Hi Everyone,
I am sure this question has been asked many times before, but I wasn't able to find a thread for it, so I apologize in advance.
I'm currently living and working in the United States.
My fiancé currently lives in Japan.
We have been dating for about 6 months, and we have met in person several times, but we are not yet married.
My fiancé will be visiting me in the United States on a tourist visa some time in March or April and staying for about 3 months.
We want to apply for the CR1 Visa as soon as possible.
I want to know how and when we should get married so that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
For example, should we get married when she visits me on the tourist visa? She will be returning to her home country after about 3 months regardless.
In this case, would it be possible to begin the CR1 Visa application while she is still in the United States on a tourist visa? Or should we wait until she is back home in Japan before filing.
Alternatively, should we have a virtual marriage while she is still in Japan, so that I can apply for the CR1 Visa before she visits me on a tourist visa?
Finally, it would be possible for me to visit her in Japan to get married there before applying for the CR1, although that would be the most difficult and expensive option.
I appreciate any advice on the subject.
Thank you,
Eric
PS: We are open to applying for the K1 Visa as well, but I heard that they take about the same amount of time to process, so the CR1 Visa seems to be more advantageous (cheaper overall, can being working immediately, etc).