Me and fiance currently live in different countries: immigration questions

[CRNY 0]

I have been searching through these message boards but was unable to find advice on a situation similar to my own. Apologies if this question has already been asked but I am just hoping someone can help me figure out the best way for my fiance to come to the US.

Some background information: I am a US citizen who met my fiance while a student in England. We lived together for several years. I finished my degree and left the UK to start a two year research position in Japan. My fiance has about 18 months left to go in England. When he finishes his degree he plans to apply to do his medical residency (training to practice medicine) in the US.

I met with a legal advisor in Japan and I understand that we can get married in Japan. It seems like the process is very straightforward. My fiance is planning to visit me here in the next few months so it would be great if we could get our marriage licence here.

My questions: First, I am wondering if it would be difficult for him to get a visa to move to the US since we will both be living in different countries. The other complicating factor is that if he gets accepted for a medical resident position, he would be starting that position before my job in Japan ends. I do have a relative who could act as a sponsor for the application since I don't think I will meet the financial requirement. If we have a sponsor, can he move to the US on his own? I would be joining him a few months later.

Second, I am wondering if we could get married in Japan and he could then move to the US with a work visa. I am wondering if this might be the easiest option? Could he come to the US on a work visa and later convert it to a spouse visa/green card? Of course, this would depend on him getting hired as a medical resident but I feel his chances are good and he is very well qualified.

Thank you so much for reading through my post. I would be very grateful for any advice. I feel overwhelmed after reading through these message boards and am just not sure what the best route for us would be.

[Boiler 47,207]

If you are in Japan then you can not sponsor him.

He would be looking at a work visa.