AndyEODV8

Last month me and my now fiancé got engaged,

She is an American citizen in California and I'm in London British citizen.

Could anyone help with the visa process I am looking at residing over to the states with her and we are looking at having the wedding out where she comes from, my main interest is how long does the visa process take and if everything is approved as anyone had any issues getting work afterwards?

Thanks

ian-mstm

If you're going to marry in the US, then you're looking at a K-1 (fiancé) visa. We have a nice Wiki article about it. From start to finish, you're looking at about 8-10 months from the time your USC fiancée files the I-129F petition until you get the visa in your passport. As for work, once you're married you apply for employment authorization (EAD) as part of your adjustment paperwork (from K-1 beneficiary to US permanent resident (= green card)). The EAD takes about 60-90 days to get.

Read first... digest... read again... then ask questions!

Ian

AndyEODV8

Thanks Ian had a scan threw and helped with some of my questions I had.

I also noticed that I would have to leave my passport with the embassy after my interview. Do you know how long they keep it for to apply the visa stamp if approved? As this could be a slight issue as I require my passport at all times with my job.

Noorah101

Typically it should take between 3 to 7 days to get your passport back. However, it could take longer, there is just no way of knowing ahead of time.

Rene

ian-mstm

Usually, the courier will have your passport back to you within 4-5 days... sometimes a few days longer.

Ian

Pulaski

I suggest you start a new thread over in the main US forum as that is not an immigration question.

How easy it is to get a job depends on many factors including what exactly it is you do, your experience, your qualifications, and whether your qualifications are even recognized.

ScottUK1990

Congrats! I'm in the same boat as you (albeit a month or so ahead). Good luck with the process!

AndyEODV8

Thanks Scott. How's your process going at the moment?

ScottUK1990

As far as we know it's going ok. I-129F is processing in California, anticipate hearing something around September (although not holding my breath). Fingers crossed it all goes ok and there's no delay.

AndyEODV8

Fingers crossed for you mate. Is it California you're moving to? Just need to do my photo and send it to my fiancé and then she is sending the first stage of the paper work of

ScottUK1990

No - Philadelphia. It's just the paperwork thats gone to California.
Awesome, big first step done once she's sent it off. Just a lot of waiting ahead!