What to do

[jhafner 0]

Which State will you get married in, then? You'll need to find one where it is both legal and you can both meet whatever specific state requirements there may be. You'll have to research that, too.

Also, have you met face to face?

I will marry her in my country(outside the US), and live together normally, then when CR-1 is approved, we can go to Ohio.

[lost_at_sea 995]

I will marry her in my country(outside the US), and live together normally, then when CR-1 is approved, we can go to Ohio.

Live together normally where? In your home country? That's fine, but you'll need to take a look at the I-864 information and ensure that she will meet the requirements for US domicile (or re-establishment of) if she leaves the USA to live with you in order for you to get your US visa.

[Darnell 8,478]

Certainly living together as husband and wife is most important, but if we can live in the US it would be better future for our kids.

ok - what's her father say about all of this?

and what's _YOUR_ father say about all of this ?

[jhafner 0]

if she has been living in ohio her whole life, and just came to my country to marry and live with me for the duration for CR-1 to be approved, why would that mean that she left US permanently?

she still has her whole family there and her life is there, she can't live in my country for good.

please read this(from us embassy website)

"In order for an application for an immigrant visa to be approved, the petitioner, whether a United States citizen or a permanent resident, must be domiciled in the United States. That is, while a petitioner may spend a significant amount of time abroad, he or she must demonstrate that his or her life is based primarily in the United States and will be for the foreseeable future.
The reason for this requirement is simple: immigrant visas are intended to reunite families. There is no reunification to be accomplished - and therefore no reason to issue an immigrant visa - if the petitioner is not residing in the country to which the applicants intend to move".

ok - what's her father say about all of this?
and what's _YOUR_ father say about all of this ?

both my family and her family are excited to get married.

[Darnell 8,478]

yup - you've stumbled across a big problem for domicile. Kudos !

[teeak 224]

Could she move to a neighboring state that allows cousin marriage and still be close to her family?

[lost_at_sea 995]

if she has been living in ohio her whole life, and just came to my country to marry and live with me for the duration for CR-1 to be approved, why would that mean that she left US permanently?

she still has her whole family there and her life is there, she can't live in my country for good.

Right. The burden of proof will be on her to show that she has not left permanently, and that she does still have a residence in the USA.

Remember, the entire I-130 petition + CR-1 process can take a year or more for some people. It may not be a short stay if you do not wish to be separated after marriage in your home country.

Edited August 5, 2015 by lost_at_sea

[jhafner 0]

ok, lets say she came to my country, married me, then left after like 6 months, would that be ok for domicile?

Also can anyone confirm that if we married outside of ohio(in another country), they won't void the marriage?

where to check for cousin marriage subject and laws?

Edited August 5, 2015 by jhafner

[teeak 224]

I think domicility just needs to be established before the immigrant comes to the USA. So if she maintains all her ties and residence then it should be fine.

If cousin marriage is legal in your country and you are given a marriage certificate then it should be deemed legal by USCIS. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/86920.pdf

[Cathi 5,609]

you cannot lie to immigration or anyone else, if you are first cousins you MUST disclose it. Material misrepresentation is a big no no

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

Marriage to your first cousin is prohibited in Ohio

look on internet and see states allowed / i allows if you are over 65 and can not have children

but more than half so NO

it is under a site called state laws requarding marriage between cousins

[chsim 3]

Hi;

Thanks for your reply. Tourist visa is not an option since I live in a third world country. If she came to my country and we got married, what are our options then?

What makes you say that the thrid world countries can't have a tourist visa ? If you have a good job in your country, they won't deny your tourist visa. I'm from Morocco, and I had a 10 years tourist visa. As a lot of friends there. And if you are still student, your parents can support you for a tourist visa, my parents were my sponsors for the visa. It was very smooth. It doesn't matter where you are from, since you proove you have enough money for your stay and strong ties to your country...(school and parents support or a good job)

Edited August 6, 2015 by chsim

[madtownguy 164]

Aside from it being against the law I'm sure that is one huge red flag to overcome. Marrying a family member has got to be one of the highest fraud factors. Not saying this case is that, but I don't think you will have an easy path OP.

[Kastrs 723]

Aside from it being against the law I'm sure that is one huge red flag to overcome. Marrying a family member has got to be one of the highest fraud factors. Not saying this case is that, but I don't think you will have an easy path OP.

Actually in some cultures it is very common to marry your first cousin or otherrelative, and it would actually be less of a red flag than to marry someone who isn't a relative or of the same culture. To the OP, you could put in an inquiry to your relevant embassy to ask about the first cousin marriage question.

[Moustafa/Crystal 65]

I think you will be okay as long as you get married some place where it is legal to marry your first cousin...Ohio should accept your marriage. I would suggest this might be the time where a lawyer should be consulted.

As far as red flags are concerned, I would not worry. You cannot change who you are or who your fiancee is...be sure you have a wide variety of evidence to prove your relationship, carefully filled out forms, and a strong AOS. I would expect the CR1 to take between 8 months and 14 months.

Good luck!