Q: Effects of canceling a CR-1 visa application on future applications.

A: If you withdraw your application, you can always re-file. People that do this have stricter scrutiny applied to their second application only because the assumption is that the couple broke up. However, if you have a good explanation and can support that with documentation that proves why you dropped it, then it should not be a problem.

A: Withdrawing a CR-1 visa application generally won't harm your future chances of obtaining another spouse visa, as long as all information provided in the original application was truthful and accurate. The U.S. immigration system understands that life circumstances can change, requiring families to adjust their plans.

Your situation regarding your mother-in-law's health represents a valid reason for potentially postponing your move to the United States. When you withdraw the application, it's helpful to provide a brief explanation of the circumstances, which demonstrates transparency and good faith in your dealings with immigration authorities.

If you decide to reapply for an IR-1 visa years later, you should mention the previous application and withdrawal in your new application, explaining how your circumstances have changed. The key factor immigration officers consider is whether your marriage is genuine and your intentions are legitimate - which seems clear in your case given your consideration of family needs and circumstances.

Remember to keep copies of any withdrawal documentation and correspondence with USCIS for your records, as these might be useful references for future applications. Your commitment to caring for family members and making thoughtful decisions about timing will be viewed positively by immigration officials.