Which visa do I need?

[Gonzala 9]

4 minutes ago, Gonzala said:

One option which is not very likely, is to participate in the diversity visa lottery if it still takes place this year. I know two Germans who got their Green Card through this program. It takes place in October.

Sorry my browser was not refreshed and I haven't seen that people already mentioned this...

[Boiler 43,543]

At least you have an option.

[nastra30 1,998]

How about both of you in Germany instead. Is that an option? Or it's no better than marriage and coming to the US?

[little immigrant 800]

1 hour ago, nastra30 said:

How about both of you in Germany instead. Is that an option? Or it's no better than marriage and coming to the US?

Germany's economy is bad. I don't blame him for wanting to move to the US. Sadly his certificate of a tool maker will mean nothing here. 

Edited January 23, 2019 by little immigrant

[RLA 323]

1 minute ago, little immigrant said:

Germany's economy is bad. 

Not really.  Unemployment in Germany has been falling pretty steadily for more than a decade now.  

 

That said, just as @Timm98 can't just move to the U.S. and start working, his American girlfriend can't just move to Germany and start working, either. 

[Celie 793]

23 hours ago, Timm98 said:

Hello, I am a 20 year old German dude who has just finished my apprenticeship and received my examination certificate for the profession of toolmaker. I plan on moving to California where my

girlfriend lives. I would love some advice on where to start and what to do. Marriage is our last resort if nothing else works. Thanks to all for any help.

Like most said, the only other way is finding a job that will sponsor you for a work visa, but in this day and age with your qualifications luck won't be on your side. Plus for a company to do that, I hear it's expensive on their end and a big risk, so most companies don't really go that route. The only other way is spouse visa. You mention you want to move to California but I assume you aren't in the country. If I'm right, you'll have to find a destination, marry, and apply for the spouse visa.

 

If you're already in the states under student visa (don't know where you finished your school), then you can marry and AOS. Short of that, no other options.

[Timm98 0]

Back with a question. Going through the marriage visa what is the average cost of the process. How much would you advise to have saved up? 

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

17 hours ago, Timm98 said:

Back with a question. Going through the marriage visa what is the average cost of the process. How much would you advise to have saved up? 

Fees vary depending on whether you do K1 or CR1. I'd review the guides available on the forums to determine which one would be a better fit for you and your partner, and then review the applicable fees from beginning to end. In the end, either option will run you a couple thousand, at best, once it's all said and done. And that doesn't factor in cost of moving, plane tickets, etc. It is certainly not a cheap process, no matter which way you cut it. You, as the beneficiary, will also not necessarily be working right away, so the petitioner (US citizen) will have to be able to financially support you, and also be able to prove this in order for the visa to even be approved. If they can't, they'll need a co-sponsor to financially vouch for you. That should also be a factor to consider, when reviewing financial obligations beforehand.

 

All due respect, I would focus most on solidifying the relationship in the meantime. I say this only based on what you said yourself at the beginning of the thread - that you're only 20, and initially stated marriage was your last resort because you aren't ready to get married. I definitely do not recommend pursuing a marriage or fiancé visa for any other reason besides both partners being ready to get married.

 

With that being said - at least you are asking these questions first. I see so many people jump into the K1 process, specifically, and come Adjustment of Status time, they don't have the money because they either failed to know ahead of time what would be expected, or they didn't plan well. You do not want to end up there.