About to marry an LPR

[Greybeard 1]

My fiance, an LPR for 50+ years, and I plan to marry on my next visit, then petition with I-130, but we're aware that the waiting time may be up to 2 years, before I get approval .

Would the process be quicker in total, if she were to apply for US citizenship asap ? (She has children and grandchildren who are US citizens.)

She is considering this, even though she would lose her UK passport, but as we are both in our 70's, 'time is of the essence', as the lawyers say.

Any other VJers from the UK who've gone this route ?

TIA

John

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Why would she lose her uk passport? They do allow dual citizenship I believe.

And if it's what she wants by all means, become a citizen. At that point a K1 could also be petitioned for which would be faster providing you don't mind waiting to marry.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

If you marry next visit and file the I130 and she also files for citizenship asap then you can upgrade when she is approved. I don't think waiting to file a K1 based on citizenship is wise because that could take a year.

[hari29 24]

It takes 6 months for her to get her citizenship from the date she applies. I cant believe she didn't apply for citizenship for 50 + years. Once she gets her citizenship, you can apply for K-1 fiancé visa which only takes three months or so. Then you can come here, get married and adjust your status as permanent resident. This route will take approx. a year or so. If she applies for your green card as a LPR, then you don't have the option of K-1 fiancé visa. You have to wait for up to two years. You may be able to visit her on VWP (visa waiver program) as you I assume an UK citizen. GOOD LUCK.

[Greybeard 1]

Many thanks for the quick replies.

I'll pass on the info during our evening phone call, and post our next moves later !

John

ps Yes, I'm a UK citizen, and we assumed she would automatically lose her UK passport.

If anyone knows different, please shout.

[hari29 24]

UK has dual citizenship. So no she wont lose her UK passport. If she is going to become US citizen, she wont even need an interview as a senior person. Its fairly straight forward.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

the average to interview is 6 months but there is the scheduling of the oath afterwards , they should check the timelines for their local office it makes a huge difference ( our uncles wife filed 3 months before us and we beat her to the oath stage by a month )