Permanent Resident wants her Fiance here with here...

[Civic Girl 0]

I have a question, my co-worker is a permanent resident here in the US. Her fiance lives in London and she wants to have him come here to live. They'd go the k-1 route, but that is for citizens. Does anyone know of any options that they have? Thanks in advance!

[chocolaterie 0]

From what I know, it's a long wait. It would probably be better if she could file for citizenship and then sponsor him. Unless of course he can qualify for a work visa.

[john_and_marlene 162]

There is no petition for a fiance for LPR, but there is for spouse.

The current priority date for an LPR spouse in about 4 years.

How close are they from naturalization eligibility?

If they marry and apply for IR1 they could have an interview about 4 years later.

The petition can be upgraded is the LPR subsequently naturalizes.

[happyimmigrant 0]

There is no petition for a fiance for LPR, but there is for spouse.

The current priority date for an LPR spouse in about 4 years.

How close are they from naturalization eligibility?

If they marry and apply for IR1 they could have an interview about 4 years later.

The petition can be upgraded is the LPR subsequently naturalizes.

4 years. Disgusting.

I wonder why the US has such a huge problem with illegal immigration? Let's weigh our options:

a) file the paperwork, jump through hoops, pay lots of fees, go through interviews and stress, wait 4+ years, and then maybe get to be together if the USCIS sees fit, or

B) come to the US and overstay your visa, and get to be together right away.

[TracyTN 237]

Um, I dunno if that's the best suggestion - overstay?

[happyimmigrant 0]

Um, I dunno if that's the best suggestion - overstay?

I'm not suggesting it's a good idea. I'm simply saying that overstaying a visa is an attractive option to someone who is faced with dealing with the USCIS and the onerous legal immigration process for the next 4 years before being able to be reunited with their loved one. It's probably one of the reasons for the high level of illegal immigration into the US today.

[pax 0]

I agree with those who've suggested that the LPR file for citizenship as soon as she's eligible, if she's not already, and then go for a K-1.

Barring that, depending on the nationality of the LPR and the quals of the UK fiance, they may have a few other options (e.g. a work visa, spending some time in Canada or the UK, etc.) I don't think we know enough about the situation to get into those areas so much, though.

Let's not turn this into another "it's so unfair!!!" thread and instead focus on what options *are* available to this couple.

[Civic Girl 0]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've passed it on... Good luck to those who are going through the Immigration process still, I know its stressful, but it'll all be worth it once its over!

[pax 0]

Might we invite your friend here? If we know more about her situation, particularly her UK sweetie's quals and their mutual goals, we might be able to help more. A few folks here--not a whole lot, but a few--are also familiar with work visas, as well as Canadian and British immigration.

[CJ&Jum 0]

I suppose that is part of the reason of the latest immigration protests and changes that have been suggested.

There is no petition for a fiance for LPR, but there is for spouse.

The current priority date for an LPR spouse in about 4 years.

How close are they from naturalization eligibility?

If they marry and apply for IR1 they could have an interview about 4 years later.

The petition can be upgraded is the LPR subsequently naturalizes.

4 years. Disgusting.

I wonder why the US has such a huge problem with illegal immigration? Let's weigh our options:

a) file the paperwork, jump through hoops, pay lots of fees, go through interviews and stress, wait 4+ years, and then maybe get to be together if the USCIS sees fit, or

B) come to the US and overstay your visa, and get to be together right away.

[Kajikit 65]

It's bad isn't it... I know a couple who were up the creek without a paddle because she was a LPR who had filed for citizenship but was caught in the huge backlog of a waiting list, and he was here on a work visa that his employers let lapse (but kept him on in the same job for a couple more years!) They wanted to marry but they couldn't do a thing the legal way... in the end he decided to leave the country voluntarily and stay under the radar and she was going to go to England to marry him and then try to get him back in when she could... I have no idea where they are now because we lost contact, but I hope they're going to get a happy ever after...