Black Unicorn

Because I asked while we went through the process. Helps to ask questions directly to the consulate and not just depend on forums.

Highly recommend you look for a job in the States while in Japan. It can be done using LinkedIn or other sites depending on your field. Explain to potential employers that you are still working in Japan but will relocate back to the states for the right position. Most companies including schools/universities will do the entire interview process online and send a offer. If you accept an offer then file for DCF in Japan (or Scotland if you have residency there) and go that route. We filed DCF in Frankfurt, Germany due to a job offer in the US that I got while living abroad. The entire process was virtual so I know it can be done. Hope this helps! Best of luck to you both!

We were kinda unsure of the social media question as well since my husband has FB but barely uses it. We listed his handle/URL for FB and LinkedIn and that's it. I listed my social handles as well. We had no issues with it. The Frankfurt consulate did a light search but nothing too deep. Also, they don't access deleted accounts or private content socials for the interview.

Frankfurt consulate does not allow the spouse to attend unless approved to come for translation purposes or active US military personnel spouse.

Congrats on getting the visa!!🥰 It's possible that your spouse has a time limit to enter the US, usually 6 months from the time your spouse completed the medical. I know my husband was told he had six months to enter after his visa was issued. He entered the US at the 6-month mark and everything was smooth. He was given the entry stamp in his passport and was told that it was a temporary Green Card valid for one year.

Thanks @Chancy for the info and providing the link. I had no idea it existed and it's very helpful to have. @Alex&Nayden I really appreciate you sharing y'alls experience it put things in perspective and what I was looking for feedback from others in our situation! Thank you!

How long does it take to receive the GC & SSN in the mail after entry into the U.S? Is there a way to track this stuff? Bit of background - we paid the mandatory immigrant fee a few months prior to my husband's arrival to the states and when completing the I-130/I-130A application he selected to have his SSN generated upon arrival to the U.S. He came in on a CR1 visa and after our 2 year anniversary. Forgive me for not knowing all the proper terminology on here. Kinda sending a quick question to the forum. Thanks y'all in advance!

Keep in mind that the process for DCF is a bit different for each embassy based on the country the DCF is filed in. The Embassy /Consulate provides clear instruction on how to make payment, the amount, and process once they allow you to file in person. Regardless, the fee is the same amount across the board for an immediate family member. With that in mind some embassies allow you to pay in US dollars or using debit/credit. When we did DCF in Germany we had to mail in a US cashiers check with the I-130, I-130A and requested documents. For most this is tricky if you are living in the country where you filed DCF. This is when you ask family/friends to get the cashiers check for you and send it to you so you can make payment if it has to be mailed to the embassy and they don't take in person payments.

In my experience I asked HR for a proof of employment letter that outlined that I had to be state side to continue to work remotely. HR gave me a very nice letter that included this, salary, my date of hire, position and verification that I work for them with all the contact details listed for the HR rep. It worked! No issues at all. Of course it must be on company letter head and signed. Short, sweet and to the point works best😊

Not sure if this will help but here goes. I (petitioner) included a letter that I typed up stating that I was not aware I had to file taxes while abroad. However, once I found out I filed the must recent (2021) back taxes. I put all that in the letter. I also included a copy of my 1040 tax return that I used H&R block to complete. My husband submitted the letter, tax return, and employment verification letter I got from my employer. In your case submit what they are asking for. Don't over think it because they know what they want and are willing to take. There are other couples in your same situation that were successful. Good Luck!! Oh, and I did mail the tax return to the IRS in the states.

Short answer...NO, your not! However, you do have to prove that you have and will continue to have the income necessary to sponsor your spouse. Without solid proof of income y'all will have a tough time getting approved. As for the job thing, folks switch companies all the time for a multitude of reasons like higher pay / higher salary offer. It's normal!