First off, Congratulations on your engagement!
Now on to your questions...
- Is there any reason to have the wedding in the UK over the US? Would it make it easier for him to come to the US with me later (say in ten years) if we had been married there?
There is no reason you can't have your wedding in either country. It won't make a bit of difference when he goes to immigrate to the US with you. We were married by my Dad in the US, and moved over to the UK with no problems. If you marry in the US, make certain you have an official marriage certificate with a raised seal on it. If you intend to marry in the UK you will have to fill out the COA (Certificate of Approval) form before you marry.
- If we marry in Chicago and then apply for a marriage visa, how long does that usually take? Will we have to spend some months apart while waiting for things to go through?
It only took me around 10 days to receive my spousal visa after my hubby and I married, and I mailed mine in to the New York Consulate. There should be no reason you should have to spend months apart.
- Is it better to apply for a fiancee visa?
A fiance visa is valid for 6 months, so you would have to marry within that 6 month time frame. You also will not be allowed to work during that time period. Once married you will then have to shell out even more money for switching to a Spousal visa, which is called FLR (Further Leave to Remain). Once you receive that you will be allowed to work. It all can be pretty costly! It would be less money if you just went ahead and applied for the spousal visa.
- Is staying in the UK on a tourist visa going to mess any of this up, so long as I don't overstay it? (I have been here about two months now, but am going home in a week and staying for two months. I will probably come back here for three more months in the spring.)
No, shouldn't mess up anything, as long as you don't overstay. You, of course, will need to return to the US to apply for either your Fiancee visa or you spousal visa (whichever one you decide to do), as they can't be sent within the UK. You must do it from your home country.
- How long does all this usually take? How much did it cost you?
It took me about 10 days to receive my spousal visa. That's because I mailed mine into the New York Consulate. You live in Chicago, and so it might possibly take you even less because you are so close to a consulate. It cost $395 when I did it, but I believe it costs more now. Just check the consulates website. It should tell you.
Another thing...I would not waste your money on an immigration lawyer. It all is so pretty straight forward and not too complicated at all. Save your money for the wedding! Good luck with everything!
|