Doubts about the ways I have and which one is best, to get married in America and stay there.

[Yonna 4]

4 hours ago, Paul & Mallory said:

My biggest piece of advice to you right now, based on your commentary - I strongly implore both you and your partner to get to researching. A LOT. Immigration is not easy and it's not meant to be - it's a privilege, not a right, and if it were so easy (just get married and move right on over), then there would be a heck of a lot more fraud than we already have as it is. There's processes in place for a reason. No, they aren't always fun, but it's the price you pay. Everyone who has completed the same process you're asking about has been in your shoes before at some point. That isn't to negate your impending frustrations - just to remind you that you aren't being "punished" and you are not alone. But if you are truly in love and want to spend the rest of your life with someone, then these paths are ALWAYS worth it in the end. And the separation is temporary. I would remind myself daily, during my time apart from my husband - it's either be apart now, temporarily, or be apart forever because we don't do what we have to in order to live the life together that we want. A very easy no-brainer, in my opinion.

 

Again - RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. Be sure you are BOTH well versed on all of the available options, and even more well versed on the option you wind up taking. From beginning to END. Make sure you know what you are in for, from start to finish, and be as prepared as possible for each step as it comes.

 

Good luck.

Thank you, and yeah I know I'm not alone, seeing how people in my situation are now happy with their couples is inspiring. I'm totally sure it's worth it. I just got frustrated because my plans weren't this, but this is the safest way to go I think. And what I want is to be with him. I hope things will work out.

[Dashinka 24,513]

3 minutes ago, Yonna said:

Thank you, and yeah, things never happen how you planned them but it could be worse. 

That is the best thing about VJ, it is a great educational resource for those that decide to work their way through the immigration maze. 

 

Good Luck!

[Yonna 4]

3 hours ago, Nicola and Jordan said:

So here is my info from a K1

 

We filed March 2018

Medical and Interview November 2018 

Visa in hand December 2018

Flew to USA February 2019

Filed AOS March 2019

 

Now the long wait begins again for EAD and an even longer wait for the green card. 

 

If we were to do this process again we would definitely do them spousal visa as not being able to work is tough. Luckily we are financially stable but it’s a massive adjustment when you have worked most of your life. The process is quite expensive too so be prepared for that but the worst is leaving family and friends and the homesickness. 

 

Everyone here has given really great advice so take it on board, do lots of research!! 3 years apart is a lot so maybe spend more time together before taking that leap. Don’t rush into anything, all

of us here know how hard it is to be away from the one you love but rushing this process (which really shouldn’t be taken lightly) when you’re not ready will cause you more of a headache and heartache. 

 

Enjoy your trip in April and spend quality time together.

Thank you! I will . And yeah, I think we will do the CR1 instead. 

[Mollie09 1,543]

15 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

Yeah, we know.  We've all been there.  There is NO legal way around the time apart.

I mean, not to be pedantic here, but I was separated from my spouse for approximately 0 days since I AOS'ed from an H1-B.

Not everybody goes through the time apart.

[Cathi 5,755]

20 hours ago, Yonna said:

This things should be easier.

It's no easier for an American to become a resident of many countries in Europe, or any other place in the world for that matter. It is what it is if you want to marry a US citizen and live here. We've all done it, we've all gone through the separation and survived, and you will too. Good luck on your journey.

Edited March 25, 2019 by Cathi

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

1 hour ago, Mollie09 said:

I mean, not to be pedantic here, but I was separated from my spouse for approximately 0 days since I AOS'ed from an H1-B.

Not everybody goes through the time apart.

I believe the @Jorgedig meant being separated overseas. No legal way for everyone overseas to avoid wait times around that separation. 

[Boiler 45,527]

2 minutes ago, WeGuyGal said:

I believe the @Jorgedig meant being separated overseas. No legal way for everyone overseas to avoid wait times around that separation. 

Not so, lots of illegals go through the I 601a process.

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

4 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Not so, lots of illegals go through the I 601a process.

Illegals in the US? 

[SalishSea 17,837]

5 minutes ago, WeGuyGal said:

I believe the @Jorgedig meant being separated overseas. No legal way for everyone overseas to avoid wait times around that separation. 

Exactly.   For most of us that have done a CR-1 or K-1, separation is part of that process, not to mention the ‘LDR’ time  before filing, that the OP alludes to.   

 

It is just a reality with marriage based immigration relationships.

[Crazy Cat 41,888]

21 hours ago, Yonna said:

Yeah okay, I'll do that. Why are this things so difficult. Uh. 

There is always a huge number of petitions in the queue:

[Boiler 45,527]

1 minute ago, WeGuyGal said:

Illegals in the US? 

Enter the US illegally, marry file I 130 and then I 601a and pop back for the interview.

[bmqsg5h3 12]

FYI

from:
https://www.uscis.gov/tools/reports-studies/immigration-forms-data
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Reports%20and%20Studies/Immigration%20Forms%20Data/Family-Based/I130_performancedata_fy2018_qtr1.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Reports%20and%20Studies/Immigration%20Forms%20Data/Family-Based/I130_performancedata_fy2018_qtr2.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Reports%20and%20Studies/Immigration%20Forms%20Data/Family-Based/I130_performancedata_fy2018_qtr3.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Reports%20and%20Studies/Immigration%20Forms%20Data/Family-Based/I130_performancedata_fy2018_qtr4.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Reports%20and%20Studies/Immigration%20Forms%20Data/All%20Form%20Types/Quarterly_All_Forms_FY18Q4.pdf