I'm an expat in the Philippines and I've been living here with my wife of 7 years since 2018. I saw that people in my position typically have trouble proving intent to reestablish domicile. In order to prepare concrete evidence of intent to reestablish domicile, I am considering buying a condo in the US where we intend to settle and to also valuate our house here in the Philippines and post it for sale. The thing is, I am reluctant to spend a bunch of money on a condo (or fly out ahead of my wife and sign a long term lease) unless I feel like there's a really good shot at the IR1 being approved. We have joint sponsors so that won't be the issue, and I intend to do an affidavit outlining my plans to reestablish domicile for the NVC, but I read people say the offers in he Manila embassy want the American spouse to be IN America during the interview.
So my question is this: at what point can I consider that IR1 visa is a 99% sure thing? After I-130 approval? After DQ? Literally the only weak spot in our application is my domicile. We are super obviously a legitimately married couple for love and we meet the financial requirements.