A couple of questions about repatriation

Hi there-
We are looking into moving back to the US and I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find the answer to  

First of all, once you get the visa, how long do you have to enter the US for repatriation?  we are hoping to move in about a year's time, but am not sure how soon to begin the application?

Also, DH was born in S Africa and lived there until he was 16, when he moved back to Britain with his English father.  While he is technically entitled to citizenship with SA, he does not hold it any longer.  My question is, does he need to get a conviction history from SA?  I have looked and looked at the documents, but the answer is escaping me!

Thanks
Kat

First of all, once you get the visa, how long do you have to enter the US for repatriation?  we are hoping to move in about a year's time, but am not sure how soon to begin the application?

You have six months from the date of issuance of the visa in which to activate it. If you are eligible to file the I-130 via the DHS office of the US Embassy in London then you are looking at, roughly, about a 4-6 month timeframe, currently, to gain the visa.

Also, DH was born in S Africa and lived there until he was 16, when he moved back to Britain with his English father.  While he is technically entitled to citizenship with SA, he does not hold it any longer.  My question is, does he need to get a conviction history from SA?  I have looked and looked at the documents, but the answer is escaping me!

Having citizenship is not important but he will need police certificates from any country where he has lived for over one year from the age of 16.

Details of this should be on the US Embassy website.

a great website to get LOADS of answers to is


http://forum.diveintoamerica.com

I believe you can also extend the time beyond 6 months for activation. I asked that once on the site MeShell posted and while I can't recall the details (it's not relevant for us right now), I'm pretty sure we were told it can be done relatively easily.

thanks.  I have posted a couple of questions on DIA already, so I'll dig a bit deeper there.