Castrom8

Hi there all. Hope you can answer me a question.


I'm about to get married to an American girl here in Australia. Beside the fact that I'll give her automatically australian permanent residency I was wondering if I get the (American) green card after some time. Or do we MUST live in the US to obtain it for me? (I've heard american immigration is much harder than in Australia)
Thanks for any answer.
M.

meauxna

It's not that difficult for Australians. I've actually heard that the Oz-->US is easier than the other way 'round.

About 3 months before you want to move to the US, you can file all your paperword through the US consulate in Sydney. Before you go, google "DCF Australia" or Direct Consular Filing.

You apply for an Immigrant Visa before you go to the US, and when you enter, you become a Permanent Resident. Your Green Card is mailed directly to you--ie, you do all the paperwork *before* you get to the US.

Can't get it until youi're ready to move tho. Your US citizen needs to file tax returns to the US each year no matter where she lives/earns. She should maintain some banking, voting and other ties to the US for her future moves.

Congrats.