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Can I marry a non-U.S. citizen?
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Yes, you can. But you should consider whether doing so is worth the trouble.
There are several reasons why marrying a foreign national might not be the best idea. For starters, the process of getting married abroad requires a lot of paperwork — including a visa waiver, which is typically granted only to citizens of certain countries. And if you want to divorce, you may face additional hurdles.
If you decide to wed a foreigner, you also must understand that U.S. immigration law applies to both spouses, regardless of where they live. In other words, if one spouse enters the country illegally, the entire family could become subject to deportation.
And finally, if you plan to remarry within 10 years of entering the United States, you’ll likely be required to undergo a second interview at your old home base. To avoid the hassle, you might want to wait until your green card arrives before tying the knot.
Who’s Eligible to Marry a Non-US Citizen?
If you’re not married to anyone currently living outside the United States, you may be able to legally marry a non-US citizen. However, there are some requirements you must meet.
First, you must live in the US. Second, you must be at least 18 years old. Third, you must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the US for at least five years prior to applying for marriage. Fourth, you must be eligible to apply for citizenship within two years after being granted lawful permanent resident status. And finally, you must file a petition for legal immigration status within 90 days of being granted lawful permanent resident.
Where You Live Matters Most
If you’re planning to move overseas, there are many things to consider when deciding whether or not you should wed a foreign national. The most important question to ask yourself is this: Do you feel comfortable living abroad?
Living abroad requires a lot of adjustment, especially if you’ve never lived outside of North America. But if you’re willing to put in the work and learn the language, moving overseas can be a great experience.
There are some countries where you can live cheaply, but others where you need to spend a fortune just to survive. And some places require you to pay taxes, while others offer tax breaks.
But regardless of where you decide to settle down, marrying a foreigner opens up a world of possibilities. You may find that your spouse wants to adopt children, change careers, or travel the world together.
And if you’re thinking about getting married, you might want to consider tying the knot with a person who shares your values and beliefs.
Visa Expiration Date Is Key
If you’re not married to anyone in particular, you can marry pretty much anyone anywhere in the world. The only requirement is that you be at least 18 years old.
But there are some countries where marriage isn’t legal. These include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and North Korea.
And yes, you can still marry these women and men. But you may need to travel overseas to do so. And you may need to pay a hefty fee to do so.
There are many reasons why marrying someone outside the U.S. is illegal. Some countries prohibit polygamy. Others ban same-sex marriages. Still others forbid interracial marriages.
Some countries require that couples live together for a certain period of time before getting legally married. This is called prenuptial residency requirements.
Other countries have specific laws regarding who can marry whom. For example, in some states, only citizens can marry each other. Or only residents can marry each other.
Finally, some countries have religious restrictions against marriage between members of different religions.
Do They Have Any Children?
If you’re planning to move abroad, you need to be aware of some important things. First, you must understand immigration laws in the country where you plan to live. Second, you should find out whether there are any children involved.
If you’re marrying a foreign national who doesn’t have any children, you may not need to worry about this issue. However, if you’re marrying a foreigner who already has children, you may need to consider having them stay behind when you relocate.
There are several reasons why you may need to consider this option. One reason is because you may not qualify for citizenship. Another reason is because you may be required to pay child support. And finally, you may not be able to adopt the children.
Regardless of the reason, you should definitely talk to a lawyer before making any decisions.
Final note
It may seem like a no-brainer that marrying someone who isn’t U.S. citizens is illegal, but it’s actually complicated. So before you tie the knot, check out this article to find out how to avoid trouble down the road.