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What is my best option for obtaining a US immigration visa? I am a UK citizen engaged to a US citizen.
Anonymous2 views5 answers
I got engaged a couple of weeks ago to my US boyfriend. I We are both in the US at the moment (he is currently living and working here) but I am just here on holiday and am flying back to the UK in just over a week. We are trying to decide whether to get married before I leave to get the ball rolling for when I do wish to move to the US. I am not looking to move to the US until the end of this year as I have ties in the UK right now. I am trying to decide whether we would better getting married now and petitioning an I-130; or whether we should wait and apply for a fiance visa later; or whether we should just get married in the UK. Would getting married in the UK make it more difficult in the long run for me to get an immigrant visa to the US?
I am a Seattle based immigration attorney. Recently marriage based adjustment cases have been taking about 4-6 months here. Its the fastest way if you are both already here. Fiancée visas are about 6-8 months but they cost more in the end because you still have to file for adjustment after you get here. I-130 Consular process takes about the same time but costs less than the fiancée visa because you get the greencard status when you arrive without having to adjust.
Andre Olivie
Seattle Immigration Lawyer
Call anytime at 206-724-1940
www.olivielaw.com
Processing times for those married to U.S. Citizens can prove very upsetting. The immediate relative visa program is terribly underfunded by the U.S. Congress. In addition, you can face tremendous difficult, and may be indefinitely banned from immigration, as a matter of discretion, if you marry within 60 days after being in the States.
I strongly recommend an appointment or teleconference with a competent and experienced immigration attorney before you take any further action including departing from the U.S. It is unclear whether you may best be served by a fiance visa.
Alexander M. IvakhnenkoCriminal Defense AttorneyChicago, IL ·
Both options could be troubled by delays. It seems that a bit more expedient way could be AOS based on a marriage to a U.S. Citizen while you are in the U.S. to file a one stop of I-130 at once. Otherwise the processing abroad usually may be greatly protracted.
