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[SamanthaP 1]

Hello! Jambo!

I live in USA and will be traveling to Kenya this summer to marry my fiance, a Kenyan. (1) I was wondering if it is EASIER or FASTER to file all the paperwork while I am in Kenya after we get married, OR would it be better to go back to the US and file all the papers?

(2) Does anyone know what is the shortest amount of time it could take from marriage to visa in hand?

Thanks!

Samantha

[Ryan H 3,812]

If you want to DCF in Kenya, you would need to reside there for 6 or more months on a long-term stay visa or residence permit. Tourist visa extensions will not count.

[mounir412 101]

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

Good luck

[mkenyanusu 0]

Easier to just marry in kenya and process the paperwork in the US, or Visit and file the K1 Visa in the US.

[Ben and Jill 37]

Hello! Jambo!

I live in USA and will be traveling to Kenya this summer to marry my fiance, a Kenyan. (1) I was wondering if it is EASIER or FASTER to file all the paperwork while I am in Kenya after we get married, OR would it be better to go back to the US and file all the papers?

(2) Does anyone know what is the shortest amount of time it could take from marriage to visa in hand?

Thanks!

Samantha

Mambo, and welcome to VJ I don't know your history, but it is not a good idea to get married on your very first initial visit to Kenya. Will this be your first trip and first time meeting your fiance? If so, I would suggest you file a K-1 Visa...they are typically faster than a CR-1 and the Nairobi Embassy may give you a hard time for marrying on your first visit. That's a red flag for them.

Edited May 10, 2012 by Ben and Jill

[Ben and Jill 37]

My apologies...I just saw your picture in your profile which answers my question about whether this upcoming summer visit would be your first time visiting Anyway...K-1's are typically faster than CR-1's. From the time we filed our paperwork, it was about 8 months until Ben was home. Good luck with everything!

[Nyosh 5]

Its better when you file papers from the US. K-1's are faster that CR-1 visas. Then getting married in Kenya is a process, especially for foreigners. From marriage to getting the visa in hand takes from 6 months onwards. Just be sure to check on the Registra of Marriages in Kenya and see what documents they require from you before you fly there. Good luck.

[Matt & Rocio 28]

Hello! Jambo!

I live in USA and will be traveling to Kenya this summer to marry my fiance, a Kenyan. (1) I was wondering if it is EASIER or FASTER to file all the paperwork while I am in Kenya after we get married, OR would it be better to go back to the US and file all the papers?

(2) Does anyone know what is the shortest amount of time it could take from marriage to visa in hand?

Thanks!

Samantha

Direct Consular filling is no longer offered as of August of 2011 unless there is a local USCIS office. Back when it was offered most consulates required that you be a legally residing in the country for a minimum of 6 months before filing.

If you get married during your visit to Kenya this summer you will be filing an I-130 petition for a CR-1 visa. This process typically takes 8 months or more from the time you file the I-130 petition to the time the visa is approved an issued.

As others have pointed out you also have the option to file for a K-1 fiance visa. The main requirement is that you have met in person at least once in the last 2 years and that you are both free to marry. The main advantage of the K-1 visa is that it usually takes less time from filing to receiving the visa. The main disadvantage is that it is only a temporary visa and ultimately costs more when you include the step to file for adjustment of status after you are married.

If your goal is to get your spouse to the US as soon as possible and you have previously met in person within the last 2 years I would suggest the K-1 fiance visa option. If you do go this route you will file an I-129f petition for your spouse.

Good luck on your journey and remember that you will both need to be patient because this is not a fast process by any means.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Direct Consular filling is no longer offered as of August of 2011 unless there is a local USCIS office. Back when it was offered most consulates required that you be a legally residing in the country for a minimum of 6 months before filing.

There is a USCIS field office in Nairobi. The 6 month minimum requirement of legally residing in the country before filing at an overseas USCIS field office still stands.

[SamanthaP 1]

Hi and thank you everyone for the quick replies! Yes, I met my fiance last summer. We were together then for 6 weeks and then I visited again this past Christmas for 4 weeks. I'm returning this July to get married. I'm not going to do the fiance visa option because we both are ready to get married and this way he will be able to work and be a perm. res. as soon as he gets to the US. And now I know I can't do the DCF. 1. SO I'm assuming I cannot file anything before I get married, correct? 2. And when I get the marriage certificate in Kenya....should I just take a photocopy home or should I take the original home with me too? 3. What about his birth certificate? Copy or original back home with me? 4. Should I ask any of his family for handwritten affidavits of support?

[Ben and Jill 37]

Hi and thank you everyone for the quick replies! Yes, I met my fiance last summer. We were together then for 6 weeks and then I visited again this past Christmas for 4 weeks. I'm returning this July to get married. I'm not going to do the fiance visa option because we both are ready to get married and this way he will be able to work and be a perm. res. as soon as he gets to the US. And now I know I can't do the DCF. 1. SO I'm assuming I cannot file anything before I get married, correct? 2. And when I get the marriage certificate in Kenya....should I just take a photocopy home or should I take the original home with me too? 3. What about his birth certificate? Copy or original back home with me? 4. Should I ask any of his family for handwritten affidavits of support?

That's correct...you cannot file the I-130 until you are legally married. Copies of the Marriage and Birth Certificates are OK...USCIS doesn't ask for originals (he can bring those to the interview if you'd like). I would submit color copies of the certificates, but that's just me because I'm picky, lol. Yes, you can ask for the handwritten affidavits to support your relationship. That would be a good thing, sure. Good luck! Also, please follow the guides here on VJ for the I-130...they are so helpful.