Question about which visa we need

[Heatherlee 0]

I'm new to this.. I live in the US and my boyfriend lives in the UK. Our goal is for him to be able to move here to the US and we'd get married. My boyfriend has relatives who already live in the US, his father, and step-sisters. I live in Minnesota, and his relatives live in another state ( at the moment I can't recall what state he said they lived in) but its no where near Minnesota. My question is this. Do we file for the K-1 fiance visa, or do we try to get him here through having relatives here? Andto if he were be able to come here through having relatives in the US, wouldn't he have to start out residing in the state with his relatives? Or could he reside in Minnesota with me? Which option is best, quickest, and easiest? Any info regarding this subject is appreciated, thanks

[TBoneTX 44,672]

Do we file for the K-1 fiance visa

This would almost certainly be less slow. If you each intend to marry one another within 90 days of his arrival in the U.S., then file the I-129F petition. He would then eventually interview for the K-1 visa.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

The K-1 visa is probably the (relatively) quickest option available. You can live anywhere you want in the U.S. as long as you're married within the 90 days upon arrival in the country. To read up on the K-1 visa process, check the guide here: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

[Tim/Mav 305]

This would almost certainly be less slow. If you each intend to marry one another within 90 days of his arrival in the U.S., then file the I-129F petition. He would then eventually interview for the K-1 visa.

I Agree with T-Bone. The Intent is to Marry so File the K-1 Petition. That seems to be fastest.

You can Marry and File as well.

There are no real shortcuts. If the Intent is to be together and Marry, then proceed in that manner.

[Heatherlee 0]

This would almost certainly be less slow. If you each intend to marry one another within 90 days of his arrival in the U.S., then file the I-129F petition. He would then eventually interview for the K-1 visa.

thanks for your response. yes we would marry within the 90 days. From what I see, it looks like it can take 6 months or so for the fiance visa process. Do you have any idea how long it could take to file through him having family members here? I'd like to let my boyfriend know how long it could possibly take if we went that route, because he feels that's the better way to go, although I feel the fiance visa is the easier, quicker route. Also, what other reasons would it be better to go the fiance visa route? thanks for any extra info

[TBoneTX 44,672]

Do you have any idea how long it could take to file through him having family members here? I'd like to let my boyfriend know how long it could possibly take if we went that route, because he feels that's the better way to go, although I feel the fiance visa is the easier, quicker route. Also, what other reasons would it be better to go the fiance visa route?

I don't know, personally; however, there's an entire forum where you can search for answers and pose this part of your question. There may also be information under the "processing times" link atop every VJ page (I haven't checked).

[Tim/Mav 305]

thanks for your response. yes we would marry within the 90 days. From what I see, it looks like it can take 6 months or so for the fiance visa process. Do you have any idea how long it could take to file through him having family members here? I'd like to let my boyfriend know how long it could possibly take if we went that route, because he feels that's the better way to go, although I feel the fiance visa is the easier, quicker route. Also, what other reasons would it be better to go the fiance visa route? thanks for any extra info

I don't think you will get advice on that. Your Original post asks for shortcuts to get him here when that is not the Intent. But still, you ask again. The Intent is to Marry and not visit family but to be together. Be safe. File the appropriate Petition for your True Intents.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

thanks for your response. yes we would marry within the 90 days. From what I see, it looks like it can take 6 months or so for the fiance visa process. Do you have any idea how long it could take to file through him having family members here? I'd like to let my boyfriend know how long it could possibly take if we went that route, because he feels that's the better way to go, although I feel the fiance visa is the easier, quicker route. Also, what other reasons would it be better to go the fiance visa route? thanks for any extra info

There's a different forum for US citizens and/or permanent residents in the US who want to bring a family member to the US. They would need to file an I-130. The processing time can vary, but it will definitely take longer than the K-1.

I-130 Instructions: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-130instr.pdf

Bringing Family Members of Permanent Residents to US: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/112-bringing-family-members-of-permanent-residents-to-america/

Bringing Family Members of US Citizens to US: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/111-bringing-family-members-of-us-citizens-to-america/

[Heatherlee 0]

yes that is the intent, to marry. The follow up questions were mainly for answers to convince my boyfriend that the K-1 fiance visa is the better route. I thought it probably was, but wasn't sure, though sounds like its the way to go. the question of how long the other way (relatives) might take, is so that I could convince him the K-1 visa is best, hehe if that makes sense..anyway thanks for everyones helpful answers, I appreciate it

[Tim/Mav 305]

There's a different forum for US citizens and/or permanent residents in the US who want to bring a family member to the US. They would need to file an I-130. The processing time can vary, but it will definitely take longer than the K-1.

I-130 Instructions: http://www.uscis.gov.../i-130instr.pdf

Bringing Family Members of Permanent Residents to US: http://www.visajourn...nts-to-america/

Bringing Family Members of US Citizens to US: http://www.visajourn...ens-to-america/

I disagree with this advice. I'm sorry.

This is not a family member petitioning and NOT the Intent. The OP clearly states: We wish to Marry. Now, that just seems to be a little mis-leading does'nt it to Immigration. The intent is to Marry.

I also think, it is a TOS violation to give this advice to the OP.

Encourage them to go by the book.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

I disagree with this advice. I'm sorry.

This is not a family member petitioning and NOT the Intent. The OP clearly states: We wish to Marry. Now, that just seems to be a little mis-leading does'nt it to Immigration. The intent is to Marry.

I also think, it is a TOS violation to give this advice to the OP.

Encourage them to go by the book.

The OP said, in part:

My boyfriend has relatives who already live in the US, his father, and step-sisters. I live in Minnesota, and his relatives live in another state ( at the moment I can't recall what state he said they lived in) but its no where near Minnesota. My question is this. Do we file for the K-1 fiance visa, or do we try to get him here through having relatives here? Andto if he were be able to come here through having relatives in the US, wouldn't he have to start out residing in the state with his relatives? Or could he reside in Minnesota with me? Which option is best, quickest, and easiest? Any info regarding this subject is appreciated, thanks

If she wants information on how his family members can bring him to the U.S., there is a path to do that. I provided her with the links so she could investigate further and determine which option her boyfriend wants to pursue -- entering the country via K-1 or entering by petitioning through a parent.

[Tim/Mav 305]

The OP said, in part:

If she wants information on how his family members can bring him to the U.S., there is a path to do that. I provided her with the links so she could investigate further and determine which option her boyfriend wants to pursue -- entering the country via K-1 or entering by petitioning through a parent.

Again: That is not the true Intent. I would just not fell right knowing that a family member petitioned and the real story was to get him/her in the States when the real intent was to Marry.

Thats just my thought.

[Imagination 15]

I-129F process could take anywhere between 6-8months (sometimes more for some people)

Read the requirements for this petition. (having met within 2 years, etc)

If you aren't sure about getting married just yet, then take I-130 route. You can check the processing time here https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard/ProcTimes.do (just enter the type of form and service center, etc)

For I-130: It says 5 months for texas service center, but national average is 13.9 months.

For I-129F It says 5 months for Vermont service center, and national average is 5.9 months. <-- Faster route.

Don't go about the Fiance visa, if you have any doubts about getting married within 90 days. The visa has its requirements and restrictions. So read them carefully and understand them before you choose this.

I-130 might take a bit longer (sometimes, but only by a couple of months), it is a cheaper route in the long run. [it eliminates the step of applying for adjustment of status, etc. So one less fee. ]

[Heatherlee 0]

I-129F process could take anywhere between 6-8months (sometimes more for some people)

Read the requirements for this petition. (having met within 2 years, etc)

If you aren't sure about getting married just yet, then take I-130 route. You can check the processing time here https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard/ProcTimes.do (just enter the type of form and service center, etc)

For I-130: It says 5 months for texas service center, but national average is 13.9 months.

For I-129F It says 5 months for Vermont service center, and national average is 5.9 months. <-- Faster route.

Don't go about the Fiance visa, if you have any doubts about getting married within 90 days. The visa has its requirements and restrictions. So read them carefully and understand them before you choose this.

I-130 might take a bit longer (sometimes, but only by a couple of months), it is a cheaper route in the long run. [it eliminates the step of applying for adjustment of status, etc. So one less fee. ]

thanks for your answer, its very helpful. I was worried the I-130 could take years.

[Imagination 15]

Your service center is Nebraska: I-130 filing for unmarried son/daughter over 21 processing time according to USCIS is 30.4 months!!! (you need to find out where your boyfriends father lives and then go on USCIS website (link above) to check their processing time for their service center.

--You can also check timeline stats on VJ linked to your service center and the petition.

Fiance visa for Nebraska service center is 5 months. I would say if you meet the requirements for this petition then go for it.