Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
Jan 5th 2010, 12:38 pm
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 103
Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
OK, so, I am a british female marrying my American boyfriend.
I am finding it so hard to start finding information about how we are to go about all of this. we currently live in Thailand and had planned on moving to the states to be around while his niece is still small. We just got engaged over Christmas and I am now fretting about how long it will take to get the necesary paperwork together and what I actually need to get. We dont plan on being in the UK until the wedding, which I understand I may need to do.
Where can I find this information without being scared to tears at the pages and paged of useless information being thrown at me?
I had kind of forgotten about all of this stuff, I have just been pulled on my lovely cloud 9!!!! So much to think about!!!!!
Any help would be great!!!!!!!!!
I am finding it so hard to start finding information about how we are to go about all of this. we currently live in Thailand and had planned on moving to the states to be around while his niece is still small. We just got engaged over Christmas and I am now fretting about how long it will take to get the necesary paperwork together and what I actually need to get. We dont plan on being in the UK until the wedding, which I understand I may need to do.
Where can I find this information without being scared to tears at the pages and paged of useless information being thrown at me?
I had kind of forgotten about all of this stuff, I have just been pulled on my lovely cloud 9!!!! So much to think about!!!!!
Any help would be great!!!!!!!!!
Jan 5th 2010, 1:18 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 76
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
Not an expert here, but I guess the first place to start is to determine whether you want to apply for a fiance visa or a spousal visa.
Jan 5th 2010, 1:26 pm
#3
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Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Posts: 6
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
OK, so, I am a british female marrying my American boyfriend.
I am finding it so hard to start finding information about how we are to go about all of this. we currently live in Thailand and had planned on moving to the states to be around while his niece is still small. We just got engaged over Christmas and I am now fretting about how long it will take to get the necesary paperwork together and what I actually need to get. We dont plan on being in the UK until the wedding, which I understand I may need to do.
Where can I find this information without being scared to tears at the pages and paged of useless information being thrown at me?
I had kind of forgotten about all of this stuff, I have just been pulled on my lovely cloud 9!!!! So much to think about!!!!!
Any help would be great!!!!!!!!!
I am finding it so hard to start finding information about how we are to go about all of this. we currently live in Thailand and had planned on moving to the states to be around while his niece is still small. We just got engaged over Christmas and I am now fretting about how long it will take to get the necesary paperwork together and what I actually need to get. We dont plan on being in the UK until the wedding, which I understand I may need to do.
Where can I find this information without being scared to tears at the pages and paged of useless information being thrown at me?
I had kind of forgotten about all of this stuff, I have just been pulled on my lovely cloud 9!!!! So much to think about!!!!!
Any help would be great!!!!!!!!!
I know how much of a nightmare it can be. My Irish boyfriend and I (American) are dreading the day we have to start figuring all of this out!
Jan 5th 2010, 1:49 pm
#4
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Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Kentucky - Green Card came 2 months after marrying! :D
Posts: 188
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
OK, so, I am a british female marrying my American boyfriend.
I am finding it so hard to start finding information about how we are to go about all of this. we currently live in Thailand and had planned on moving to the states to be around while his niece is still small. We just got engaged over Christmas and I am now fretting about how long it will take to get the necesary paperwork together and what I actually need to get. We dont plan on being in the UK until the wedding, which I understand I may need to do.
Where can I find this information without being scared to tears at the pages and paged of useless information being thrown at me?
I had kind of forgotten about all of this stuff, I have just been pulled on my lovely cloud 9!!!! So much to think about!!!!!
Any help would be great!!!!!!!!!
I am finding it so hard to start finding information about how we are to go about all of this. we currently live in Thailand and had planned on moving to the states to be around while his niece is still small. We just got engaged over Christmas and I am now fretting about how long it will take to get the necesary paperwork together and what I actually need to get. We dont plan on being in the UK until the wedding, which I understand I may need to do.
Where can I find this information without being scared to tears at the pages and paged of useless information being thrown at me?
I had kind of forgotten about all of this stuff, I have just been pulled on my lovely cloud 9!!!! So much to think about!!!!!
Any help would be great!!!!!!!!!
Use all you can in this forum, including the guides.
Everybody's situation is different but that's how it happened for me. Good Luck!
Jan 5th 2010, 2:01 pm
#5
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,259
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
a) If you plan on marrying in the US, you'll need a fiance visa
b) and documentation of the length you two have been together (someone else will probably correct me, but I think it's two years?).
c) If you're marrying in the UK, you'll apply for a spousal visa when you two head over.
b) and documentation of the length you two have been together (someone else will probably correct me, but I think it's two years?).
c) If you're marrying in the UK, you'll apply for a spousal visa when you two head over.
b) Nope. The couple need to have met in person in the last two years.
c) If they are marrying in the UK, the USC will need a fiance visa for the UK - you need such a visa to enter the UK and marry someone.
After that, yes, they'd apply for an Immigrant Visa (CR-1) for the UKC.
I don't want to appear mean, but you really should do more reading and less 'advising' at this stage, until your knowledge of the processes is considerably higher than it is now.
Jan 5th 2010, 2:19 pm
#6
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 103
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
a) Why? You don't need any visa to marry in the US. They can use a fiance visa to marry and stay in the US.
b) Nope. The couple need to have met in person in the last two years.
c) If they are marrying in the UK, the USC will need a fiance visa for the UK - you need such a visa to enter the UK and marry someone.
After that, yes, they'd apply for an Immigrant Visa (CR-1) for the UKC.
I don't want to appear mean, but you really should do more reading and less 'advising' at this stage, until your knowledge of the processes is considerably higher than it is now.
b) Nope. The couple need to have met in person in the last two years.
c) If they are marrying in the UK, the USC will need a fiance visa for the UK - you need such a visa to enter the UK and marry someone.
After that, yes, they'd apply for an Immigrant Visa (CR-1) for the UKC.
I don't want to appear mean, but you really should do more reading and less 'advising' at this stage, until your knowledge of the processes is considerably higher than it is now.
We have been together since we met, and I just hope that all of this does not force us to be apart during our engagement!!!
There is just so many little things to take care of!!! And I thought that organising the wedding would be the tricky part!!!
I need a check list to make sure all is completed I think!!!!
Thanks for all of your help so far! It is just too confusing! I live and work abroad at the moment, but this is something else!!!
Jan 5th 2010, 2:22 pm
#7
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Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,679
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
Rene
Jan 5th 2010, 2:26 pm
#8
MODERATOR
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,679
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
OK, so, I am a british female marrying my American boyfriend.
I am finding it so hard to start finding information about how we are to go about all of this. we currently live in Thailand and had planned on moving to the states to be around while his niece is still small. We just got engaged over Christmas and I am now fretting about how long it will take to get the necesary paperwork together and what I actually need to get. We dont plan on being in the UK until the wedding, which I understand I may need to do.
Where can I find this information without being scared to tears at the pages and paged of useless information being thrown at me?
I had kind of forgotten about all of this stuff, I have just been pulled on my lovely cloud 9!!!! So much to think about!!!!!
Any help would be great!!!!!!!!!
I am finding it so hard to start finding information about how we are to go about all of this. we currently live in Thailand and had planned on moving to the states to be around while his niece is still small. We just got engaged over Christmas and I am now fretting about how long it will take to get the necesary paperwork together and what I actually need to get. We dont plan on being in the UK until the wedding, which I understand I may need to do.
Where can I find this information without being scared to tears at the pages and paged of useless information being thrown at me?
I had kind of forgotten about all of this stuff, I have just been pulled on my lovely cloud 9!!!! So much to think about!!!!!
Any help would be great!!!!!!!!!
1. Where do you want to get married? USA or UK?
2. Do you want to be separated as an engaged couple or a marriage couple?
3. Are you going to be living in the UK for a while, if you marry there? Maybe 6 months or more, before making the move to the USA?
4. When would be the ideal date to make THE big move to the USA?
5. How important is it to you (the immigrant) to be able to work immediately in the USA?
Once you answer these questions, the immigration path becomes more clear.
There are only two ways: The K-1 fiance visa, or the spouse Immigrant Visa. We have wiki guides to both.
Rene
Jan 5th 2010, 2:30 pm
#9
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 103
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
I don't know where you got that information, but it's not true. From start to finish, the K-1 fiance visa takes about 6 - 8 months to process. The visa itself is valid for 6 months to use to enter the USA once, for the purpose of getting married to your USC fiance. Once married, you begin the process of applying for your green card.
Rene
Rene
I dont want to marry in the states, this is the problem I am having. Can I get a 12 month working visa, then leave and marry in the UK? then apply for spouse visa? I know I must sound clueless right now, but I am! only just started to look into this and it is daunting to say the least! Had all these plans, but had kind of forgotten about the restrictions what with neither of us actually living in our respective countries at present.
Jan 5th 2010, 2:35 pm
#10
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,259
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
Almost exclusively from this website and forum. I asked, and listened to the answers. If you do the same, you'll be fine.
I'm still only a amateur compared to some on here!
No. The US is one of the world's hardest countries to get visas for, they don't just give out 'working visas' to whoever wants them.
I'm still only a amateur compared to some on here!
No. The US is one of the world's hardest countries to get visas for, they don't just give out 'working visas' to whoever wants them.
Jan 5th 2010, 2:37 pm
#11
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 103
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
You have to slow down a bit here and make a plan. Ask yourself these questions:
1. Where do you want to get married? USA or UK?
2. Do you want to be separated as an engaged couple or a marriage couple?
3. Are you going to be living in the UK for a while, if you marry there? Maybe 6 months or more, before making the move to the USA?
4. When would be the ideal date to make THE big move to the USA?
5. How important is it to you (the immigrant) to be able to work immediately in the USA?
Once you answer these questions, the immigration path becomes more clear.
There are only two ways: The K-1 fiance visa, or the spouse Immigrant Visa. We have wiki guides to both.
Rene
1. Where do you want to get married? USA or UK?
2. Do you want to be separated as an engaged couple or a marriage couple?
3. Are you going to be living in the UK for a while, if you marry there? Maybe 6 months or more, before making the move to the USA?
4. When would be the ideal date to make THE big move to the USA?
5. How important is it to you (the immigrant) to be able to work immediately in the USA?
Once you answer these questions, the immigration path becomes more clear.
There are only two ways: The K-1 fiance visa, or the spouse Immigrant Visa. We have wiki guides to both.
Rene
You have made things a lot clearer for me! just what I needed, So a huge thank you to you!!!
Jan 5th 2010, 2:39 pm
#12
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Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,679
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
I dont want to marry in the states, this is the problem I am having.
Very basically, after you marry and have all the documents you need in hand, the USC files an I-130 petition to get the ball rolling. The whole process takes about 8 - 10 months, you will need police report(s), a full medical, and then will attend an interview. You get your immigrant visa, enter the USA using it, and become a US permanent resident from Day 1. Of course there's a lot more to it than that, but there's a start for you.
Be aware that the USC will need a special visa to marry you in the UK.
Can I get a 12 month working visa, then leave and marry in the UK? then apply for spouse visa?
Rene
Jan 5th 2010, 2:41 pm
#13
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Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,679
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
Rene
Jan 5th 2010, 2:43 pm
#14
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,259
Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
I feel it should be pointed out that more than 99% of folks wanting to enter the US to work have no chance of the visa required.
Jan 5th 2010, 2:43 pm
#15
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Joined: Jan 2010
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Re: Marrying an American...Where to start!!!??
Ah, I see. The I-129F petition approval is valid for four months...BUT...if the process takes longer than that, the US Embassy will automatically extend that validity...so nothing for you to worry about there.
This sentence clears up your problem 100%. If you do a K-1 fiance visa, the marriage MUST take place in the USA. If you definitely do not want to get married in the USA, then your only path is to get married outside the USA (wherever you want), and then do a spouse Immigrant Visa. At least now you know what visa to research. Look at our Wiki guide for CR-1 Immigrant Visa.
Very basically, after you marry and have all the documents you need in hand, the USC files an I-130 petition to get the ball rolling. The whole process takes about 8 - 10 months, you will need police report(s), a full medical, and then will attend an interview. You get your immigrant visa, enter the USA using it, and become a US permanent resident from Day 1. Of course there's a lot more to it than that, but there's a start for you.
Be aware that the USC will need a special visa to marry you in the UK.
Sure, if you qualify for some sort of visa to work in the USA, you can come to the USA on that visa, and then leave to marry in the UK whenever you want. After the marriage, you'll do what I described in the above paragraph.
Rene
This sentence clears up your problem 100%. If you do a K-1 fiance visa, the marriage MUST take place in the USA. If you definitely do not want to get married in the USA, then your only path is to get married outside the USA (wherever you want), and then do a spouse Immigrant Visa. At least now you know what visa to research. Look at our Wiki guide for CR-1 Immigrant Visa.
Very basically, after you marry and have all the documents you need in hand, the USC files an I-130 petition to get the ball rolling. The whole process takes about 8 - 10 months, you will need police report(s), a full medical, and then will attend an interview. You get your immigrant visa, enter the USA using it, and become a US permanent resident from Day 1. Of course there's a lot more to it than that, but there's a start for you.
Be aware that the USC will need a special visa to marry you in the UK.
Sure, if you qualify for some sort of visa to work in the USA, you can come to the USA on that visa, and then leave to marry in the UK whenever you want. After the marriage, you'll do what I described in the above paragraph.
Rene
I'll do my research with the advice that you have given, I really appreciate you taking the time to assist me!