Marriage For Green Card

Question:

When i go to the U.S Embassy for my interview and hopefully green card - i know that we need to be married within 3 months - but is that 3 months from the date the card was issued - or 3 months from the date that i use it to enter USA?

Answer:

For example - lets say that I got my card in October - but we werent looking to get married until next March, - would i be able to visit my partner on the waiver programme - and save my green card for the "next" visit over? (i.e January)

Alternatively, If i went there on the normal waiver, could I for example, stay there for just under my allowed 3 months - and then bring the green card into play - ie, another 3 months before we need to get married (so in effect, I will be there 6 months) - or, would i need to leave the USA before my 3 months is up - and then enter on my green card??

Haven't got a clue what you are talking about ... seems your terminology is off as it appears you are talking a K-1 Fiancee Visa which is NOT a green card.

The K-1 is valid for 6 months - meaning, you have up to 6 months to use it to enter the US after you get the visa. Once you enter the US, you have 90 days in which to get married. Since the K-1 is pasted into your passport, it'd be pretty difficult to not use it when entering the US. Also, the K-1 is valid for a single entry... once you use it to enter the US, you're pretty much committed to staying and getting married - you can not leave and use it again later!

It wasn't the longwindedness - it was the "Have a great day" bit :)

If you get your visa in October, you have 6 months to make your one and only move to the US--you may not visit after the K-1 has been issued (rarest of examples opposite). After you enter, you must get married within 90 days.

Funny you attribute the longwindedness to AmericaniZation; I always find it's my Brits who take the longest to say the simplest things. :)

I think that is only a stereotype in the UK. I sure heard enough of it coming at me when out of the US. Can hardly get a 'thank you' around here anymore..

And one thing to do, once you get to the US, would be quicker to apply for SSN before marriage, about 10 days after entering the country, otherwise it'll take ages.

Hell! im all over the place today! lol - I had confirmation today that I have sold my house, so things are getting a wee bit closer for me - my head is donald ducked lol - apologies for not thanking you - i appreciate ur advice bud ;)

lol, mine too I guess! That comment wasn't pointed at you.. was for the service businesses where one *used to* hear 'have a nice day...

But hey, you sold your house! Have a nice day! :D

Just get here and get married, that's the bottom line. ;)

Me too... well, sort of. Sheila's had me laboring on my hands and knees... cleaning around the floorboards, dusting and vacuuming! Ugh! :)

You're certainly welcome to come over and help paint the exterior of my house instead. It's only running about 92F outside right now. :D Though looking at my floorboards.....

Oh yeah, Chris: you must apply for your SS# in your first 76 days here. After that, you'll not be eligible for awhile. But, give them a couple of days (doesn't have to be two whole weeks) to get your details entered. If you go to the SSA office and they don't have you in the SAVE system, wait a week--don't let them take an application just yet.