QUESTION
Is it better to marry in the US or abroad?
Asked on Jul 26th, 2011 on Immigration - Florida
More details to this question:
I'm a US citizen, and my fiance is a Chinese citizen. She works in HK and she can't leave HK for more than 2 weeks at a time. We want to get married and live in the US, but she needs to have a job in the US before she moves. We think the best way is for her to get her green card first before moving to the US. We can get married either in US or HK (she just received a visitor's visa to the US good for one year), which one is the better move? Is there a material difference in cost between the two methods?
5 ANSWERS
Immigration Law Attorney serving New York, NY
Partner at
Oltarsh & Associates, P.C.
If you marry then you can bring your spouse to the U.S. as a permanent resident. It takes 9 to 12 months for the entire process. Call us if you are seeking counsel to help with the matter.
Answered on Aug 17th, 2011 at 7:15 AM
In her case, it's probably better for you to get married in HK and then petition for her. If you want more information, you can contact our office.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:44 AM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Las Vegas, NV
at
Reza Athari & Associates, PLLC
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Marry wherever you like and make sure you hire an immigration attorney for a smooth process. Let us know if we can help.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:39 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving New York, NY
at
Law Offices of Nicklaus Misiti, PLLC
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It does not matter where you marry. You should speak with an immigration attorney about filing for the green card. For a free consultation feel free to contact my office.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:26 AM
Corporate & Incorporation Attorney serving Coral Gables, FL
at
Hans Burgos, P.A., Immigration Law Offices
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If you both decide to get married in China, you would need to file a Petition for Relative (Form I-130) with the USCIS, then file an Application for a Non-immigrant K-3 Visa (Form I-129), process the K before the US Consulate in HK, and finally, have her file an Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) upon her arriving in the US. If you get married in the US after her being admitted as tourist, you would both file a "one step" package with the USCIS including the Form I-130, Form I-485 and an Application for Work Authorization (Form I-765) allowing your wife to work while her petitions is pending. It would take the USCIS approximately 6 months to adjudicate the "one step" package.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 3:19 PM