Marriage Visa Or Fiancee Visa

[tallen1966]

My fiancee lives in Thailand. We want to get married in Thailand in June. Then I want to bring her to the USA. I was told that it is easier and quicker to bring her to America on a fiancee visa and then get married here. I'd rather get married in her country with her family nearby. Does anyone know which visa is better (quick, easy, less expensive, etc.), a marriage visa or a fiancee visa?

Thanks, (sorry if this question has been asked before)

[HSTEACH]

My fiancee lives in Thailand. We want to get married in Thailand in June. Then I want to bring her to the USA. I was told that it is easier and quicker to bring her to America on a fiancee visa and then get married here. I'd rather get married in her country with her family nearby. Does anyone know which visa is better (quick, easy, less expensive, etc.), a marriage visa or a fiancee visa?

Thanks, (sorry if this question has been asked before)

There are two different ways of getting "married" in Thailand. One, the religious ceremony, which is not an official marriage, and registering at the local Ampur, which is the official method recoginized by the US government. You can have only a village ceremony, if that's the case, and she can still apply for a K-1 because you are not officially married. On the other hand, you can register at the ampur and not have the family ceremony and still be officially married.

A K-1 or K-3 both take about the same time, depending on the quirks of the USCIS at the time you file. The K-3 takes a bit more paperwork but is valid for two years which means you do not have to file for permanent residency immediately whereas the K-1 is good for 90 days, during which time you have to marry and file for adjustment of status, which is permanent residency..read green card. If you plan on returning to Thailand within a year or so, because the K-3 is good for two years, she does not have to file for advanced parole, the USCIS document required to reinter the US. The K-1 holder is required to file for AP up until she receives her green card. Filing for AP takes about 1-3 months and costs less than 200 bucks.

You will have to weigh the plusses and minuses between the two types available and decide what's best for the both of you.