New to the Site, with a ton of questions!

[cass_errol 3]

I had a friend link me to this site, and I'm so glad that she did! I'm no where near to filing any papers yet, but I have so many questions, and I really was looking for a site like this where I could talk to people with similar experiences to mine!

A bit about me - My name is Cassandra, I was born in the United States and am a United Sates citizen. My fiance is Matthew, and he is a citizen of of the UK (Britain). Currently, I live in the United States, and he's living in England. We met online and within a month, we just knew that we were meant to be together. He is coming out here on March 13th for the first time, and we're both incredibly excited.

We have yet to make the decision as to whether or not we will live there or here, but part of that is being determined by the process of being accepted into either country. But, we know, regardless of where it is, we will be together

I've been doing a lot of research, and I'm getting more comfortable with understanding the process, but I do, of course, have about a 1000 questions!

My biggest one, has to do with how I am supposed to get him over here long enough so that we can actually spend any real amount of time with one another that also allows him to work? Clearly, a work Visa makes the most sense, but everyone I have talked to says that they are incredibly difficult to get. The Fiance Visa is a viable option, of course, but 3 months, as I'm sure a lot of you know, is such a short period of time. And both of us, even though we want to be married, are a little put off by being given a time limit in which we have to do it.

We both do alright financially, but hiring an immigration lawyer is probably not going to be in the budget for us. I'm hoping that I can get some good advice and support here, on what seems to be an incredibly trying, but worthwhile endeavor.

Thanks, everyone, in advance

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I had a friend link me to this site, and I'm so glad that she did! I'm no where near to filing any papers yet, but I have so many questions, and I really was looking for a site like this where I could talk to people with similar experiences to mine!

A bit about me - My name is Cassandra, I was born in the United States and am a United Sates citizen. My fiance is Matthew, and he is a citizen of of the UK (Britain). Currently, I live in the United States, and he's living in England. We met online and within a month, we just knew that we were meant to be together. He is coming out here on March 13th for the first time, and we're both incredibly excited.

We have yet to make the decision as to whether or not we will live there or here, but part of that is being determined by the process of being accepted into either country. But, we know, regardless of where it is, we will be together

I've been doing a lot of research, and I'm getting more comfortable with understanding the process, but I do, of course, have about a 1000 questions!

My biggest one, has to do with how I am supposed to get him over here long enough so that we can actually spend any real amount of time with one another that also allows him to work? Clearly, a work Visa makes the most sense, but everyone I have talked to says that they are incredibly difficult to get. The Fiance Visa is a viable option, of course, but 3 months, as I'm sure a lot of you know, is such a short period of time. And both of us, even though we want to be married, are a little put off by being given a time limit in which we have to do it.

We both do alright financially, but hiring an immigration lawyer is probably not going to be in the budget for us. I'm hoping that I can get some good advice and support here, on what seems to be an incredibly trying, but worthwhile endeavor.

Thanks, everyone, in advance

First, you do not need a lawyer. At least not for the US process. It will cost lots of money and slow you down. You can probably (certainly) get a finacee visa sooner than a work visa. A UK citizen can easily travel here, so visiting either place is not a problem. For the USA visa you must have met in person, doesn't matter here or there or anywhere, but you must have met in person at least on time in the last two years.

I suggest reading the guides and sample forms, that will answer a lot of your questions and generate more that you can ask here. We all try to help each other. I am not sure where you get this 3 month time restriction, what do you refer to? The amount of time he can visit? He does not need to be here to apply for a fiancee visa. It will take more than 3 months to receive, but not much more. We had ours in hand in under 5 months.

Good luck

[✿Ice Rain✿ 0]

Hello,

Welcome to this community.

Shape

[cass_errol 3]

The three months I was referring to was the time that you have to get married under the provisions of the Fiance Visa. Is that not right? That's what I was reading on the Immigration website... I'm aware he does not need to be here to apply for the Visa. I'm talking about us being able to live with one another for a period of time, before getting married. From what I've read, with the Fiance Visa, you must be married with in 90 days. I could be wrong, as I've read so much stuff...

Edited September 4, 2008 by cass_errol

[raymaga 25]

I think your boyfriend can visit the U.S. on the VWP, right? He could come for a visit and you could get to know each other, but unfortunately, the working part is going to be another matter.

You may have to just visit each other (going back and forth to the U.S. and U.K.) and then make a decision about whether to go for the fiance visa or the spousal visa.

Good luck and welcome to VJ.

[Abby-Ron 8]

The three months I was referring to was the time that you have to get married under the provisions of the Fiance Visa. Is that not right? That's what I was reading on the Immigration website... I'm aware he does not need to be here to apply for the Visa. I'm talking about us being able to live with one another for a period of time, before getting married. From what I've read, with the Fiance Visa, you must be married with in 90 days. I could be wrong, as I've read so much stuff...

Correct, under K1 visa, once your fiance arrives in the US, you have 90 days to get married or she can get deported. AFtterwards file for AOS to get adjusted to a green card.

[cass_errol 3]

I think your boyfriend can visit the U.S. on the VWP, right? He could come for a visit and you could get to know each other, but unfortunately, the working part is going to be another matter.

You may have to just visit each other (going back and forth to the U.S. and U.K.) and then make a decision about whether to go for the fiance visa or the spousal visa.

Good luck and welcome to VJ.

Yes, he can get the VWP, but the problem is the not being able to work bit. That always seems to be the hard part that comes up! We plan to meet as many times before we go ahead with either option, however!

[Dakine 26]

Nice to know what you will have to go thru doing the immigration process. Also a good thing t0! "try the shoe on and be sure it fits" before going much farther.

Edited September 4, 2008 by Haole