mindy23

Hello all

Apologies for the length of the post, I will try and keep issues as brief as I can.

1. I am a British Citizen
2. My boyfriend is a Dual Citizen between UK and USA
3. We were both born in the UK and looking to move to San Francisco.

4. We initially thought the K-1 would be best, as we have known each other for 4 years, been together 3 and are currently living together.

However, since reading more, perhaps the K-3 may be easier.

My questions are, if anyone could help, are as follows:

1. If we get married in the UK, will I still get the same rights even though he is dual citizen?
2. Is the speed of the K-1 true when compared to K-3?
3. Would you advise us to hire someone? It is a very expensive process in itself! Would the American Embassy offer advice?
4. We are very open in either getting married in the UK or USA, it really does not matter, we simply want the least painful route


Please ask away for anything I may have missed out, and thank you all. I have been reading lots of posts and wiki pages here that have already helped immensely.

Mindy

mindy23

Or, the CR-1?

Married2abrit

The k3 is basically obsolete now.

Noorah101

The K-3 is an outdated visa, and no longer serves the purpose for which it was intended. It no longer brings the immigrant to the USA any faster than an Immigrant Visa. Plus, a K-3 visa cannot be applied for directly in London, as the Immigrant Visa can...so your best way forward is to get married and then apply for an Immigrant Visa (it will be CR-1 category if your marriage is less than 2 years old, IR-1 if more than 2 years old).

I'm not sure what you mean by "rights"?

Since K-3 is not really an option, I'll answer based on K-1 vs. Immigrant Visa. They are about the same process time from petition to getting visa. The K-1 is longer if you take into account getting the green card as well.

Only if you have difficulty understanding the process, completing paperwork, following instructions, or if you have any past immigration problems such as an overstay in the USA, or if you have any criminal history.

This is not really a question, but if you budget around $2,500 for the whole thing, you'll probably be OK.

They might, but you cannot rely on it. Their advice could be incorrect, and then you'd end up paying the price for it if things go wrong.

If you want to do the K-1 visa, you MUST get married in the USA, within 90 days of your entry on the K-1 visa.

If you do the Immigrant Visa, you can get married in either country, it makes no difference.

Rene

Noorah101

Yes, this one. CR-1 Immigrant Visa (if your marriage is less than 2 years old).

Rene

ian-mstm

Same rights as who? You won't have any rights in the US at this point in time, but you get to keep whatever UK rights you have!


The K-3 is obsolete... you've been researching very old information. If you're both in the UK, just get married and then start the process for a CR-1 visa.


Unless you have any prior US immigration issues, or criminal issues, no.


No. You never want to contact the US Embassy or Consulate for help. They are not there to help you.


In that case, get married in the UK and start the process for a CR-1 visa. Since your b/f is currently in the UK, the I-130 form can be filed directly to London. From the time you apply until you get the visa in your passport, it'll take about 8 months.

The only issue you might run into is one of financial support. Download and read the I-864 and the I-864 instructions (two different forms). Read first... then ask why I think it might be an issue. Do the research first... then ask!

Ian

Noorah101

Mindy, this is the Wiki Guide for the route you'll be taking, if you marry in the UK and file the I-130 to London.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/DCF_I-130_Filed_In_London

Rene