k1 visa (Split)

[powerpuff 6,697]

2 minutes ago, Keith1 said:

 

You guys are amazing, and thank you for your help. I know I’m a little nervous about this whole process.  From what I’m seeing here, I believe the spousal visa would be more beneficial for us. Since she is in South Africa, would you guys recommend an online marriage, and then going over to consummate it, or going there and being married in her country?  My thoughts are that it may make more sense to go back over, and marry her there.  I’ve read online that there’s only one online marriage accepted, and it’s Utah County.   Trying to decide which would be the smarter move.  Seems like if I have to go over anyway, why not just get married there?  Thoughts?

It depends how hard or easy it is to marry in SA. For example, in my country there is a mandatory 30 day wait from when you request to get married and then the actual ceremony, making it difficult if you do not have the luxury of a month long vacation. Have your fiancé find out what the requirements are, sometimes there are stipulations for foreigners getting married too. 

 

Another pro of Utah is that it is a US based marriage certificate so if you ever need certified copies it is easy to request them. 

[Keith1 1]

On 10/28/2023 at 3:43 PM, powerpuff said:

As someone who has done the K1 process, I strongly recommend CR1 spousal visa. It has many more advantages and wait times are not that different.

 

On 10/28/2023 at 4:29 PM, SalishSea said:

Same here, 100%.  

 

Another point I'd like to make: the COVID pandemic taught us that in times when resources are limited globally, USCIS/DOS prioritizes spouses of US citizens over fiances. It makes sense if you think about it, as spouse is a legal/familial relationship, and fiance is not.

 

On 10/28/2023 at 4:51 PM, Keith1 said:

Thank you so much.  This is the input I need!!  I appreciate all the responses.  

Makes perfect sense.  Thank you!!  

 

45 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Utah tends to be used by people who may have issues marrying in a normal fashion for whatever reason.

 

Some Lawyers do not like Utah for immigration purposes, I am not going that far.

 

43 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

It depends how hard or easy it is to marry in SA. For example, in my country there is a mandatory 30 day wait from when you request to get married and then the actual ceremony, making it difficult if you do not have the luxury of a month long vacation. Have your fiancé find out what the requirements are, sometimes there are stipulations for foreigners getting married too. 

 

Another pro of Utah is that it is a US based marriage certificate so if you ever need certified copies it is easy to request them. 

 

43 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

It depends how hard or easy it is to marry in SA. For example, in my country there is a mandatory 30 day wait from when you request to get married and then the actual ceremony, making it difficult if you do not have the luxury of a month long vacation. Have your fiancé find out what the requirements are, sometimes there are stipulations for foreigners getting married too. 

 

Another pro of Utah is that it is a US based marriage certificate so if you ever need certified copies it is easy to request them. 

 

44 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

It depends how hard or easy it is to marry in SA. For example, in my country there is a mandatory 30 day wait from when you request to get married and then the actual ceremony, making it difficult if you do not have the luxury of a month long vacation. Have your fiancé find out what the requirements are, sometimes there are stipulations for foreigners getting married too. 

 

Another pro of Utah is that it is a US based marriage certificate so if you ever need certified copies it is easy to request them. 

Understood.