L-1 vs. Fiancee/Spouse Visas

[ashuk]

Hi all -

I am a British citizen and I live and work in the UK. My fiancée is an American citizen and lives and works in the US. I want to join my fiancée in the US as soon as possible. I have three options on the table right now:

1. I have been working with a UK organization (a charity) for the last 5 years. We are in the process of growing our office in the US (a 501c3) and I could request an L-1 transfer visa (my organisation is keen that I support the development of our strategy in the US in a managerial capacity).
2. I can apply for a fiancée visa.
3. Or, we can get married and then I can apply for a spouse visa.

I would like to better understand the implications of choosing any one of these paths in terms of:

- Whether one is “quicker” or “easier” than the other
- Any implications on my longer term plans on staying in the US

I am grateful for any advice!

[Libra_14]

1. I have been working with a UK organization (a charity) for the last 5 years. We are in the process of growing our office in the US (a 501c3) and I could request an L-1 transfer visa (my organisation is keen that I support the development of our strategy in the US in a managerial capacity).

See if that is possible with Blanket petition. It will be easy & quick. Once you are in USA, you can file for AOS to convert your non-immigrant L1 visa to LPR.

2. I can apply for a fiancée visa.

That is also quick, but might not be that easy. You'll need to prove that you both are really in touch & are about to get married. Multiple proof might be needed.
Might be someone having experience applying K1 visa can add here.

3. Or, we can get married and then I can apply for a spouse visa.

It might be time consuming. Once you are married to an USC, you'll directly apply for LPR through consular processing.

Other people with knowledge on all these visa can help.