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Marrying my Vietnamese Girlfriend in USA

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TennisWill
  7/22/2014 01:00 EST

Hello,

My Vietnamese girlfriend is going to the USA on a 3 month visa to visit her friend who is getting married.

I want to know if I can marry my Vietnamese girlfriend while she is in the USA?

Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

ralphnhatrang
  7/22/2014 11:33 EST

As long as you both fill the requirements for marriage in the USA, I can't see any problem in getting married in USA. BUT it is most unlikely that she will be permitted to remain in the USA after marriage, because she has not entered on a migrant visa. I expect she will have to return to Vietnam before migrating to USA, if that is what you both want to happen. Expect a one year or more wait for a migration visa.

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leontwagon
  7/22/2014 12:18 EST

Of course you should be able to. I married my wife in Washington State. She was on a 90 day visa. That was right after the war ended in 1973. Unless there has been some rule change you should be able to marry anyone, anywhere, anytime. I had to get permission from the military I think but that was a military thing and not a civil requirement. Good luck and happy wedding. Mike

leontwagon
  7/22/2014 12:34 EST

Let me add this. Once you are married, you must report to the issuing office who gave her the 90 day visa and report your marriage. They will issue her a resident alien card. I forgot to do that and just like the other responder said, the government wanted to send her home. But once I proved we were married, everything got straightened out and she stayed in the States. When I was transferred to Thailand she went with me and was issued a White Card. When Nam fell, the Thai government ordered all Vietnamese traveling on South Vietnamese passports to leave the country within 10 days. After she returned to the States and later when I returned we got orders to Europe and she was allowed to get citizenship early and travel with me.

doctorhands
  7/22/2014 22:22 EST

Unless you want her to return to VN and wait a couple of years to get permission to live then I would suggest she apply for a 90 day fiance visa. If you marry her within the 90 days, she can stay here and be issued a green card.

TennisWill
  7/22/2014 23:44 EST

Followup: Should I obtain an attorney in the USA to facilitate this matter?

Thank you for the responses!

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Jumpmaster173
  7/23/2014 05:22 EST

It is far easier to get married in the states than here. I am glad I am married but would not do it again since it is a pain in the….to do it here

doctorhands
  7/23/2014 09:59 EST

You really need to do your research on the immigration site and not here. Too much bad info here that will cause you too many problems down the line.

leontwagon
  7/23/2014 10:18 EST

I don't think that is necessary. Just contact the county offices marriage license division or bureau and ask them what documentation you need to get married. You will definitely need a translated birth document for your fiancée, your birth certificate and any divorce decrees and a marriage license. Back when I got married in 73 I also needed a physical and she needed a blood test. She did get to the US on a fiancée visa but that doesn't seem to be important or restrict someone from getting married in the US. It is only a facilitator for getting into the country. She already has a visa.

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