I am from the U.S. If I marry my Russian fiancee in Jamaica would the marriage hold up in the U.S.?

Question

I know that he will need a visa to come to the U.S. What type of visa would this be? Also, does it matter if we are married in the U.S.? Would the marriage be legitimate if it were performed in Jamaica? We want to do this and then both return to our native country. We will then get the correct visa and he will come here. We do not want to do anything illegally. We have already checked into fiancee visas, and we have known each other for almost two years. He has never been here and we do not know if we can legally do this. Help!!!

Answer 1

Sure, you can get married in Jamaica and it will be legal in the United States.  However, he's going to have to go back to Russia until you get a K-3 visa for him and that will take over a year.

Answer 2

Don't mind me I'll just tag along with DARKJUGG while he tags along with you ,,,,   //

Answer 3

If you guys have the honey moon in amsterdam, can I tag along?  AHAD

Answer 4

As long as the marriage is legal in Jamaica it will be recognised in the US. You can then apply for a spousal visa when he goes back to Russia. To save some time prepare the forms for him to sign while you are both together and have him bring copies of everything you need.

Go to http://www.visajourney.com for lots of free information and advice on how to proceed. You can also get Embassy specific advice there.

A fiance visa is generally faster than a spousal visa but this can vary a little. To get a fiance visa ll you have to do is prove you have physically met within the last 2 years. If this is not the case then spending time together in Jamaica will meet that requirement but you will need copies of his boarding cards and your own as well as hotel and credit card receipts for both of you.

Answer 5

As long as your marriage is legal in the country it took place in, the marriage will be recognized in the USA. You can wait to marry him and apply for a fiance visa (being that you have met in person already and can provide proof,) or you can get married in Jamaica and apply for a k3 visa which takes up to 9 months - 1 year. ..

Answer 6

Yes, you can go onto the government website and find out about visa papers and make sure you fill them out early and accurately.  It sucks because it takes a while to get a k-1 or k-3 visa.  good luck and have fun in jamaica.  

oh and congratulations.

Answer 7

Certainly the marriage will be upheld. Historically a fiancee visa is easier and faster to obtain than a spouse visa.