US citizen in UK, is "preemptive" spouse visa advi

[LA_Mike]

I'm a US citizen living in the UK (on HSMP/FLR, soon to be ILR)

I married an Irish citizen last year and live with her in London. We have no current plans to move to the US, but may in a year or two and would like to avoid the issue of having to wait for visas at that time.

Is it possible to apply for an immigrant visa now and postpone entry or to enter and leave maintaining status?

[Marco 72]

Once your wife obtains her immigrant visa she will have to activate it within 6 months. This period cannot be extended. However it's perfectly ok to take a trip to the US to activate the visa and then go back to the UK for a while to sort out your affairs before moving to the US permanently.

[JAJ]

I'm a US citizen living in the UK (on HSMP/FLR, soon to be ILR)

I married an Irish citizen last year and live with her in London. We have no current plans to move to the US, but may in a year or two and would like to avoid the issue of having to wait for visas at that time.

Is it possible to apply for an immigrant visa now and postpone entry or to enter and leave maintaining status?

Do either/both of you plan to get your British citizenship before you leave? (which is recommended)