Is it better to file for a fiance visa or go to your fiance’s country and get married there?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Is it better to file for a fiance visa or go to your fiance’s country and get married there?
Which option is better for us and will take less processing time, so that we can be together sooner? I am a US born citizen. My girlfriend was an international student in the US and after she finished her studies, she went back home. Now, a year after she left, we would like to get married. I can only get a 10 day vacation time in order to go and marry.
Asked on October 7, 2012 under Immigration Law, Illinois
Answers:
Harun Kazmi / Kazmi and Sakata Attorneys at Law
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Hello. It may depend on the country she is from and where she will be processing. The fiance visa is generally faster as you can avoid the National Visa Center requests for originals documents and applications. The marriage will require this additional step as well as going there and getting married. However, there are other factors to consider, such as, how much proof do you have of the relationship, etc. I typically feel the Fiance is faster, but more expensive. Once she enters and marries, you have to still file for the marriage based green card. That is an additional expense altogether. Feel free to provide more details anytime at: [email protected]
Gene Meltser, Esq. / BIRG & MELTSER
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Both options take about 4 to 6 months to execute, depending on the country. However, you must also take into account the possibility of a fiancée visa difficulties, where a marriage can provide a more solid approach. Also, beware that foreign countries sometimes require additional documents from US citizens in order to get married. What country is she a citizen of? I would be glad to discuss this with you in detail. Please contact me directly at [email protected]
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.