Venezuelan WIfe

[Scott Rusticus 12]

I am going to Aruba in February to marry my fiancee and after I get back to the states I will begin the process of requesting her visa. Should I still do the K-1 visa, and how difficult will it be for her to get the visa, in light of the current situation in Venezuela.  We were going to get married in Venezuela but my tourist visa was denied.

[Brian&Larissa 73]

Scott, if you are married, the K-1 is no longer available to you.  I believe you have to do the CR-1.  Start looking at the requirements and procedures for that visa

 

[Scott Rusticus 12]

We are not married yet, but we will be in February. Is any one better than the other? Does any one provide less hassle or a better chance at getting the visa than the other?

[Crazy Cat 41,888]

You need to read tis page: http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

 

It will explain the pros and cons of each......Good luck.

[Scott Rusticus 12]

SO with the CR-1 I am looking at 13 months to get her here from the date I first apply????

[Crazy Cat 41,888]

1 minute ago, Scott Rusticus said:

SO with the CR-1 I am looking at 13 months to get her here from the date I first apply????

If all goes well, that is approximately the average time, yes.  Upon entry into the US, she will be a green card holder, she will be allowed to work, and she will be able to freely travel outside the US and re-enter.

[Scott Rusticus 12]

WOW! That sucks! Can I start the application now, even though we won't be married until February? I do not want to wait until a year from April to be together!

[Crazy Cat 41,888]

Just now, Scott Rusticus said:

WOW! That sucks! Can I start the application now, even though we won't be married until February? I do not want to wait until a year from April to be together!

You can start gathering some of the documents, but you can not submit any paperwork until after you are married.  You will need evidence of a bona fide marriage.

[Scott Rusticus 12]

Any chance it could go quicker?

[Crazy Cat 41,888]

I wouldn't plan on anything sooner than 12 months at the very earliest..........the waiting sucks, and the valid reasons for expediting are pretty limited.

[Boiler 45,527]

It used to be 10 months or so, who knows.

[Ashley Scott 180]

13 minutes ago, Scott Rusticus said:

Any chance it could go quicker?

If you have already met and you have proof of relationship you could go ahead and file the K1 visa now.  You will not be able to get married while on your trip but you could still plan to go and spend time together.  Then hopefully by the time you get home from your trip you will be close to your approval and she would be able to be here a few months later.  Then you could marry in the United States.  She will not be able to work or travel once she arrives on the K1 though. 

[Scott Rusticus 12]

What if I get married there but do not say I am married when I apply?  How would they know if the marriage is in Aruba? We have not yet met. We have talked for a long time but this will be our first face to face due to the current situation in Venezuela and my and her inability to get a tourist visa.

[payxibka 10,045]

3 minutes ago, Scott Rusticus said:

What if I get married there but do not say I am married when I apply?  How would they know if the marriage is in Aruba? We have not yet met. We have talked for a long time but this will be our first face to face due to the current situation in Venezuela and my and her inability to get a tourist visa.

What is so important about getting married in February?  If you want to do the K-1, then meet in Aruba but do not marry.  It is that simple.

[RJandHamid 1,133]

7 minutes ago, Scott Rusticus said:

What if I get married there but do not say I am married when I apply?  How would they know if the marriage is in Aruba? We have not yet met. We have talked for a long time but this will be our first face to face due to the current situation in Venezuela and my and her inability to get a tourist visa.

That would involve lying to USCIS, which is certainly NOT something you should do. If they do find out that you lied about being/not being married, she could face a permanent ban.

You cannot file for a CR1 visa without including the marriage certificate in the initial petition that you mail out, so unfortunately you can't start either petition until you've met her (and married her if you choose the CR1 route).

 

I would do the meeting in Aruba, get married there if that is your plan, then return to the US and file a CR1 visa for her. The wait is painful, but you have a big support group in these forums.