American girl & Belgian guy...

[Cedric - Evalyn 0]

Thx guys!

[txladykat 1]

does the marry in belgium also include residing in belgium to file DCF? If so, I HIGHLY recommend DCF

[Catt 6]

does the marry in belgium also include residing in belgium to file DCF? If so, I HIGHLY recommend DCF

The US Citizen fiance is not residing in Belgium so DCF is not possible in their case.

One downside to getting married in Belgium, if you plan to permanently live in the US, is that it will take more effort to obtain a marriage certificate, should you need it in the coming years (which you will). You might need it apostilled (not for immigration purposes, but we needed that, for example, to get me registered on base - my husband is military) and translated.

Also, because your marriage will be governed, at least in part, by foreign (Belgian) law, it might make it more complicated, should any legal issues arise.

Edited August 6, 2009 by Catt

[Cedric - Evalyn 0]

Hey Katrien,

I'm sorry that i didnt reply sooner on your previous answer. Its been some busy days lately...

So... As i said, i'm Belgian, i have my own business here and no kids, never been married either, so free to do as i want. (well.... thas what i thought) Evalyn works in court and has two kids from a previous marriage that has been over since october last year but the divorce has only been final since a month or so... yup, i know, thats fast, but hey i didnt make her as perfect as she is...

She really cannot come here for a couple of months, not only because of her job, also because of the kids...

We had heard that her coming to belgium and getting married here was the best and fastest option, now i'm not so sure anymore... i have learned from what i last read that we're not gonna be together for a while which sucks bad...

she'll be here in two weeks... what do we dooooooo????

[M_n_M 1]

Either way you won't be together for a while... whether you do the K1 or the CR-1. And currently the processing times on both are about 5 months. So the time you'll have to wait won't be much different either. And from what I know, once you start either process, you will not be able to go visit her there, she'll have to visit you in Belgium. The reason most people have voted CR-1 like I did is probably because you will obtain your green card right away as opposed to applying for applying for a green card via adjustment of status like you do after getting your K1 (or K3) visa--which takes longer. Getting your green card right away makes it easier to work as soon as you get there, etc. Also, how long have you guys been together? Do you think you have enough proof at this point to prove that your relationship is real? Especially since her divorce has only been final for about a month. Did she have a legal separation in october of last year---when did they file for a divorce? Pictures with friends and family?! All of this will be looked at once you guys start the application process, and it's good to know what you'll be up against before you start. I really wish you guys the best and keep us updated!

Good luck!

[mlybrand 0]

And from what I know, once you start either process, you will not be able to go visit her there, she'll have to visit you in Belgium.

Is this true? My wife has her tourist visa (as does my step-son); will they not be able to come visit while their residence visas are in process? Is this officially stated somewhere?

Mark