Are You Interested In Marrying A Non-US Citizen?

A growing number of American men can’t seem to find love in the US. That’s why some of them are going overseas to find a wife. If you’re one of these men or are interested in following their path, there are a few things you need to know.

#1 Familiarize yourself with the immigration process.

Before you can bring your non-US citizen partner to the US, you will need to go through a process known as the “fiancé visa” or K-1 visa. This involves a lengthy application and review process by the US government, which can take several months or even up to a year. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship and financial stability, among other things.

One important detail most people overlook is the financial requirement.

You (the American citizen sponsoring the K-1 visa) must be able to financially support your foreign partner during their initial stay in the US.

I am emphasizing this because it’s usually one of the main reasons some of these couples fight and (ultimately) break up. Money, especially the lack of it, can put a strain on a relationship.

Now, before you attack me or call any non-US citizen that’s under a K-1 visa a “gold-digger” or a “visa-hunter” just because I wrote that sentence, I need to stop you right there. This article is not for you, and you need to stop reading.

What I am trying to say is that it’s not going to be easy.

It’s a challenging and lengthy process that requires a lot of patience, persistence, and financial resources. But despite it being difficult, a lot of the men and women I know who went through it have said it was “worth it” or was the best decision they ever made.

So, if you’re still interested, continue reading this.

#2 You will have to deal with cultural differences.

As with any relationship (more so if it’s intercultural), it’s important to understand and appreciate your differences. This may involve learning about each other’s language, customs, and traditions, and being open-minded to new experiences and ways of doing things.

I suggest you do your research about her country and the people in it — their way of life, cultural etiquette, dating and marriage practices, etc. That way you’ll prevent (or, at the very least, mitigate) possible misunderstandings or conflicts in the relationship.

#3 You will most likely experience a long-distance relationship.

Depending on where your partner is currently located or where you’re planning to find a foreign partner, you may need to maintain a long-distance relationship for a significant period of time. This can be challenging, that’s why you need to stay connected and communicate regularly during this time.

You’ll find tons of articles here on Medium about how to deal or cope with long distance relationships. And I suggest you read them too. They will give you a sense of comfort and maybe even some tips to survive or keep the relationship interesting.

#4 Expect unexpected challenges.

For example, you may encounter resistance from family members who don’t understand or accept your relationship, or your partner may struggle to adjust to life in the US. It will be different for everyone.

The good thing is, there is countless informational content online that can help you navigate these challenges. There are also thousands of online forum spaces and support groups you can join. Let me know if you want me to make a list of them. I’d be happy to write about it.

So, are you still interested in marrying a non-US citizen? Let me know in the comments which country you’re most interested in finding a wife in!