Nigeria to USA

[christeen 966]

Depends how far "into the thirties" someone is... And what that bracket is for the consulate... Figuring the time for planning, meeting, filing for visas, marriage etc... It's not necessarily a quick and easy process....

[Alicia & Ken 0]

I'm only 33 so still young enough to have children! His mother is putting pressure on him to settle down and have kids. I do think the cultural aspect is very important and that is why I do want to visit Lagos! I really have no idea/point of reference about our cultural differences or his marriage expectations! A few months is fast to be considering such things and we wouldn't be discussing it if we didn't need visas to see each other! I'm learning that the visa process takes a long time. I do feel that he may be the one for me but we really need to spend time together in person and meet each others families to know for sure! If he ends up coming to the US on a K-1 visa and doesn't get along with family or I'm not sure then I won't marry him. Marriage is forever!

[christeen 966]

I'm only 33 so still young enough to have children! His mother is putting pressure on him to settle down and have kids. I do think the cultural aspect is very important and that is why I do want to visit Lagos! I really have no idea/point of reference about our cultural differences or his marriage expectations! A few months is fast to be considering such things and we wouldn't be discussing it if we didn't need visas to see each other! I'm learning that the visa process takes a long time. I do feel that he may be the one for me but we really need to spend time together in person and meet each others families to know for sure! If he ends up coming to the US on a K-1 visa and doesn't get along with family or I'm not sure then I won't marry him. Marriage is forever!

Yes, still young enough not to have to rush into anything... Marriage is tough... Intercultural marriage is that times 1000 ! But can be a wonderful adventure. Please take the time and make the effort to REALLY see his life and spend time in his culture and family , it will help so much in understanding who he is any why... Sadly, he will most likely not get the opportunity to do the same as it sounds like he will have severe obstacles in getting a tourist visa. But good luck!

[dwheels76 5,484]

I'm only 33 so still young enough to have children! His mother is putting pressure on him to settle down and have kids. I do think the cultural aspect is very important and that is why I do want to visit Lagos! I really have no idea/point of reference about our cultural differences or his marriage expectations! A few months is fast to be considering such things and we wouldn't be discussing it if we didn't need visas to see each other! I'm learning that the visa process takes a long time. I do feel that he may be the one for me but we really need to spend time together in person and meet each others families to know for sure! If he ends up coming to the US on a K-1 visa and doesn't get along with family or I'm not sure then I won't marry him. Marriage is forever!

Well that is great you want to meet and greet before making any lifetime decision but please I must say this to you and anyone else looking at a K1 Fiance' Visa.

IT IS NOT a "getting too know you once you get to the US. See if we get along" Visa.

If you apply for one after meeting you both have to wrote your "letter of intent" to marry within 90 days. It's a Visa intended for those who know they belong together.

It would be a dang shame he comes here and even though you love him your family doesn't and you will do what? Send him back to Nigeria like a puppy in a store?

He can't stay in US legally if he doesn't marry you within that 90 days you know.

[Alicia & Ken 0]

Ahhhh that is so sad : ( I didn't realize it came off that way. I just mean that I take marriage seriously! I think people often ignore their gut feeling and it's never too late to turn back. "We already booked the church and the reception is non refundable so I'll go threw with it." People don't pay the deposit and make plans thinking I'll just cancel if I change my mind! I would not go through all of this thinking "I don't know maybe?" I would have every intention to marry him! I'm just learning about this process and trying to make sense of everything!

Thank you everyone for your comments! They really help! I am learning a lot and gaining insight!

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

If you get married to a US citizen in a foreign country, say Nigeria, and have a US visitors visa, can you go to the US with your spouse after filing for the spousal visa to wait for approval? Will the foreign spouse have to go back to the country of Origin?

If he has a visiting visa yes, he can go visit but may be turned away at the border when they see he is married to you.

Would it be likely that he will get a visiting visa after you marry him in Nigeria ? Wasted time and money to try in my opinion, extremely small chance.

Spousal visas take a long time currently and yes he would have to return and wait in Nigeria.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Well that is great you want to meet and greet before making any lifetime decision but please I must say this to you and anyone else looking at a K1 Fiance' Visa.

IT IS NOT a "getting too know you once you get to the US. See if we get along" Visa.

If you apply for one after meeting you both have to wrote your "letter of intent" to marry within 90 days. It's a Visa intended for those who know they belong together.

It would be a dang shame he comes here and even though you love him your family doesn't and you will do what? Send him back to Nigeria like a puppy in a store?

He can't stay in US legally if he doesn't marry you within that 90 days you know.

Making sure that he is the one for you precedes filing for him. If you aren't sure don't file. Make several trips to spend plenty of time with him,

then if all goes well petition him. That is the only way to make sure he is the one for you. Three months is in my opinion not enough time and LDR's

are very difficult. There will be bumps on the visa journey road and not all goes as expected. If you have completed the journey in one year then

you would be lucky, it's more like a year and a half and only if all goes well.

Lagos does not look favorably on quick marriages on the first trip after a few months of online romance.

You may get lucky and then again you may not. You are dealing with the toughest embassy in a very high fraud country.

I could care less what my family would think of my man and as long as I believe he is the one for me then that is that.

Definitely the K1 is not a 'getting to know him' visa as Dwheels stated.

It is a visa for two people who know they will definitely marry as stated on the 'intent to marry' letter you will submit.

Never make any wedding arrangements that involve costs until the visa is in his hand. It rarely works out according to plan.

You have in your favor a close age range and that you are still of child bearing age. That is a plus.

Best wishes on your journey.