mb2016

Hello!

We intend to move to the states this year and at the end of the month we will begin the immigrant visa application from London for my husband. I have not been able to find this information elsewhere, so please excuse me if I've missed it somewhere.... Once the visa is approved and issued, assuming there is a 6 month time window to move to the states do I, the american citizen, have to move with him at the same time to go through customs together or can he come after me, alone, at a later date? The reason why I ask is because we will initially be moving without jobs lined up and staying with family. It might be better for me to move beforehand and secure the job, apartment or house for an easier transition and to be less of a burden on family while at the same time my husband is still earning on this side and saving.

Thanks in advance for any answers!

scrubbedexpat099

You going first is fine, him going first would be another issue.

mb2016

Wow, that was fast! Many thanks for responding to my query.

md95065

"another issue" as in "not possible".

You have to be physically present in the US when he first enters the US on his immigrant visa. You can either enter the US with him or already be in the US.

ian-mstm

Yes. To expand a bit on md95065's post, it's not so much a visa issue as a financial support issue. The USC sponsor (you) must be in the US when the I-864 (Affidavit of Support) comes to term... and it does that the moment your husband enters the US with his immigrant visa. So, you must already be in the US, or accompany him to the US.

Ian