better to marry Mexican in US or Mexico?

[bufalo 0]

Thanks, this is for a buddy of mine...

He's US, she's Mexican and has come to the US as a tourist previously, but is in Mexico and lives there. Anyone know if it is easier/better for them to get hitched in Mexico or the US? They want to live in the US.

Reason I ask is that it was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay easier for me and my Colombiana to get married in Colombia way back when - maybe not so now.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I don't think the process is significantly easier or more difficult in either country. Either way, the process for getting married in either country is cakewalk compared to the process of getting a visa to the US.

If I were in your friend's shoes, I'd make the choice based on family desires. If it's more important to her family to be involved in the wedding, then get married in Mexico and apply for the CR1 visa. If it's more important for his family to be involved in the wedding, then his fiance can come up to the US and get married here, then go back to Mexico while he files for the CR1 visa. If neither family is particularly concerned about being involved in the wedding, and he'd just like to get married and be with his wife as soon as possible, then file for the K-1 and get married in a court house within 90 days after she gets here.

Thanks, this is for a buddy of mine...

It always is!

Ahem, just kidding.

[bufalo 0]

Thanks for your help! I already got me a colombiana...

I think they're getting a civil ceremony, not sure where... then having a regular shebang in Mexico with both families.

[brykit 0]

If she uses a visitors visa to enter the US and then marries the US citizen while here as a visitor could cause problems.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

If she uses a visitors visa to enter the US and then marries the US citizen while here as a visitor could cause problems.

That's true only if she stays in the US after getting married and applies for adjustment of status. As long as she goes back to Mexico after getting married, then there's no problem.