Petition for K-1 while out of The US?M

[nanashi 0]

Hey everyone, new to this forum but it seems like it could be of help to me and I'm in desperate need of some. I'm currently living in Japan via a student's visa and have been for about a year and a half now, as it happens I also got into a relationship quite a while back with a Japanese citizen. The issue is that I will have to return to America in about half a year and I have been searching in what ways I can bring my partner with me. After having explored all options, I've decided the K-1 Visa is my best route.

After reading a bunch of information about filing for the K-1 Visa, I saw it was a requirement to file for a K-1 while in the U.S. I wanted to know, is it required to show your face at any type of meeting during this portion or can it be done entirely via mail? I ask because I was thinking of doing the paper work and sending it to a family member and having them file for me while I am in Japan. I was planning to do this because I'm aware that receiving the K-1 visa takes quite some time after filing for paperwork and I want to minimize the amount of time I'll have to be separated with my partner for as long as possible.

Since I will return to the U.S. in about half a year, I fully intend on marrying in America. My question is just whether or not it's viable to have a family member submit the paperwork for me while I am still abroad?

Thanks for your time in advance, I'd appreciate any help.

[baron555 934]

You can mail the petition from abroad. Use you family member's US address to receive any notifications from USCIS.

[JFH 12,196]

Why not get married in Japan and file for a spouse visa (CR-1) there and travel back together to live? Much quicker and reduces the separation.

Presumably you still have all your ties back home (bank account, etc)?

If you do follow the K-1 route, you will have to be separated for some time. We are all living proof that you can survive being apart for a few months.

[Penguin_ie 6,005]

Why not get married in Japan and file for a spouse visa (CR-1) there and travel back together to live? Much quicker and reduces the separation.

I think you are confused.

The K1 takes about 6 months right now, so this couple would be able to travel to the USA together and get married when he leaves Japan in half a year. The CR-1 spousal visa takes about a year, so they would be separated for the second half of the process if they get married abroad, as he needs to leave to go to the USA in half a year as stated in the Op.

[nanashi 0]

Thanks everyone, really appreciate all thr help! I'm super relieved to hear I can file while abroad via email!

Yes as pointed out the CR1 would take longer in my psition which is unfortunate since it seems cheaper/easier to get married in Japan. I really wish this Visa mess wasn't so complex, it's difficult balancing it between studying full time and working part time

Well wishes to you all! Happy New Year!