Greencard through marriage abroad ?

[tobmeg 0]

Hi all, 

me and my fiance are planning to move to the US. She is an american citizen, I am a german citizen. 

I might have the chance to get a inter company transfer, but this is not for sure. 

So our idea was to get married in Germany asap, apply for the greencard from germany. Best case we would move in July to the US via L1 and then wait for my interview in the US embassy and do it via consular processing

If the L1 doesn't work out we would just wait in Germany for the greencard to arrive. 

Is there some downsides for this path? How long would it take?

I hear constantly that this process takes at least 2 years and it would be better to get married in the US and then file for adjustment of status. 

The problem for me with getting married in the US and then file for an adjustment, that I might not be able to leave the country for up to 2 years and I cannot work. 

 

Thank you very much for your help and answers! 

 

 

 

[milimelo 4,513]

You can get married in Germany or even with the Utah online marriage. Timeline won't change - it's about 18 months to immigrant visa, depending on the backlog of people waiting for visa interviews in your consulate. You won't get a green card until after you've entered the US and activated your immigrant visa (and paid the green card issuance fee to USCIS). 

[Boiler 45,753]

You need the L1 to get into the US so you can then file to adjust.

 

I would throw everything at that as it is super quick compared to anything else. Actually solves a lot of other issues as well.

 

Otherwise 18 months?

[tobmeg 0]

If I am married abroad, and then go to the US via L1, I could still adjust for adjustment of status right? 

Even if my spouse filed already for an I-130? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Boiler 45,753]

L1 is dual intent, you have a job, hopefully some relocation help and financially assistance.