Rich_Gonsalves

Hi All,

I am a British Citizen and am looking to move to Philadelphia with my wife and child. I would appreciate any advice on how to go about doing this and any difficulties or obstacles I will face. Also if you could let me know about how long the process would take before I could work in the US.

My wife is a US citizen and we have been married for over 2 years (married in the US). We also have a daughter who is 1 years old and is also an american citizen.

My wife and I are currently living in the Middle East working as English Teachers.

I appreciate any help you all may be able to offer.

notacrime

This'll be what you want:

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/CR-1

CR is for people married less than 2 years, and since you have been married over 2 years it'll actually be IR-1, but the forms and process are the same.

Noorah101

Hi Rich, Welcome to BE.

If your wife has been living in the same country for more than 6 months, you should look into filing the I-130 directly at the US Embassy there. That's called Direct Consular Filing (DCF) here on the forum (not an official term). That process is faster than filing the I-130 in the USA...but has its own pitfalls (qualifying for the I-864 affidavit of support, proving intent to domicile in the USA, etc).

So some more searching around on the CR-1/IR-1, and DCF. Come on back with any questions.

Best Wishes,
Rene

Folinskyinla

Hi Rene:

On true DCF, the consulate in question might, or might not be more "liberal" in accepting the case.

jeffreyhy

Rene,

The I-864 and domicile issues have nothing to do with where the I-130 is filed. They are associated with the consulate that handles the visa application in any case.

Regards, JEff

Noorah101

OK, thanks.

Rete

Rene never said the I-864 determined where it would be filed. She said the issue of the I-864 and domicile intent are pitfalls of DCF.

jeffreyhy

Rete,

That wasn't the point of my post.

Regards, JEff