When and where to file CR-1 Spouse Visa when marrying abroad?

[JonLisa 1]

After 23 years as a single mother of a disabled child I'm marrying the Love of my life! Will marry him in his country. My fiance has a 10 year visitor Visa already for USA and has been here a couple of times. When and where should we file the CR-1? In his country right after marriage or mine? I've read conflicting reports. Thank you from the three of us for any helpful response.

Also, does anyone know how long it takes for him to get permission to live here while working on spousal visa? He's wanting to return with me using his visitors visa.

Edited March 11, 2019 by JonLisa

[aaron2020 11,651]

You can file from anywhere you want.  It's going to be sent to an office in the US.

 

IMHO, I would rely on USPS before relying on international mail.  

[fip & jim 452]

Congratulations! I was in a similar position to you, but for less time (7 years). 

 

If you look on the toolbar on here you can access the current processing times for your visa category. Click on "Processing Times" then scroll down to "Common US Immigration Processing Times" near the bottom of the page. The third link down is for "IR1/CR1 Visa Processing Times". It gives you a rough idea of how long members of this forum have been in processing. You can also check on the USCIS Reported Processing Times by clinking on the link on the same page. 

 

It is not advisable for your spouse to visit you in the US using a tourist visa.  His misuse of a tourist visa could lead to him losing the chance to obtain any type of U.S. visa. You need to carefully check the conditions of visas before committing to a particular one. The consequences of being uninformed are potentially catastrophic. 

[Oliversmom 250]

He can come back and visit you on a tourist visa no problem.  He can not come back and stay on a tourist visa.  Trying to do that is immigration fraud.

[John & Rose 7,237]

I believe all CR-1 either go to Chicago or Phoenix lockboxes even if you file from overseas.  Go there.  Get married.  Once you have the marriage certificate you can file from here.

 

Best of luck to you and congratulations.

 

[dwheels76 5,462]

Congratulations. Depending where you live you will send to either Chicago pr Phoenix lockbox. Processing time expect 12 to 15 months from filing to interview.
He can visit you during the process no problem. Long as he leaves when he suppose to.