Getting Started

[Jason_SC 0]

My Fiance is Malaysian and we don't know where to start or which route is best between Fiance Visa or Marriage Visa... Any help would be great! Thanks in advance

[gstrength 20]

My Fiance is Malaysian and we don't know where to start or which route is best between Fiance Visa or Marriage Visa... Any help would be great! Thanks in advance

very personal decision, please, consult the comparison chart in the guides section of this website. Good Luck!

[Jason_SC 0]

More information might be helpful.

I'm Jason and I'm a US Citizen living in South Carolina. My Fiancé is Malaysian and lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We really don't have a clue about requirements, which visas, and the best options for her to be able to live here with me. We met in Bali, Indonesia in March of 2009. We started dating in June of 2009. Then I asked her to marry me in June of 2010. Well now we are trying to figure out what our options are. She doesn't really want to give up her Malaysian Citizenship, because Malaysia does not allow dual citizenships. This is the thing. We want to get married and live in the US, but we don't know the best way to get to that point. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

See this guide for comparison.

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

Also educate yourself more by looking up the Guides at the top of this website.

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

She does not need to give up her Malaysian Citizenship.

She will be Legal Permanent Resident in US (Green card holder).

[AmericanExpat 18]

More information might be helpful.

I'm Jason and I'm a US Citizen living in South Carolina. My Fiancé is Malaysian and lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We really don't have a clue about requirements, which visas, and the best options for her to be able to live here with me. We met in Bali, Indonesia in March of 2009. We started dating in June of 2009. Then I asked her to marry me in June of 2010. Well now we are trying to figure out what our options are. She doesn't really want to give up her Malaysian Citizenship, because Malaysia does not allow dual citizenships. This is the thing. We want to get married and live in the US, but we don't know the best way to get to that point. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You have a long road ahead of you! I'm traveling along it now... It isn't easy.

Is she Malaysian Malay, Chinese, or Indian? It shouldn't make a difference, but it does when it comes to marriages in Malaysia.

Does she already have a tourist visa to go to the US? They are usually good for a few years, multiple entry. If she doesn't have one yet, and has a job, etc in Malaysia, she should get a tourist visa. It's cheaper than the fiance visa, and a lot faster.

If she is Malaysian Malay, get married in Malaysia. If not it doesn't matter.

What is your time frame for all of this? Have you been to Malaysia yet? Take lots of pictures of all visits to prove the relationship later when asked.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

Does she already have a tourist visa to go to the US? They are usually good for a few years, multiple entry. If she doesn't have one yet, and has a job, etc in Malaysia, she should get a tourist visa. It's cheaper than the fiance visa, and a lot faster.

That's not going to help them live in the USA though, a tourist visa is for visiting.

OP: have you met her in person since 2010? If not, before you do anything you will need to meet in person again, as there is a requirement for the K1 fiance visa get have met in person in the last two years, and for the CR-1 spousal visa you need to get married in person. If you have met in the last two years, the K1 is faster but more expensive and she won't be able to work for a while after getting here, or travel. The CR-1 is sometimes prefered when a bride is from far away because it means you can have the wedding in front of her friends and family, who may not have the money to travel or be unable to get visas.

[AmericanExpat 18]

That's not going to help them live in the USA though, a tourist visa is for visiting.

OP: have you met her in person since 2010? If not, before you do anything you will need to meet in person again, as there is a requirement for the K1 fiance visa get have met in person in the last two years, and for the CR-1 spousal visa you need to get married in person. If you have met in the last two years, the K1 is faster but more expensive and she won't be able to work for a while after getting here, or travel. The CR-1 is sometimes prefered when a bride is from far away because it means you can have the wedding in front of her friends and family, who may not have the money to travel or be unable to get visas.

If she goes legitimately to the US on a tourist visa, and they decide to get married there (which is a lot easier than getting married in Malaysia), they can then file the I-130, and begin the process from there. It's honest, and not fraud. Perfectly legal. She can then stay in the US while it's pending, they don't have to be separated, and the tourist visa for Malaysians is usually good for years.

If they go through just the paperwork processing, unless he joins her in Malaysia, they will have to be apart for awhile.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

If she goes legitimately to the US on a tourist visa, and they decide to get married there (which is a lot easier than getting married in Malaysia), they can then file the I-130, and begin the process from there.

She is already intending to get married and live there. Intent has been established before she moves, thus it would be visa fraud to use a tourist visa in the way you suggest, which can carry a lifetime ban. Additionally, it is against the VisaJourney TOS to recommend such things.