I'm marrying an Englishman. In fact, I refer to him as The English because he is THAT English. Only K2 is more English. I have listened to them discuss tea.
I don't know when we will marry, other than "as soon as we can." Having made up my mind, I'm not interested in goofing around planning an elaborate wedding (since I worked catering about a million and seven of them while in college). Unfortunately, The US Government has to validate our nuptials.
Behold--a set of Frequently Asked Questions.
Are you moving to the UK or is he moving here?
The English is moving here, we hope.
Would you have gotten married if he could just live here?
Hell, yes. And I'll move there, if it comes to that.
Can't you just get married and then bring him here as your husband?
We could, but the process to get his permanent resident status would take much longer.
Where are you getting married?
We will get legally married in the US.
When are you getting married?
We don't know.
When will he be back in the US?
We don't know. It may be possible to enter the US during the visa process, but it's not recommended, and his visa interview must be done in the UK.
Why don't you know when you're getting married? Is it really *that* hard to get a visa if you're getting married?
He is a British citizen. Before we get married, we have to file for what is known as a K1 or "fiance" visa. Yes, it's tedious and expensive because USCIS has to look out for things like this: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/8573486.
What's the process for getting the visa?
Before we file for the K1, we both need to make sure we are administratively set--passports and driver's licenses are up-to-date, etc. We started this process in August, and it'll take 4-6 weeks to complete, if all goes well with the British government.
The next step is to start the visa process. Getting a visa can take anywhere from 3 months to over a year (or not at all), depending upon how things go. I start by filing I329 forms (which require G325's) and paying $455 to the Department of Homeland Security.
The U.S. Embassy site in the UK recommended allowing 3-4 months from the time the Immigration Center receives my application for the first portion of the visa to process. At that point, my betrothed will start his portion of the process. Feel free to read about it here: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/iv/fprocessing.html.
Among other things, he fills out forms, undergoes a medical exam by one of two U.S. Embassy-sanctioned medical centers at a cost of £180 (about the same cost as an uninsured person would pay for a doctor's appointment in the U.S.), presents his (clean, yes) crime record and provides proof that he "is not likely to become a public charge." Unless he manages to get a job and visa from a U.S. company (unlikely), he'll present a notarized affidavit from me guaranteeing that I will financially support him (which I will do happily, since he's giving up London!).
He will then be granted (we hope) a formal interview. He must do the interview at the American Embassy in the UK. Then, we allow several more weeks for processing. If all goes well, we will be issued a K1 visa.
We have 6 months to use the visa and must marry within 90 days of him legally entering the U.S.
So, if everything goes as planned, we might be able to marry in early 2010. Or not.
Are you going to hire an attorney?
We may hire an attorney if it looks like things are going to get hairy. A lot of websites exist that are USA/UK marriage-specific, and reviews are mixed as to whether or not one needs an attorney.
We have recommendations for an attorney here in Seattle.
Can you hire an attorney to make it go faster?
I have not seen anything online in discussion forums indicating you can expedite a K1 visa.
Is it going to be like that movie Greencard?
No, and stop reminding me of Andie MacDowell.
What does the visa application require? Do you have to know everything about each other??
The K1 visa requires that I show I am a U.S. citizen, he is eligible to become a U.S. citizen, and that nothing shady is going on--i.e. we have actually met and really intend to marry. I'm sure some website like www.illegallyimportbridesforprofit.com has a lot of tips and tricks that we don't need. Neither one of us has a criminal record, we have pictures and witnesses of us together, The English has never overstayed a visa, and I make enough money to sponsor an immigrant (>$17,500.00 per year).
And that's it then?
No. After the K1, we have 90 days to apply for his permanent residency status and start another long process so that he can stay and eventually work.
Can he leave the US?
Probably not until he has residency status.
So, now what?
Waiting. Lots of waiting. We won't plan the wedding until we are at least through the first part of the process. Originally we had hoped November, then February, but we really can't tell.
How long until he can work after you're married?
It looks like--and it gets hazy here because I'm more focused on just getting him here--it depends on who hires him and what the work situation will be like. I believe he may be able to start working once he has his conditional permanent resident status. It may be two years before he is legal to work in the U.S.
What if he got an H1 or something?
It might change things some, or it might just be too confusing and jeopardize the process.
Will you have two weddings?
Probably not, and we are not likely to have a big ceremony. It just depends on how things go.
How did he propose?
Classified.
well, did he get down on one knee?
No, nor do I have a diamond ring. It was made clear to The English that a ring is not something I want. I would have worn one if he wanted me to, but it's not really my thing. We will have wedding bands, though.
Are you changing your name?
Hyphenation is under discussion.
Are you excited?
Of course we're excited--in a really long, delayed administrative fashion.
3 years ago
