Marrying a US Citizen

[nudda 0]

hi all,

New here so apologies if I make any mistakes.

I need some information in regards to process involved in marrying a US Citizen.I confused as to whether one can go to the US from UK on tourist visa and get married then apply for immigrant visa later or if a finace visa is needed first then you go get married and return to UK.

So if these are the only two choices, which one is quicker, which one is cheaper and which one is safest (i.e. less hassle by the feds).

Any advice appreciated.

thanks

[Hypnos 6,578]

Entering the US on a nonimmigrant with the intent to remain would constitute visa fraud, so Don't Do That.

You should pursue either a K-1 or get married and file for a CR-1. The K-1 would probably be faster right now.

[nudda 0]

Entering the US on a nonimmigrant with the intent to remain would constitute visa fraud, so Don't Do That.

You should pursue either a K-1 or get married and file for a CR-1. The K-1 would probably be faster right now.

Many thanks. I thought the K1 is non-immigrant (aka hybrid).

So I cannot go on a visa waiver program and get married? It HAS to be a fiance visa?

What if we get married outside the US? Do I then apply for a non-immigrant visa? Am I just asking for a longer detailed process by doing that?

[lost_at_sea 995]

You can get married in the US as a tourist (VWP) so long as you go back to your home country after before your stamped end date. You'll then filing the I-130 for CR-1 while you wait abroad back home.

If you want to stay in the US after marrying and adjust status, you need the K1.

If you get married outside the US (which you can do, too) you can't chase the K1. You'll go after the CR-1.

[nudda 0]

You can get married in the US as a tourist (VWP) so long as you go back to your home country after before your stamped end date. You'll then filing the I-130 for CR-1 while you wait abroad back home.

If you want to stay in the US after marrying and adjust status, you need the K1.

If you get married outside the US (which you can do, too) you can't chase the K1. You'll go after the CR-1.

many thanks - i needed it put succinctly as you did (being new to it all).

Hypnos kindly stated K1 is faster right now. Where can I find these process time details? Had a quick google but didnt come up with anything.

Also, wondering what the pros and cons are of K1 vs CR1 right now. I see one benefit of CR1 being you can continue working (and making money) whilst being back in UK. Pro of K1 seems to be processing time right now.

[Boggy1974 124]

OP see link below for comparison and for your own understanding of the different visa categories. GL!

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

[Hypnos 6,578]

You can find current USCIS processing times here: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplayInit.do

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K- 1 Process to What Visa Do I Need Forum~

[nudda 0]

You can find current USCIS processing times here: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplayInit.do

many thanks

[NikLR 13,231]

Cr1 gives you a green card upon entry to the USA. A K1 does not. You must be married first and send evidence of a genuine relationship with the CR1. But the K1 just needs you to prove you've met in the last 2 years, in person. K1 costs abouy $700 more in immigration fees because of the adjustment of status. You cannot work or leave the USA for at least 3 months after filing for the adjustment of status after marriage. A green card immediately means you can work or travel the instant you land in the USA if you choose. Many pros and cons but the biggest people see right now is that a k1 takes half the time of a CR1. Sometimes the CR1 is faster but not at the moment.

Edited February 2, 2014 by NLR