Hello.
We are looking to re-establish domicile for my mom, who has lived in Canada for the past 25 years. She is a naturalized USC. We are looking to achieve this without her moving to the US during the process.
I've read that Montreal is notorious for being difficult and wants extreme evidence of establishing your life in the US so that your Spousal I-130 is approved. This will be filed with a Joint Sponsor who is working and living in the US.
We haven't submitted I-130 yet (we plan on doing it in the next few months, probably in October), but we're looking to prepare all the proof beforehand.
We plan on submitting the following:
Email communication with the local school board inquiring about the process and intent of registering my younger siblings (currently ages 10 and 14)
Email communication with Colleges and Universities inquiring about the process for my sister who will likely be applying for university at the time my dad gets approved
Email communication for health and auto insurance quotes
Email communication for shipping vehicles from Canada to California quotes
Email communication with Canadian Real Estate Agents for estimations as to how much our house is worth in the current market
Email will mention that we are planning to sell once the paperwork for my dad gets approved
Email communication with Realtors in the area we plan on moving to outline our requirements for a home and budget (once the Canadian house is sold)
Email communication with Canadian banks inquiring about plans for dual citizens living in the US
Also asking if they recommend we leave our account open, switch it to a no-fee-based structure, etc.
Renewing expired driver's license (California - mom's license has been expired for 20+ years. She will need to do a road test)
Opening a bank account with the previous bank she had when living in the US and making monthly deposits
This will need to be done after the driver's license and proof of address has been established
We will have housing from family until we can sell our Canadian home and transfer the money to buy property there
There will be email communication and a lease outlining an agreement for housing. It would be for $0 but I've read that looks suspicious so should we actually assign a proper monthly value here?
Proof of a bill under her name
We plan on getting a cheap cell phone plan that will be charged to her newly setup US bank account
Proof of CRBA for 3 of my siblings (these will be filed in the next month)
Proof of filing US Back Taxes
Mom never filed US taxes since she didn't know it had to be done. We will be getting this done in the next few weeks.
Proof of applying for jobs in the US
Proof of travel to the US in recent months (We have visited twice this year) - not sure if this provides any value but might indicate we're serious about moving?
Note: She will be making a trip to California in December to get the bank account, driver's license, and phone plan situated.
Based on everyone's experience from the forum, do you believe the documents/correspondence listed above will be sufficient for the Montreal Consulate?