaps make it easier for you to advise me.

My mother has offered this evening to be a joint sponsor, but I need more details as to what this entails if you can advise.

My fiancee, Rob, is a UK citizen, was born here, and has lived here all of his life. We have been living together for nearly 2 years. I have only just agreed to the terms of my divorce which has been ongoing since 2004. I should have my final divorce paperwork within the next two weeks (decree absolute).

I have lived here since 1997.

I have what is called "Indefinite Remain To Leave" in the UK with no restrictions. This means that I live in the UK with no restrictions. However, if I leave for more than 2 years at a time, I can lose this, so we intend on visiting often.

Our combined household income is about £42,000 per annum - or about $84,000.00 US.

I own a home here with about £20,000 ($40,000.00 US) worth of equity, and my car is worth about £8000.00 ($16,000 US).

Would this be adequate for assets?

I will mention to my mom that everyone will be staying with their own mom, I am sure she will be relieved

Your income is only valid if you will continue to receive the same source of income when you are in the USA. i.e. if you are planning on resigning and trying to find a new job in the USA - your income is not counted.

cheers

Hello!

New to the site - lots of great info'.

I would like some advice from anyone with relevant experience please.

Me - UK citizen living and working in Switzerland on a Permit B. Been here since April 2005.

My wife - US citizen been here since july 2005 also on a permit B.

History:

We met in 1999. I was spending a lot of time in the USA for work - but not legally resident - I was in and out of the country about once a month. So we started dating - then the following year I managed to get a job in Seattle and successfully got an H1-B visa in 2000 and moved to Seattle.

Renewed the Visa in 2003 until 2006 - same company. Then the company was acquired - I transferred the Visa to the new company - essentially just a name change.

All this time - I've was living with my girlfriend (now my wife) in Seattle. We then decide to get married and set it all up for July 2005. In the interim, I get a job offer in Switzerland (same company - different office) and start working out of Geneva as of February 2005. Travelling like a lunatic and basically living out of hotels around the world.

I travel back to Seattle, get married and then my wife and I move together to Switzerland in July 2005.

H1-B expired gracefully and with a gentle sigh in December 2006. Since then I have been in and out of the USA several times on the Visa waiver program for business.

Since then we've been living happily in Switzerland and also had a baby in August last year.

So - to get to the point. We want to move back to the USA.

I work, my wife does not - and has not worked since 2001. I would therefore be the "bread winner" in the USA.

We have assets in excess of the requirements and I have a job offer for a position in the USA - but it is contingent on Visa/Green card approval for me. Basically I would start as soon as I get approval to move to the USA, even it meant working from Europe for a while.

Does anyone have any experience of a similar process?

Also - is there a DCF processing centre in Switzerland?

How long does it take?

Are there any pitfalls/problems to be aware of?

Will the fact that my iwfe doesn't work be a problem?

What about the lack of USA residence? What address should we use?

many many thanks - look forwards to hearing about other people's stories