Is it more beneficial to get married in the states than compare to a foreign country in the long run?
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Is it more beneficial to get married in the states than compare to a foreign country in the long run?
I am an US citizen and my fiancé is Thai, we heard its more beneficial to get married in the us but don’t know why. We might consider moving back to the us in the future but that won’t be at least 2 to 3 years later. Myself don’t see the difference since I’m not trying to bring him over now. Just wonder if having an us marriage certificate will make it easier for him to apply for visa or green card in the future when we do decide to move back.
Asked on June 19, 2012 under Immigration Law, Washington
Answers:
Harun Kazmi / Kazmi and Sakata Attorneys at Law
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If you are living in Thailand, you do not need to enter the US with him and get married here. As long as the marriage is real/legal where it occurs, then he can process an immigrant visa later. In addition, if he does not have a visa, he will need to get one to enter the US. Based on your facts, there is no benefit to marry in the US. You can marry in Thailand and process his immigrant visa later when you are ready. It currently takes 8 to 12 months to process.
SB, Member, California / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
For immigration purposes, it makes absolutely no difference where you are married as long as the marriage is valid and bona fide. If you are married according to the laws of the country where the marriage takes place, the marriage is recognized as legal everywhere else.
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