USC met an awesome girl from India, not sure how to proceed?

[ilovefood 0]

I'm an American citizen and met an Indian born citizen who was here for a test (she's a doctor back in India, but wanted to study here so she had the option to practice in America, assuming she liked the lifestyle here). We're crazy about each other and want to get married, but ever since we found out about all these immigration "issues" people deal with we've been driving each other nuts trying to figure out what to do.

Her family is super traditional; we were thinking of having a court wedding and (once everything goes through) going to India for the associated celebrations/reception, however her parents don't want her staying with me till we do the Indian ceremonies. Is that an issue? Does the INS (or whoever) do "spot checks?" We'd be with each other in pretty much all my free time, but she'd be staying in an apartment overnight..

Edited May 30, 2009 by ilovefood

[Chalupa718 0]

Hello Ilovefood,

My suggestion is to get to know each other a little more, and if everyone agrees do the Civil Wedding first. That is the one that would count with immigration procedures. Now, is your g/f here in the states? or in India?

If you guys get married in India, you can come back and file for her (sponsor her) It won't be a problem if you guys live separate while you are filing for her... Because you guys would be already married! ( What I don't understand is why if you guys would do a civil wedding, why her parents won't agree for you two to be together... Times change and you are both grown adults.

The immigration process is not difficult at all, if both are willing to wait. But at the end it's all worth it. Because you can be with the person you love.

Hope everything works out!

Good luck!

[rebeccajo 14]

It could be an issue. They sometimes do 'spotchecks' although it is rare.

To file as a married couple, you will need to show the Service you are a legitimate married couple. Most people do this by showing a single domicile and blended cash assets.

How are her family about the two of you intermingling your assets?

Have you researched her culture/religion to ascertain whether or not this 'objection' is a cultural norm? If it is not, then you may need to ask your intended bride why it matters to her family.

[sasaqlain 24]

A tradional girl from India who came here for some tests and likes the lifestyleI...Hmmmm.... Something doesn't add up. You are a USC. Whats your Origin? I belong to the same belt and know that the subcontinent is not very compromising on traditions and culture. And USCIS officers know psychology in general. Be careful when you choose your route.