Repatriation:where to start?

So, if someone were thinking of this, and not that I am, but if someone were................................

1.How difficult is it?
2.How much does it cost?
3.What ducks do you HAVE to have in a row?
4. How long does it take?
5. What's the first step?

Not all that difficult since you've been married for over 4 years....a place to repatriate to, proof of income, proof of marraige (and length), a police report, medical info, etc......a bit time consuming and no doubt slightly more expensive than when my wife came to the States in 2000. You can download all the forms at the Embassy website, it's posted here somewhere. Spouses married for 4 or more years and  coming to the States by-pass the conditional status and are issued unconditional green cards when the process is completed. Hope that helps.

                                                              One would start here and follow the Visa links:

                                                                    http://www.usembassy.org.uk/

Just a lot of paperwork and documentation involved...and it IS quite expensive (compared to me moving here) So far we have paid $185 for petition $85 AOS fee $380 visa fee and£70 for a Russian police certificate. Will still have to pay for UK certificate and one from Hungary and the medical fee, not sure what that is, and some immunization shots...some photos will be needed.

We submitted our application in June...we're hoping it is not going to take more than a year.

If you haven't filed US income taxes the past 3 years you will need a joint sponsor.

OK.  Thanks.   This is about as far as I ever get. 

OK.  Thanks.   This is about as far as I ever get. 

It does make you want to say "why bother"...which is what I would do if my older kids were here and not planning on staying in the US!

We are in the process of doing this....

we have done the I-130 and it has been approved
we are just waiting a bit to start on the rest and we want to time our departure to next Sept..

We are in the process of doing this....

we have done the I-130 and it has been approved
we are just waiting a bit to start on the rest and we want to time our departure to next Sept..

If you don't mind...will you keep your fingers crossed that my hubby gets an interview by the first part of May (and that he is approved!)...we hope to move the end of June, first part of July.

Where are you hoping to move back to? I know I know this, sorry for forgetting!

Oklahoma to begin with...my mother is now housebound and she needs help...she has a service that comes and helps but they are really expensive........

1.How difficult is it?

The most difficult part is deciphering the US Embassy website, IMHO. Really just a matter of the right paperwork, and it isn't that bad.

2.How much does it cost?

More expensive than when I did it, less than a year ago!

3.What ducks do you HAVE to have in a row?

Paperwork. Spouse having clear police record.

4. How long does it take?

It took us 3 months to get David's green card visa thingy.

5. What's the first step?

Asking these questions.

I'm considering going back to the States and am in the early stages of figuring out what to do. I'm an American and my husband is British. We have been married a little over 3 years. I've heard a lot of people say it's worth getting an immigration lawyer. Can anyone explain why this is and if they used one what they were for?

Also, I'm almost embarrassed to ask what I think is a stupid question, but a bit of wishful thinking on my part - I'm pregnant and wanting to go back to States, would this have any bearing/expedite my hubby's application?

 :)Cheers

I'm considering going back to the States and am in the early stages of figuring out what to do. I'm an American and my husband is British. We have been married a little over 3 years. I've heard a lot of people say it's worth getting an immigration lawyer. Can anyone explain why this is and if they used one what they were for?

Also, I'm almost embarrassed to ask what I think is a stupid question, but a bit of wishful thinking on my part - I'm pregnant and wanting to go back to States, would this have any bearing/expedite my hubby's application?

 :)Cheers

Whether an immigration attorney is necessary depends on if there's extenuating circumstances beyond the normal application process, (for example, past refusal, criminal records etc., just to name two) otherwise it's a straight, if not somewhat expensive, time consuming and occassionaly frustrating endeavor.....so if the question is are they necessary.....no. I can empathise with the pregnancy issue, but I doubt the I.N.S would and to them it would be a non issue. If you're serious about repatriation read this entire section of the forum and ask questions, it's all here somewhere and it's free.

you could also join the Dive into America forum as well.......it was helpful to us

Mimsy- come on over to Dive Into America (started by a member from this forum), it was designed for people just like you and Hubby and we'd give you a friendly welcome.

I don't think your pregnancy would have any bearing on the process as COTC mentioned, but DCF is pretty quick providing all the necessary paperwork is easy to obtain.

Good Luck and we'll look forward to seeing you at DIA.

re: Dive into America - thanks for the tip, I will definately check it out.

Mimsy

re: Dive into America - thanks for the tip, I will definately check it out.

Mimsy

I'll be looking for you on DIA also! I am the USC living with my husband in NE England. We started the process for his visa last summer.