Starting the Journey Soon

[RichF 13]

Hello

I am currently dating a southern sweetheart from south Carolina and plan on asking her to marry me when I visit in April.

So it seems we are about to start our journey to a future together in the states.

Can anyone give any advice on the process.

We have talked a lot about marriage and plan on getting married in the UK so it looks like the CR 1 visa is the best option but please tell me if there is a faster option.

Any advice on the application process would be welcome.

[Deb+Steve 13]

Welcome.

Read the guides to familiarise yourself with the process. I see you're a ways off so you have lots of time to turn yourself into a DIY expert. I found VJ my best resource. The advice and people were fantastic. The regional forums were a great source of consulate specific advice as each one is different.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

[Matt1968 13]

Hello

I am currently dating a southern sweetheart from south Carolina and plan on asking her to marry me when I visit in April.

So it seems we are about to start our journey to a future together in the states.

Can anyone give any advice on the process.

We have talked a lot about marriage and plan on getting married in the UK so it looks like the CR 1 visa is the best option but please tell me if there is a faster option.

Any advice on the application process would be welcome.

Hello,

I would tell you to not stress yourself during the process. The forms are pretty straightforward for the most part, but there are questions that seem confusing. Thankfully, just about everything that's caused problems in the past is availible here with solutions. I stress somewhat when I was doing this and now looking back on it, most of what i was stressing wasn't nothing really. I followed directions, and if i didn't understand something I looked for it here and sure enough, someone else had the same problem I did and the answer was right there. Truthfully, using that search function you can find the answer to about 99% of the problems you might encounter. God speed.

Matt

[cathy2904 97]

I agree totally with the other responses but I would also add - be patient. There is just about nothing you can do to speed up the USCIS stage of the process and at times it will seem interminable - but it will end.

I would recommend the CR1 as nowadays it is not much slower than the fiancé visa (we went from filing to visa in hand in under eight months) and when you arrive in the US you will immediately be a permanent resident and able to work.

Good luck and enjoy your journey.

[RichF 13]

Hello everyone

Thanks for your help so far, I collected the ring today from the jewellers and fly on Friday. The moment I get chance I will let you all know the outcome.

Does anyone know if I need to declare the ring to customs? Will there be duty payable on it?

I hope that you can help

Rich

[Mark&Fatima 14]

I would also add to start collecting evidence of your relationship. Keep receipts for anything you buy for her (your wedding ring, flowers you sent, etc). Print chat logs and phone records. Take lots of pics during your time together (which of course, every couple does anyway). Open a bank account together while you are here (and other things listed as evidence of a bonifide marriage in the I-130 instructions).

Others gave great advice...it's really not very difficult, just follow directions, search or ask questions, and be happy you found VJ, it's really a great help!

[RichF 13]

I would also add to start collecting evidence of your relationship. Keep receipts for anything you buy for her (your wedding ring, flowers you sent, etc). Print chat logs and phone records. Take lots of pics during your time together (which of course, every couple does anyway). Open a bank account together while you are here (and other things listed as evidence of a bonifide marriage in the I-130 instructions).

Others gave great advice...it's really not very difficult, just follow directions, search or ask questions, and be happy you found VJ, it's really a great help!

Thanks for the advice.

Do you know how we can print out Skype chat history?

[jaycali 415]

The fastest process would be to propose, then get married on the same trip. This would allow you to adjust status and never have to go back to the UK again. Of course, this is illegal to intend to do, but not illegal if it wasn't intended in the first place.

Back to the point.

CR-1 is by far the best option. The CR-1 is cheaper, takes roughly the same time (add a month, maybe two), and gives you permanent resident status upon arrival in the US.

Of course, to file the I-130 petition you have to already be married.

If you want to get married in the US, and for you to then stay, you would file a K-1 fiance visa. This is more expensive than the CR-1 overall, you will have to get married within 90 days of your arrival in the US, and you may not work or travel immediately upon arrival.. You'll have to adjust status after the wedding.

CR-1 steps:

1. Get married.

2. US Citizen files an I-130 petition with the USCIS.

3. 4 - 6 months later, the petition is approved.

4. You apply for a CR-1 visa at the embassy in London.

5. You enter the US, and get green card upon arrival.

K-1 steps:

1. Get engaged.

2. US citizen files an I-129f petition with the USCIS.

3. 3 - 6 months later, the petition is approved.

4. You apply for a K-1 visa at the embassy in London.

5. You enter the US, and are told to marry within 90 days.

6. Get married.

7. Adjust status.

8. Receive work authorization after 3 months.

9. Receive green card after about 6 months.

[Mark&Fatima 14]

Thanks for the advice.

Do you know how we can print out Skype chat history?

I use yahoo messenger so I did a quick search and I found this on Skype printing (hope it's still relevant): My link and here's one on VJ: My link

Edited April 3, 2012 by Mark&Fatima

[RichF 13]

Well an update for you folks!!

SHE SAID YES AN WE ARR NOW ENGAGED.

Think we are planning a spring wedding on Tybee Isand GA.

Guess now the hard work begins.

We are probably going down the CR1 route as it will allow me to work immediately on entry.

[Mark&Fatima 14]

Well an update for you folks!!

SHE SAID YES AN WE ARR NOW ENGAGED.

Think we are planning a spring wedding on Tybee Isand GA.

Guess now the hard work begins.

We are probably going down the CR1 route as it will allow me to work immediately on entry.

Congrats! Hope your lives together is all you could ever wish for. Good luck to you two

[trojam227 18]

Well an update for you folks!!

SHE SAID YES AN WE ARR NOW ENGAGED.

Think we are planning a spring wedding on Tybee Isand GA.

Guess now the hard work begins.

We are probably going down the CR1 route as it will allow me to work immediately on entry.

Congratulations! Nice to hear happy things like this.

[MTLNB 0]

Hello,

I would tell you to not stress yourself during the process. The forms are pretty straightforward for the most part, but there are questions that seem confusing. Thankfully, just about everything that's caused problems in the past is availible here with solutions. I stress somewhat when I was doing this and now looking back on it, most of what i was stressing wasn't nothing really. I followed directions, and if i didn't understand something I looked for it here and sure enough, someone else had the same problem I did and the answer was right there. Truthfully, using that search function you can find the answer to about 99% of the problems you might encounter. God speed.

Matt

I would like to know how yours went so quickly?! That's only 5 months to interview date! What's your secret??

I'm trying to figure out if we should get married and go the CR1 route or go the K1 route. How long had you been married before the whole process started for you?

MTLNB