She is in Japan, I have already moved back to the US

[87vr6 0]

So, I married my wife in Okinawa, have Japanese marriage certificates, as well as English translated versions. Unfortunately I had to move back to the USA. I am totally confused by which process we need to pursue, other than the fact it's a spouse visa we'll be applying for. Moving on, I understand that I need to file the I-130, but after that I give up.

Her English isn't the best, so it's largely on me to guide this process along. She is under the impression that she has to fill out all kinds of forms and make appointments at the US consulate in Naha.

What's the easiest route to get her in the USA with me the quickest?

Edited January 13, 2014 by 87vr6

[dwheels76 5,463]

So, I married my wife in Okinawa, have Japanese marriage certificates, as well as English translated versions. Unfortunately I had to move back to the USA. I am totally confused by which process we need to pursue, other than the fact it's a spouse visa we'll be applying for. Moving on, I understand that I need to file the I-130, but after that I give up.

Her English isn't the best, so it's largely on me to guide this process along. She is under the impression that she has to fill out all kinds of forms and make appointments at the US consulate in Naha.

What's the easiest route to get her in the USA with me the quickest?

Best place for you to start reading is the guides here is the I-130

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

Right now you are looking at a 12 month or more wait and that possibly might just be to get approved at USCIS. Once approved your petition is sent to NVC where you will send in more documents showing your affidavit of support and the imiigration Visa application filled out online and yes you can do all that. NVC is mostly all online than mailing in the original documents.

So go read the guides come back here and ask questions. Welcome aboard.

[EndlessStory 53]

There's no quickest/easiest route. You only have 1 route which is CR-1 visa or staying in Japan.

Guide is posted as Dwheels76 mentioned.

Welcome abroad and good luck on your journey

[87vr6 0]

Ok, the reason I ask the question is because a few years ago my friend has his Japanese girlfriend "visit" him in the US, at which point they married, and for whatever reason or method, she was able to stay in the US legally (as far as I know).

What I'm getting at is, why I can't I do something similar with my wife?

[christeen 966]

Ok, the reason I ask the question is because a few years ago my friend has his Japanese girlfriend "visit" him in the US, at which point they married, and for whatever reason or method, she was able to stay in the US legally (as far as I know).

What I'm getting at is, why I can't I do something similar with my wife?

Because technically that is illegal ... Entering the USA on a tourist visa with the intent to stay and adjust status can result in a lifetime ban. What your friend did is use a loophole in the law that allows for USC to spontaneously change their minds and stay and adjust...

[Oki_Surf 0]

My wife is also in Okinawa waiting for me. I have 2 children With her both of them are US citizens. Been married since 2002. You would think it would be a no brainer with USCIS. But no been waiting since May to have my I130 approved. Just get ready to wait, it's going to at least a year for her to be able to move to the USA. Sucks, but there is really no shortcut t of it. Just submit you paperwork and then sit back and wait.

[christeen 966]

The adjucating process for many cases is a no brainier, but files sit in boxes in a "queue " until they actually open the box and look at it... Goo luck..

[EndlessStory 53]

What you friend do is for her fiance to get tourist visa and then fly to U.S. to get married. She can adjust if she has no intent of marriage when she fly on tourist visa.

You are now married, you can't take that route. That route is wrong and not advisable as it may be denied. Not a guaranteed approval. She might also be banned if she overstay and failed to adjust.