GC holder getting married abroad

[coolguy2013]

Hello guys,

I am a GC holder since 2007 but broke my continuity. So I will be eligible for citizenship in 2016. I have to marry my girlfriend in my country. I know only citizens can apply for fiance visa. My question is, what options do I have to get my girlfriend here. And what will be the time in all the options. (Not employment based).

Thanks

 

[Jackolantern]

For some clarity and context, I'm quoting a few posts from your thread in the US Citizenship section:

I have been a permanent resident green card holder since june 2007. But i gone to out to my country a few time.

Months since getting green card - 69

travel outside-

1 - 11 months

2 - 1.5 months

3- 3 months

4- 20 months (took permit)

total 35.5

still I have 33.5 months presence in the US. So am I eligible? because I have read that you should not break continuity ?

Yes I came back in august last month after 20 months being out. So it means 4 years and 1 month from august 2012 ?

4 years and 1 day, so that would be sometime in August 2016 (or Sept. 1, 2016 if your 20-month trip ended on August 31).

 

[coolguy2013]

For some clarity and context, I'm quoting a few posts from your thread in the US Citizenship section:

Okay... So what are the option?

 

[Jackolantern]

Marry her, then file I-130 to initiate the process for a spousal immigrant visa. Spouses of green card holders (category F2A) currently have a wait of about 2 years and 3 months, according the visa bulletin.

If she plans to visit the US during that waiting period, and doesn't already have a tourist visa, she should apply for the visa before you marry, otherwise it will be more difficult to obtain the visa.

 

[coolguy2013]

Marry her, then file I-130 to initiate the process for a spousal immigrant visa. Spouses of green card holders (category F2A) currently have a wait of about 2 years and 3 months, according the visa bulletin.

If she plans to visit the US during that waiting period, and doesn't already have a tourist visa, she should apply for the visa before you marry, otherwise it will be more difficult to obtain the visa.

Thanks Jackolantern.


So once i-130 is approved will she be able to come in the us and stay?

After 2 years and 3 months approx, will it take more time for the process?

Sorry I have no info on all this and need to know so that I can plan further. Thanks.

 

[TheRealCanadian]

So once i-130 is approved will she be able to come in the us and stay?

No.

After 2 years and 3 months approx, will it take more time for the process?

After that it will be 6-12 months until she gets her GC.

 

[Jackolantern]

So once i-130 is approved will she be able to come in the us and stay?

No. After I-130 approval, which will probably take less than a year, it is necessary to wait until the visa bulletin crosses your priority date (currently October 2010). Then the case will be eligible to move ahead with the final procedures (fingerprinting, medical, consular interview).

After 2 years and 3 months approx, will it take more time for the process?

Yes, a few more months for the final paperwork and consular procedures. After approval at the consulate, she will have an immigrant visa in her passport, which will give her 6 months to enter the US. Upon entry to the US with the visa, she'll become a permanent resident and the plastic green card will be automatically delivered in the mail a few weeks later.