What are options for bringing my girlfriend to the U.S?

[confusedgeek]

Hello all,

 

I'm rather in uncharted territory here. I live in the U.S. and my girlfriend lives in asia (I'd rather not be too specific here to keep some privacy).

 

We've known each other give or take for almost 3 years, and everything is going great. I want to take our relationship up a notch by living closer together. However, my ability to survive in her country, is rather bleak and its very unlikely I could make a living there.

 

So, I want to invite her to stay here with me. However, I dont know what options are available to me. I could marry her, however, I rather want to get to know her more in person before popping the question.

 

Does anyone know of anyways I could bring her over to the U.S. to live with me?

 

What I can say is that trying to get a job visa to work here in the U.S. is unlikely at best. And a student visa, I've talked with her, is unlikely as she already has her master's degree. I'm pretty lost at what I can do so that I can get to know her better. Can anyone give any advise on the matter?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

- ConfusedGeek

[lovelorcet]

What does she have her Masters in?

 

What about a different Masters program or an MBA or something?

[catrocks]

Could she not come over to visit you on a 3 month visitor's visa?

 

I think that's probably best if you just want to spend time together and get to know her. If you visit the USCIS website or her local embassy's website you should be able to get more info.

 

The only other option I know of is a fiancee visa, and since you want to get to know her better and not rush into things I think your only option is a visit - although this is to the best of my knowledge, there may be other options.

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

Catrocks made the best suggestion. Have her come over on a 3-month visitor Visa. That way both of you will be able to gauge how you get along with each other, without any long-term Visa commitments.

 

It's really hard to find work on a worker's Visa here, the application process itself takes a long time and the policies and processes are so convoluted that most employers don't want to get involved with it.

 

About the student Visa option: She can get another Master's degree here if she wants. But I wouldn't suggest she spend all that money for another Master's Degree...especially when getting a work visa after that will still remain a challenge.

 

Have her come over on a visitor's visa, see how it goes, and then apply for another visitor's visa if you want.

 

One last thing: If she does end up staying here, please be sincere in your intent to be with her. I hope your relationship stays strong, but just in case if something goes wrong, make sure that she is stable here and can get along by herself.

[lovelorcet]

 

One last thing: If she does end up staying here, please be sincere in your intent to be with her. I hope your relationship stays strong, but just in case if something goes wrong, make sure that she is stable here and can get along by herself.

 

 

Wow... That is a really good point... This is exactly what happened to me. Left the states for the girl and then she flaked out. I was all alone in a foreign country when the 10 year relationship ended.

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

Wow... That is a really good point... This is exactly what happened to me. Left the states for the girl and then she flaked out. I was all alone in a foreign country when the 10 year relationship ended.

 

How long had you been in Europe when it ended? Did you think about coming back to the States?

[lonelybird]

I've heard if she come usa by fiancee visa, you have to decide to marry her or not within several months, if you don't want to marry her at that limit of time, she has to go back to her own country

 

Probably go to college for master degree is better idea, but for some countries in Asia, it is very difficult to get the student visa or visit visa.

 

Maybe you can go to her country to visit her for several monthes to know more about her, then decide if get the fiancee visa or not?

 

Oh, by the way, as an English teacher in Asian countries, the payment is above average, just a thought

[My_Other_I]

I've heard if she come usa by fiancee visa, you have to decide to marry her or not within several months, if you don't want to marry her at that limit of time, she has to go back to her own country

 

Probably go to college for master degree is better idea, but for some countries in Asia, it is very difficult to get the student visa or visit visa.

 

Maybe you can go to her country to visit her for several monthes to know more about her, then decide if get the fiancee visa or not?

 

Oh, by the way, as an English teacher in Asian countries, the payment is above average, just a thought

 

I believe it's 90 days. If you do decide to marry her, she will get a temporary 2 year green card with a work permit. If you're still married after two years, she can apply for a regular (10 year) green card (or legal alien card to be specific). I believe after total of 5 years she could apply for citizenship. Things might have changed a bit with all the immigration chaos now but this is how it used to be.

Good luck and like others said, please be certain you want her close to you. It would be hard for her without a family in a foreign country.

Also, you will need to sign a 'sponsor' form where you agree to support her for the total of 10 years and she would not be eligible for unemployment.

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

That was quite the informative post, My_Other_I. You don't work for the INS, do you?

 

 

To the OP: I think a visitor's visa is the best option, for now.

[My_Other_I]

Hm, I'm thinking about it now

 

OP, go to the INS website. Every option is listed in detail there, including prices.

Add to shopping cart..... (bad humor)

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

 

OP, go to the INS website. Every option is listed in detail there, including prices.

Add to shopping cart..... (bad humor)

 

:lmao: Good one!!

[lovelorcet]

How long had you been in Europe when it ended? Did you think about coming back to the States?

 

Had lived here for about 5 years. I had thought about going back to the states but I wanted to finish the PhD program I was in.

 

The day she moved out was one of the most intense "lonely" I have ever felt. Was alone in our apartment, was alone in a foreign country...

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

Had lived here for about 5 years. I had thought about going back to the states but I wanted to finish the PhD program I was in.

 

The day she moved out was one of the most intense "lonely" I have ever felt. Was alone in our apartment, was alone in a foreign country...

 

I understand....it's very difficult indeed. Five years is a long time, too.

 

But perhaps staying there for 5 years gave you a good standing there in terms of being familiar with the place and making friends, etc.

Still, it's a completely different ballgame when you're in a foreign country, so much adaptation and adjustment to do, especially in times like these.

 

That's why I'd suggest the OP to call his girlfriend over here temporarily. Don't go the whole hog with fiancee visa or marriage and the Green Card yet - I personally think it's the best for a person to get a Green Card on their own merit. These marriage-based Green Cards leave you at the mercy of the person you married.

Go with that route only after you're absolutely sure that you want to be with her.

 

And don't let her take up another Master's degree or anything...it costs a lot, and it's actually the longest, most tedious route to follow.

[taiko]

I've heard if she come usa by fiancee visa, you have to decide to marry her or not within several months, if you don't want to marry her at that limit of time, she has to go back to her own country

 

Probably go to college for master degree is better idea, but for some countries in Asia, it is very difficult to get the student visa or visit visa.

 

Maybe you can go to her country to visit her for several monthes to know more about her, then decide if get the fiancee visa or not?

 

Oh, by the way, as an English teacher in Asian countries, the payment is above average, just a thought

For a K-1 or fiance visa, he will have to visit her and prove to immigration and the US embassy in her country that the relationship is real. I think the visa has to be filled within two years of the last actual face to face meeting. If the US government thinks the relationship is real a visa will probably be issued but the couple has to be married within 90 days of her arrival. Without knowing her nation it is not possible to say what are the odds of getting a visitor or student visa. For many places its all but immpossible.

[catrocks]

For a K-1 or fiance visa, he will have to visit her and prove to immigration and the US embassy in her country that the relationship is real. I think the visa has to be filled within two years of the last actual face to face meeting.

 

That is true, I had forgotten that. (I am in the US on a fiancee visa at the moment and am getting married at the weekend)

 

Anyways I also wanted to say that the fiancee visa is also very expensive to apply for, and it takes a looooooooooong time and makes you want to give up and cry a lot.... for me it was worth it, but I would not have wanted to go through all that *just in case* we got married while I was here.

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

it takes a looooooooooong time and makes you want to give up and cry a lot....

 

That's the case with ALL the Visas, Catrocks.... Except perhaps visitor visas (depending on the country).

 

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, btw.

[confusedgeek]

I want to say thank you to all of you that replied.

This is a bit frustrating and a lot of work at the same time.

I will be sure to put all that information previously posted to good use.

 

Yeah, that visitor's visa. I brought it up with her again, and she told me that, anyone who applies for a vistor's visa from her country is seen like a flight risk, if that makes sense. Since she doesn't make very much per year, has an education, she is considered a flight risk.

 

When I heard about that, it was like grrrrr.....

So, I'm not going to have much help from her government's country.

 

So, I'll look into that fiancee visa and K-1 Visa. Student visa is going to be rough on her considering that she doesnt make much compared to US dollars.

I don't think she can afford going to school here, and me myself, I dont think I have that kind of money to help her with her tuition and survive.

 

It's a rough situation to be in just to get closer with each other.

I found someone that I do like, only to have country problems blocking the way.

 

90 days to get to know someone better than 0 days of not being together should I go through that fiancee visa route. So, I'll consider that, though, its like almost asking her to marry me, lol.

 

Man, life is rough.

 

I'll keep everyone posted to let you know my situation for helping me out here.

 

- ConfusedGeek

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

Yes, paying for the Master's degree is not easy - more so if the exchange rate isn't favorable.

 

The Visa situation does make life tough. It's almost like changing your entire life course for the sake of one piece of paper. Unfortunately, that's how it is.

 

But if people really want to be together, it's just another procedure that they learn to go through. And so many people actually do manage to get through the tedious, annoying procedure. It comes down to how strong/serious the relationship is.

 

If you're sure about bringing her here on a fiancee visa, then do so. Hopefully it should all work out.

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

Yeah, that visitor's visa. I brought it up with her again, and she told me that, anyone who applies for a vistor's visa from her country is seen like a flight risk, if that makes sense. Since she doesn't make very much per year, has an education, she is considered a flight risk.

 

When I heard about that, it was like grrrrr.....

So, I'm not going to have much help from her government's country.

 

 

Actually though, hold on.

 

Yes, she might be considered a "flight risk". All people who come to the United States - whether for travel, business, or education - are all evaluated for the risk of immigrating to this country. Anyone and everyone who even applies for a Visa, is viewed as a potential immigrant.

 

So that risk will remain, regardless of the kind of Visa she applies for.

 

It does not mean that she WILL be rejected for the Visitor Visa. She should definitely apply for the Visitor Visa first. Seriously, it's the better and wiser option. If she is rejected, she can always apply for the Fiancee visa.

 

All she has to do, when applying for a Visitor Visa, is to prove that she will NOT immigrate to the US. Show an existing job in her home country, show sufficient balance in her bank account to prove that she can sustain herself in the US for the duration of her stay, show personal property (such as a house, etc.)...in short, prove that she has a reason to come back.

 

Once the consulate officer is satisfied that she will return to her home country, they will have no qualms in issuing her the Visitor Visa.

 

I suggest she consult a good lawyer or Visa agent in her home country to work this out.

 

Go with the Visitor Visa first, it will make things easier on her, and safeguard her against possible problems with a fiancee visa.

[Alexandra-Girl]

Considering that the details of her Masters degree are not known at this time, I suggest finding an immigration lawyer to talk to.

 

The reason I am suggesting this is that Master's disciplines are viewed differently by every national government. I, myself, have used a lawyers services on this same topic.

 

It was stated directly that a person who has Master's in International Law versus a person who has a Master's in Kinesiology will receive a Work VISA much easier than the latter. Additionally, she must make sure that her education is converted to an equivalent level of education that would have been granted if she attended a US government accredited University. I was also told that the best option is to find work first, receive a firm offer of employment, and provide financial statements that you can support yourself, or have a sponsor with financial means to support you, while staying in the USA.

 

Hope this helps further.

[Island Girl]

I have filed the petition to bring my husband over. I filed at the beginning of May - and if you look at the processing guidelines - the Immigration Department is looking at February right now. This when, to the best of my knowledge, spousal visas are processed faster (at least that is what the site would lead one to believe).

 

We have been together for 7 years. Even lived together for a year when he was here. I was counseled that the first 6 months of processing they will be verifying the relationship is real. I have two plane tickets there (visiting and then when we were married). I have the letter from our landlord that we did in fact reside together in 2002 and his mail with that address postmarked that same year. Still it takes 6 months for them to "verify" the validity of the relationship.

 

My attorney said the whole process can be 12-18 months.

 

I can not tell you how much the process sucks the life out of you and is tortuous and arduous.

 

With immigration laws changing almost daily a lot of people have been impacted.

 

Whatever you do - get sound legal advice from a VERY good attorney. It is worth every penny at this point and they will tell you the best way that is the fastest way. It has to be both. The fastest way may not be the best way you know.

 

A person I know of got a fiance visa for his wife, married her, and when they applied for the change in status they sent her back to her home country to wait out the process. She waited there for 2 years.

 

Immigration sucks. And they don't work with anyone. Even my Congressmen, Governor, and Senators could not make any head way with them. I was finally told by one official (after attempting to assist me) if it was the IRS, or any other government agency, something could be done but Immigration is their own island and they play by their own rules.

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

Wow, Island Girl...I can imagine what a pain in the heinie that would be to you and your husband, right now.

 

Yeah, immigration sucks...and the rules change EVERY DAY. I honestly think they have baboons at the helm at the INS.

 

Legal immigration is so much tougher and so much arduous and so much more time-consuming than illegal immigration.

 

It's just ironical sometimes.

[This_Too_Shall_Pass]

I also agree with you about the fastest way not necessarily being the best one, Island Girl.

 

A good immigration lawyer is a must.

 

To the OP: ConfusedGeek: Patience is key. Believe me, being on the INS carousel teaches you patience like nothing else.

 

Think it all through before you make further moves. Every action of yours will have a variety of possible consequences pertaining to residence in the US, work situation, etc.

 

Most people are deterred by all these roadblocks and give up halfway through. But if you really want to, you can do it.

[lovelorcet]

I have filed the petition to bring my husband over. I filed at the beginning of May - and if you look at the processing guidelines - the Immigration Department is looking at February right now. This when, to the best of my knowledge, spousal visas are processed faster (at least that is what the site would lead one to believe).

 

 

I hope this is not too much of a hijack but could you explain your situation a little more? So you are married to a foreigner and it still takes a year to get them to the US?

 

Is this the process for all foreign countries? And this for full immigration of just a green-card?

[taiko]

I hope this is not too much of a hijack but could you explain your situation a little more? So you are married to a foreigner and it still takes a year to get them to the US?

 

Is this the process for all foreign countries? And this for full immigration of just a green-card?

I've known, online, married couples with children who have been denied. its not even the green card, or temporary work authorization, it is just the entry visa and then immigration continues to relook the status and the spouse faces potential deportation.

 

Edit to add:

The local national community and more immgration specific websites can tell you to the day the average time it takes to process a fiance versus a spousal visa. We started our process doing a K1 fiance armed with this info. About 6 months in suddenly K3 sposal visas were being processed faster.

Yes it sucks when people who walk over the Mexican border face official don't ask don't tell status in most places.