u.s. citizen marrying a costa rican, need legal help?

Question

I'm from Puerto Rico (u.s. citizen) and getting married to my fiance who is costa rican. it is a serious relationship, it is NOT for papers. We're getting married in march but he's staying in costa rica until he's done with his masters degree in september. What petition do i need to file and how long does it last? we want to be together as soon as he's done with his master's in september and i want him to come already with his residency or at least work permit. i need help!! what do i need do? i dont have money for an attorney, enough spending with traveling back and forth every time we visit each other

Answer 1

I'm putting the INS webpage as my source; you will find everything you need to know there. I did the same thing you are doing about 13 years ago, so I know what you're going through.

Expect the process to take a couple of months AFTER you complete your application for permanent residency and submit an ENGLISH copy of your marriage certificate, his police record, and probably some sort of medical screening.

Good luck, and be patient - the system does work.

Answer 2

The best way is to apply for a Fiance Visa (K-1) about 8 months before he wishes to come to PR or US. If you are planning for March, you should file immediately. Let him enter under the fiance visa and marry him in the US within about 3-4 months. K-1's usually last for 6 months but don't wait until the last minute. This is the best thing to do because if he enters under another type of visa and wishes to become married soon after, there may be some problems.

Answer 3

I would suggest the K-1 visa.It takes a couple of months for him to come here and USCIS will give you 90 days to get married.Going to Costa Rica and getting married,it will take 2-3 years just for him to get a visa to leave the country.

Answer 4

fiance visa, it takes time I have heard months to a year, dont marry in Costa Rica it could take years once you are married.