Chancy

Check for recent IR5 case updates in the thread below -- Your parents will become green card holders the moment they enter the US with their IR5 visas. If you mean wait time for the plastic GC, delivery could take 90 days or so after US entry.

The requirement is to upload passport-style 2"x2" photo of the visa applicant, not photos showing their relationship with the petitioner. The case "Submit" button on CEAC will not work properly unless you upload the 2"x2" photo.

The restriction to travel to the US before turning 18 years old is only for those seeking to automatically acquire US citizenship based on having a USC parent. Not applicable to your friend's kids. For your friend's kids, some time after the I-130 petition has been approved, they must fill out the DS-260 visa application form within 1 year of being notified to do so. After submitting the DS-260, it will likely take a few more years before they get a visa interview, which may be scheduled many months after their mother's interview. No requirement for them to be below 18 at that time, but because they are still so young, they will probably be below 18 when they get an interview.

It seems your husband is not yet a US citizen. If so, he cannot petition yet for his mother to immigrate. As for visiting, your MIL has to apply for a tourist visa herself. Although your husband may help to fill out the DS-160 online application form, the signatory will be your MIL. Other than being listed on the DS-160 as a relative, you do not need to be involved at all. As for your husband's citizenship process, you also do not need to be involved, other than being listed as spouse (or ex-spouse) on the N-400 form. Once he becomes a US citizen, your I-864 financial obligations will end. If he petitions for his mother after that, you do not need to be involved, unless you agree to sign an I-864 to sponsor her (not sure why you would want to).

*** Moved from Bringing Family of USC forum to Moving to the US & Your New Life In America forum -- topic is about processes after US entry ***

*** Removed related thread. Please post your related questions/updates in this thread to keep the discussion in one place. ***

Yes, there is an option for the kids to "follow to join" while the parent tries out living in the US to decide whether they want to reside permanently or not. More info: "What if my derivative family member wants to wait to immigrate?" -- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing/ceac-faqs.html#ceac14 When did the US citizen mother file the I-130 petition? Was the mother already a USC when she filed the I-130? What age was your friend when the I-130 was filed? What country do the kids and their father currently reside?

Depending on your priorities, I recommend the opposite -- divorce in the US first, then reclaim your Philippine citizenship only after you get your final divorce decree. This is only if it is important for you to be able to get your US divorce recognized in the Philippines someday. Recognition of Foreign Divorce is only available if at least one of the involved parties is not a Filipino citizen when the divorce was finalized. If PH recognition of divorce is not important to you, then the timing of your dual citizenship process doesn't matter. From "2018 FAQ Guide on the Recognition of Foreign Divorce" -- https://lawyerphilippines.org/faq-guide-recognition-of-foreign-divorce/ If two dual citizens divorce abroad, can they afterwards have their divorce recognized in the Philippines? Answer: No, they cannot. If a divorce is obtained by two dual citizens — if both of them have Filipino citizenship at the time of the divorce — then that divorce cannot be recognized. Since they both have Filipino citizenship, they remain subject to the prohibition on divorce between two Filipinos. If two Filipinos marry and then one is a foreign citizen at the time of their foreign divorce, can that divorce be recognized in the Philippines? Answer: Yes, it can. If one of the parties is a foreigner at the time of their divorce, then that foreign divorce can be recognized in the Philippines.

*** Moved from General Immigration-Related Discussion to ROC General Discussion ***

*** Moved from AOS Progress Reports to AOS from K1 Visas forum ***

That was a great bargain! In 2021, my one-way ticket to Louisiana via JAL/AA was $850. I booked it a week before my flight which was on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Pre-COVID, I got all my RT tickets on EVA Air during the BPI Travel Fair. Lowest was $540 for MNL-SFO RT in summer 2019. The first Travel Fair for 2023 just ended a couple of weeks ago. The next one will probably be in October.

*** Moved from Diversity Visas forum to Moving to the US & Your New Life In America forum ***

My understanding is that the consulate in London will send the CR1/IR1 interview appointment schedule. The applicant does not self-schedule. Is your husband's case already Documentarily Qualified (DQ) at NVC? What is the CEAC case status? Typically it will display "Ready" or "In Transit" when the interview letter (IL) is imminent.

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures to IR1/CR1 Progress Reports -- topic is about timeframe estimates *** If the interview will be in Manila as your VJ profile indicates, check the thread below for updates from others like you also waiting for an appointment at USEM --

*** Moved from US Citizenship General Discussion to Progress Reports -- topic is about timeframe estimates ***

LPRs filing under 5-year rule do not have to worry about long absences before the 5 years prior to filing. Under 3-year rule, no need to worry about trips before the 3 years. It's a privilege of being married to the same USC for 3 years. The suggestion to provide 5 years of travel history is really just for literal interpretation of the form instructions, even if only the past 3 years should be considered.

If filing under the 3-year rule, only need to have continuous US residence for the 3 years prior to filing. In exchange for the lighter residence requirement, applicants are required to be living in marital union for those 3 years to the same USC. 5-year rule -- more US physical presence and continuous residence needed, but don't care who you're living with, if any.

Thanks. I was looking for exceptions to the interview requirement for N-600K in the policy manual. Turns out, it's not always required if the documentation of US citizenship and physical presence is sufficient.

Just to comply with the form instructions, enter 5 years of travel history if you've been an LPR for those 5 years. If you're filing N-400 under the 3-year rule, USCIS should only consider the most recent 3 of those 5 years.

Um, if your child is qualifying based on your dad's US physical presence, how will your dad sign the form and attend the interview? From page 1 of the N-600K form -- "NOTE: The applicant on this form is the child's parent, grandparent, or legal guardian."

*** Moved from AOS from K1 Visas forum to SSN sub-forum ***

That memo you linked states that F student visa holder accrues unlawful presence when they fail to maintain their non-immigrant status, even if they were admitted as D/S. The consulate was correct in the OP's case -- 10-year ban applies.

*** Moved from General Immigration-Related Discussion to Effects of Major Family Changes forum, where VAWA-related topics are discussed *** I suggest also posting on the VAWA mega-thread, where folks more knowledgeable on the subject hang out --

*** Moved from AOS from Work/Student/Tourist Visas forum to AOS Progress Reports ***

*** Moved from AOS from Work/Student/Tourist Visas forum to Tax & Finances During US Immigration, as new info disclosed by OP reveals that AOS is not a legal option ***