Fiance or Wife? Best way to get status..

[Hgonzalezlv 0]

I have not begun my visa journey. I would like some help before I begin my process.

My Fiance is in Mexico. We would like to get married and have her move here to the US but she doesn't want to move here and not be able to work. She would like to remain in Mexico until she has a Work Visa here in the US. She also currently has a Tourist Visa and doesn't want to lose that in the process so she can continue to come visit me.

Does anyone know the best way to go about this?

[Moustafa/Crystal 65]

Get married...then start the CR1 visa process. She can work in Mexico while going through this process...it will take about a year to complete. When she gets the CR! visa, it is a temporary work visa until she gets her green card...so, theoretically she should be able to work as soon as she arrives...however, most jobs require a SSN, so she will have to wait for that to be issued if she does not already have one....this takes between 1 to 5 weeks.

She will need to apply for removal of conditions after being here fro 2 years...then she will get her 10 year green card, but she can apply for citizenship after three years if she wants.

[Hgonzalezlv 0]

Will she lose her Tourist visa when we apply for a CR1?

[Moustafa/Crystal 65]

I do not have any experience with tourist visas...but it is my understanding she can keep using her tourist visa as long as she can show strong ties to her home country like a job...so I think you are in good shape.

[mallafri76 1,012]

I felt the same as your wife, which is why my husband and I also went for the spousal visa. Your wife will be able to start work pretty much immediately after entering the US on a spousal visa. From what I've heard, the green card stamp in her passport will show prospective employers that she is allowed to work in the US, until she has her SSN and official papers.

And no, her tourist visa will not be cancelled once you begin the visa process. I have traveled to see my husband several times under the VWP during our visa process, no problems at all. Just make sure your wife brings ties to her home country, such as mortgage/rental agreement for a home and a letter from her employer.

Good luck with your visa journey.