kaga

Thank you for all the responses...

I've just sent another email off to the consulate here in Athens. I had sent an email asking basically... this is what I want to do (visit the states with my Greek husband)... Can I do it, how do I do it.. And the response was in a nutshell 'Yes, file a I-130 and G-325a here in Athens.' ...errrrr. ok.

...that's when I started doing a little more research and ended up here.

So, assuming we DO go for a visitors visa.. The fact that we are married shouldn't hinder his application, will it? (I've been told that it might, from a non-reliable source. ;p) Before we were married and I moved here, he had applied and was denied. ..I'm guessing because at the time he had just finished his degree, did not have his mandatory military completed and did not have a full time job. Both military and job situations have changed.

Thanks again...

Hi...

I've read thru different posts and FAQ's and I want to make sure I have it straight.

I am a USC married to a Greek residing in Greece with a 5 year residence permit. As it is, my husband does not hold a visa to visit the states (Greece is not part of the VWP). We do wish to immigrate back to the U.S. in about 2 years time but in the meantime we would like to visit my friends/family/home.

Do I have the following straight?

A K-3 is a NON-immigrant visa that is valid for 2(?) years. It is a multiple entry visa as long as the visa is still valid. Once we decide to immigrate, he enters again on his valid K-3 visa and we file I-485 for Adjustment of Status and he receives his GC..?.?

IF this is the correct route . . . I file a I-130 from here -- Athens. We both fill out G-325a... and then for a K-3 I have to file a I-129F petition..? I am able to do ALL of this without leaving Greece..?

OR.

I know that if we just decided to immigrate WITHOUT visiting prior we are able to file a DCF here in Athens. Assuming we were approved, we go to the U.S. within 6 months of approval, land and he is given a stamp and a GC shows up in the mail at some point. BUT we are required to be residing in the states from that point on, correct? Not leave and return for a visit once or twice a year, correct?

I think I am after a K3??

Hi there,

I just ran across this and I don't know *exactly* what your story is or where you plan to live after marriage BUT I am a USC married to a Greek citizen -- we were married (civil ceremony) and currently living in Athens . . . for now. I have a residence permit good for 5 years.

I do know that we will be able to skip the K visas and file for a DCF when the time comes. We planned on staying here for a couple years after getting married so I went ahead and applied for a residence permit BUT in Greece it's only required that one person of the two applicants be a Greek citizen/resident. If you are married for less than 2 years I do believe that there are conditions on his Green Card but it's no biggie and can have those removed after 2 years. (Not sure if this is 2 years of marriage OR 2 years after arriving in the U.S.)

And from what I've heard/read it's much easier and faster.

Anyways, Good luck with whatever route you chose!

Kristen