American Citizen, French CItizen Marriage, American Visa/Citizenship Questions

[watz40 0]

Hello all,

I am new here, and I have been searching for a while now about the proper procedure to have my soon to be bride naturalized in America.

She and I are getting married, in Paris, in April. She wants to move to America, and be able to eventually work and become a US citizen. I have spoken to the various embassies in Chicago and here in Paris, and nobody seems too willing to help. Its quite frustrating. And I sure as hell don't want to pay for the wrong paper work. I would greatly appreciate anybody and everybody willing to help me if at all possible, as to what to do etc.

Thank you all in advance for any insight you may grant me.

[JohnR! 5,495]

It is not complicated at all. Once you are married you need to file a petition so that an immigrant visa is issued to her. By marrying you she will not acquire immediate US citizenship - as in some European countries - so she will have to enter the US as a Legal Permanent Resident - LPR. She will be allowed to apply for citizenship after three years of marriage and consecutive residence in the US.

Here is a link to the documents you need to fill out in order to start the process: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k3forms The process should take approximately 12 months, during which she can visit you in the US, subject to the terms of the VWP program, presuming she has a EU passport.

Félicitations et bonne chance

Edited January 20, 2014 by Gegel

[Ryan H 3,810]

OP, disregard the link in the previous post, follow this one instead for the forms you need to begin the process:

http://www.uscis.gov/i-130

[watz40 0]

Thank you for the help. So, that is how I begin the process to get her her green card? Will she be able to work? Also, I heard that there is a monetary requirement before she can come to the US, as in I must make a certain amount of money annually. I am a Graduate Assistant Coach at a college, and thus do not make very much money as my salary is basically paid by a free masters degree and room and board. Will this complicate the matter?

[sharky-rex 76]

She'll be able to work. You need to make 125% the poverty line for your household size, or you need to find a US citizen to co-sponsor you. They would need to make 125% the poverty size for their household + your wife.

poverty guidelines http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864p.pdf

I also recommend you read this guide http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

[watz40 0]

Sharky,

Thank you for the insight. With my salary (again, paid for with a Masters degree), I will be far below the poverty line. She comes into a six figure inheritance in October, and will come to America with roughly $130,000. Would that be acceptable for the poverty line Affidavit of Support? If not, would I be able to use my parents and family as sponsors?