I'm a dual citizen (UK/USA) and just married my partner of 4 years. We live in the UK, but are planning on moving to the US within a few years. My husband is a doctor and has tests to complete before we can move there and for him to be eligible to train/work in the US. We don't know when we will move, which brings on my questions and concerns.
After all my research, I'm confident he wouldn't have a problem getting a green card and eventually becoming a citizen, but I'm not sure about the best timing to apply for the immigration visa (I-130). I've read that it can take 6 months up to a year for someone not currently residing in the US to get immigrant visa approval, but since he's my husband it appears it could only take 4-6 months to get the visa approved. As we don't know how long the application process will take and also when we will be able to move, the timing worries me. I don't want to either apply too soon and get the visa when we're not ready to move and have it expire or apply too late and him not being able to be in the US legally for the timeframe he needs to get the application processed and receive the approval (I understand we may be able to apply for a K3).
Does anyone know how long we can wait after receiving a visa for him to enter the US and obtain his permanent resident status?
Also, does anyone have advice on whether we should apply sooner rather than later and is there a way to get a green card and hold it while not living in the US or is it better for us to wait for the move and him to get a K3 Visa and apply once we're residing in the US (Consular Processing appears to take 4-6 months, but I worry about delays).
Any advice is greatly appreciated!

