Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
#1
Just Joined
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2
Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
Hi guys,
I am a British Citizen living in NZ and engaged to a USC. Myself and my fiance want to settle in her home state and she i not in love with NZ so we are hoping to get over there in the next two years.
We are recently engaged and aware that our only real options are Fiance or Marriage visas. As we have family around the world, we aren't in a position to have a big wedding ceremony with all the people that we would want there. So I have been leaning to the Fiance visa and essentially getting married legally on arrival. However, I wanted to see if anyone has any advice or experience with legally getting married abroad without a big to do and how that would effect the chances of suspicion during a marriage visa application?
Any early advice would be fantastic!
Cheers,
Jono
I am a British Citizen living in NZ and engaged to a USC. Myself and my fiance want to settle in her home state and she i not in love with NZ so we are hoping to get over there in the next two years.
We are recently engaged and aware that our only real options are Fiance or Marriage visas. As we have family around the world, we aren't in a position to have a big wedding ceremony with all the people that we would want there. So I have been leaning to the Fiance visa and essentially getting married legally on arrival. However, I wanted to see if anyone has any advice or experience with legally getting married abroad without a big to do and how that would effect the chances of suspicion during a marriage visa application?
Any early advice would be fantastic!
Cheers,
Jono
#2
Re: Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
The size of wedding has no bearing on either visa.
If I were you, I'd get married in NZ and do the spouse immigrant visa, rather than the K-1 fiance visa. That way you become a US PR immediately upon arrival in the USA, with full right to live and work in the USA from Day 1.
I don't know if the I-130 can be filed directly to a USCIS field office in NZ, but something to look into.
Rene
If I were you, I'd get married in NZ and do the spouse immigrant visa, rather than the K-1 fiance visa. That way you become a US PR immediately upon arrival in the USA, with full right to live and work in the USA from Day 1.
I don't know if the I-130 can be filed directly to a USCIS field office in NZ, but something to look into.
Rene
#3
Re: Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
You didn't specifically say, but I assume the USC is currently living in NZ?
Rene
Rene
#4
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2
Re: Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
Hi Rene,
Thanks for your reply!
That is good to know. Becoming a PR on arrival is ideal. Yes, the USC currently lives in NZ.
I believe submissions in NZ go through the embassy due to the lack of field office over here.
Cheers,
Jono
Thanks for your reply!
That is good to know. Becoming a PR on arrival is ideal. Yes, the USC currently lives in NZ.
I believe submissions in NZ go through the embassy due to the lack of field office over here.
Cheers,
Jono
#5
Re: Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
You'll need to make sure you have a way of meeting the I-864 Affidavit of Support financial requirements. Www.uscis.gov has information on that.
Not all countries accept I-130s directly. You'll need to find out if NZ does or not. If not, the I-130 will need to be sent to the USA.
Rene
Not all countries accept I-130s directly. You'll need to find out if NZ does or not. If not, the I-130 will need to be sent to the USA.
Rene
Last edited by Noorah101; Dec 28th 2018 at 2:29 am.
#6
Re: Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
Looks like the I-130 has to go to Chicago, except under special circumstances:
https://nz.usembassy.gov/visas/immig...circumstances/
Therefore, you should allow about 12 to 18 months for processing from start to finish.
Rene
https://nz.usembassy.gov/visas/immig...circumstances/
Therefore, you should allow about 12 to 18 months for processing from start to finish.
Rene
#7
Re: Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
I believe submissions in NZ go through the embassy due to the lack of field office over here.
#8
Re: Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
FYI, DCF stands for direct consular filing. Since you are unfamiliar with the USCIS and visa processing thought the abbreviation might throw you.
Although you and your wife would file the I-130 and assortment of other paperwork in the US, you will ultimately do the final interview for the visa at the US Consulate/Embassy in NZ.
There is a pro and con sheet for the two visas so you can see side by side what the advantages/disadvantages are.
https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Compa...ge-based_visas_
Although you and your wife would file the I-130 and assortment of other paperwork in the US, you will ultimately do the final interview for the visa at the US Consulate/Embassy in NZ.
There is a pro and con sheet for the two visas so you can see side by side what the advantages/disadvantages are.
https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Compa...ge-based_visas_
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 143
Re: Engaged to USC in NZ and looking into visa options
Out of curiosity, why USA over NZ? I've travelled extensively in NZ and live in USA. My best friend lives near Wellington and has an envious lifestyle. I'd pick NZ if I could. Where in NZ do you live and which US state are you returning to?