Marriage Green Card vs Fiancé(e) Visa

Marriage Green Card vs Fiance Visa

 

The decision to apply for a marriage-based visa or a fiancé(e) visa is different with every couple.  There are many different things they should consider in making a decision.  One consideration is where the couple wants to marry.  Another consideration is where the couple resides.  Another, is the time the process will take and the cost.  This article will discuss some of the differences between the two processes. It will also look at these considerations, to help you better decide the right process for you.

 

The principal difference between a marriage visa and a fiancé(e) visa.

 

The main difference between a marriage visa and a fiancé(e) visa is when the parties enter into marriage.  With a fiancé(e) visa, the foreign national enters the United States before marriage. Then after the marriage, he or she files for a green card. With a marriage visa, the couple marries before they begin the immigration case.  Then, most of the immigration case occurs outside the United States.  When the spouse enters the United States, he or she will already be a permanent resident.  Note also, only a United States Citizen can apply for a Fiancé(e) visa.  If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident, you would have to apply for a marriage visa.

 

With the Fiancé(e) visa, the United States Citizen files a petition with USCIS.  This petition establishes that the couple have met each other in person and are free to marry.  After USCIS approves the case, the Department of State processes the case.  The foreign national fiancé(e) will receive an interview for the fiancé(e) visa.  If approved, he or she will then be able to enter the United States.  Upon arriving, he or she will have 90 days to enter into marriage.  After the marriage, he or she will then be able to apply for a green card.

 

With the marriage visa, the couple will marry outside the United States.  The United States Citizen or Lawful Permanent resident then files a petition with USCIS.  The Petition establishes that the couple has a good faith marriage.  In other words, it is not for a green card alone.  After USCIS approves the case, the Department of State processes the case.  The foreign national spouse will receive an interview for the marriage visa.  If approved, he or she will then be able to enter the United States.  Upon arriving, he or she will already be a lawful permanent resident and will receive a green card. 

 

So, with the fiancé(e) visa, much of the immigration case occurs within the United States.  With the marriage visa most of the immigration case occurs outside of the United States. This difference is important to keep in mind in making a decision.

 

Where do you want to marry?

 

A first question in deciding which visa is right for you, is to determine where you want to celebrate your marriage. If you are the foreign national, do you want the marriage to occur in your home country with your customs and traditions? Or would you rather celebrate the marriage in the United States. If you have a strong desire one way or the other, than one visa might be a better option for you.  With the fiancé(e) visa, you would be marrying in the United States.  With the marriage visa, in most cases, the marriage will occur outside the United States. 

 

Where do you live?

 

If you do not have a strong preference as to where you want to marry, then a next question becomes where the parties live. If the U.S. citizen petitioner resides in the United States, then many times a fiancé(e) visa is a good option.  This is because the couple can be together throughout the green application processes. If the U.S. citizen petitioner is currently residing outside the U.S., then the marriage visa might be a better option.  This is because the couple can live together while most of the case processes.

 

How long are you willing to be separated?

 

With either case, usually some separation is inevitable. Both cases take time to process. Usually though, if the U.S. citizen petitioner is residing in the U.S., the separation will be longer with a marriage visa. In most cases it will take longer to process and receive an interview for a marriage case than it will for a fiancé(e) visa. Yet, if separation is not an issue, usually the overall process for a marriage visa will be shorter.   This is because the foreign national spouse will not have to apply for a green card after he or she enters the United States. He or she would enter the United States a permanent resident.

 

The cost of the process?

 

Strictly in terms of government filing fees, the marriage visa will cost less than a fiancé(e) visa.  After the fiancé(e) enters the U.S., and the parties marry, he or she must still apply for permanent residency. This will lead to more filing fees. Other costs to consider would be, the cost of the marriage, as well as travel costs the parties may face during the wait. For example, if the U.S. citizen spouse travels multiple times to see his or her spouse outside the United States.

 

Other considerations in making a decision.

 

There are many other considerations that the parties might face in making a decision. One might be if either party has children, especially if the foreign national’s children intend to immigrate with them. Here there are additional applications and processing fees. Some other factors might be if the foreign national is employed, is attending higher education, or owns property that must be sold. All of these, and many other considerations particular to you, might play into a decision as to which case is best for you.

 

Making the decision

 

The decision about what type of case to choose is dependent upon you and your individual case. This is a difficult decision, that could affect your relationship in many ways. It is also a decision that will take time and commitment on your part. Having an experienced attorney to guide you through the process of making a decision is essential.

 

My name is Michael Ashoori and I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of Ashoori Law. As an immigration lawyer, I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States. If you have any questions, feel free to request a free consultation by clicking this link. You may also call or text us at +1-818-741-1117.

Share this post...

Posted in , , ,
Search
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Ashoori Law
Based on 959 reviews
See all reviews
gaurav K.
These guys are really serious people.
Well informed, well versed with product and process they offer.
Really these people believe and follow team work.
I was a bit hesitant initially.. but Ashoori law firm proved me that they are the best in business.
Along with their professional approach to everything they are really friendly and try to keep the client calm and positive towards everything.
Even they keep their clients updated with every single change and detail to the changes in the system

This firm is highly recommended.
YOU ARE IN SAFE HANDS.
And yes me and my family got E 2 visa under the guidance of these amazing people.
Tom & Jess T.
Ashoori Law has been incredible to work with. They helped us secure our E-2 visas, and thanks to their guidance and expertise, we are now living in the US and growing our business. We are extremely grateful for their support throughout the entire process.

We highly recommend Ashoori Law to anyone seeking reliable and knowledgeable immigration support. Their team truly goes above and beyond.
xhensila B.
Ashoori Law Office has been outstanding throughout my immigration process. I’m especially grateful for Geo’s constant support, professionalism, and guidance. His help made a big difference. Highly recommended!
Oge A.
Exceptional Immigration Representation for EB1A

After a previous self-petition for my EB1A was unsuccessful, I knew I needed expert support from a legal team that could truly understand the uniqueness of my background and help me present the strongest case possible. Ashoori Law came highly recommended and the firm exceeded my expectations by pairing me with the perfect attorney for my case, Catalina Leff.

From the start, it was clear that Catalina brought a depth of knowledge, strategic insight, and an incredibly sharp eye for detail. My professional profile didn’t fit the “typical” EB1A mold, but that didn’t deter her. Instead, her versatility, legal creativity, and experience with complex and non-traditional cases made all the difference. She helped me organise my evidence in a way that told a compelling story and made spot-on recommendations that significantly elevated the quality and clarity of my petition.

Communication throughout the process was seamless. The coordination between Ashoori Law’s support team and Catalina was excellent. I always felt supported, informed, and confident in the next steps. Every interaction with Catalina was professional yet personal, and I was never left wondering about the status of my case. Catalonia’s guidance and complete control of the process was unquestionable.

Most importantly, the case was successful, and I believe that’s a direct result of the exceptional representation I received. It is one thing to have an attorney who knows the process and confident in her work but also most important to follow and trust the attorney’s direction(s). I enjoyed working with Catalina Leff and I am thankful for every support rendered. . I wholeheartedly recommend Ashoori Law, especially Catalina Leff, for anyone pursuing a high-stakes immigration petition such as an EB-1A. Their ability to identify the right legal strategy and deliver with precision and care was exactly what I needed, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Imthiyaz S.
I would like to express my most heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Michael Ashoori and the entire Ashoori Law team. I just received my passport with my E2 visa stamp this morning and I boarded my flight to the US tonight. It has been a long and stressful journey with many stops, starts, pivots, and redirections. Along the way my assigned attorney Pardeep Singh was patient and very generous with his time accommodating the twist and turns of my application. He understood how important the application was to me personally; it was not just “another file” for him. He used to tell me, that “on game day (interview date) to ensure the best chances of success, it is critical that the Consular officer have a well-prepared application in front of him” so he was always focused on the smallest details. He delivered on what he and Michael promised, and I was approved. My family and I are very happy!

Thank you again Michael and Pradeep!
Harsimranjit S.
Great firm followed by excellent people and very knowledgeable.. no drama and top notch professionals .. they know what they are doing…
Feel free to reach out for your immigration needs..
Raj B.
I would like to thank Michael Ashoori and his entire team for my E2 approval! I would like to give a very special thank you to my assigned attorney, Pardeep Singh for his dedication, attention to detail, mastery of the law, and the excellent application he presented to the Consulate. Being a seasoned executive with decades of business experience, routinely interacting with “icons and titans” of the hospitality industry from around the world, I already had my own vision of how to portray my business, what documents to produce, and how best it should be presented. Pardeep took all the data, completely dissected it, disregarded nonrelevant items, and reorganized the data and documents so that they were a “natural” fit with all the required elements of the visa. He over engineered my entire file, prepared me for the interview thoroughly, had me repeatedly watch Michael’s interview prep videos, and at the interview all went smoothly and I was approved. I whole heartedly endorse Michael Ashoori, his entire team, and Pardeep! To anybody looking for immigration services, the Ashoori team truly care and take a vested interest in your success.

My business is multinational and the crown jewel is opening my US office. With my E2 approval, I can now pursue my dream of expanding my business in the vast US market. Again, thank you Michael, I am glad I found you!

Raj B.
Gret B.
I have used Ashoori Law and will be using again in the future! I highly recommend them! They will not disappoint! Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family!
Ruel
A great team whose core values embody professionalism and integrity. Would highly recommend them. They also network with other immigration firms and bring you news on the latest updates.
D
“Outstanding service and exceptionally smooth experience with Ashoori law group. From the very beginning, they showed professionalism, kept clear communication, and dedication time to my case. Every step of the process was handled with care and efficiency, They made my E2 visa process stress-free. It was well managed and level of supported was phenomenal. I am truly impressed with the quality of their work and the level of attention they provide. I highly recommend Ashoori law group to anyone seeking reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy legal services.”
Dzidula P.
It was tough, but the Ashoori Law firm made it easier than anything. It was within 4 months, and the case was closed. Officers at Ashoori Law, including John Walton, Charlotte, Matthew Larsen, and especially Attorney RYAN MORGAN KNIGHT. Ryan was exceptionally efficient, knowledgeable, and dedicated to his clients. I was impressed by his promptness and expertise. I actually had concerns about my case and was worried when ICE was deployed to our area, so I requested Attorney Knight to accompany me to the USCIS office. He kindly accommodated my request. John Walton was always busy, but he would surely sort one out.
If you're looking for reliable and skilled immigration attorneys, I highly recommend Ashoori Law, particularly Attorney Ryan Morgan Knight.
NB: I still want to talk to Attorney Michael Ashoori himself.
Saman I.
I worked with Ashoori Law firm to get my wife's Green Card processing. My experience has been VERY POSITIVE and I REALLY felt good about the way I was treated. Attorney Matthew Larsen closely checked my paper work and responded to my questions in professionally and timely. I would RECOMMEND Ashoori Law firm for any one looking for immigration guidance.
Ankur B.
Outstanding service from Ashoori Law! They successfully guided me through my E2 process. Their comprehensive approach, which included crafting a strong, custom business plan, was invaluable. The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and made a complex journey surprisingly smooth. My visa was approved without any issues. Highly recommend!
Muhammad L.
I had a great experience working with *Ashoori Law Firm*.
The team was professional, knowledgeable, and highly responsive throughout the entire process. They explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and guided me step by step with confidence and care.

What stood out most was their attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. I truly felt that my case was in good hands. I highly recommend Ashori Law Firm to anyone looking for reliable and experienced legal representation.
C Tim W.
My wife, legally, immigrated from China. My overall impression (I have a lot of experiences with lawyers) is, how can someone work so hard for what seems to me, a very fair price?
Mir Motors L.
A professional group of informed and dedicated lawyers and their colleagues who helped and guided us with everything, from establishing our company, opening business bank account, to getting us E2 status. Thank you.
Asad R.
-Testimonial for Attorney Michael Ashoori-
Working with Attorney Michael Ashoori and his team has been a defining experience that reaffirmed my belief in the power of expertise, integrity, and precision within the U.S. immigration process. Their work embodies not only legal mastery but also a profound respect for time, structure, and the human journey that accompanies every petition.
From the outset, timely efficiency was the hallmark of their practice. Every correspondence, submission, and milestone followed a disciplined rhythm that inspired confidence and eliminated uncertainty. Their responsiveness and attention to every procedural nuance made the experience not merely efficient but deeply reassuring.
Equally remarkable was the confidence and composure with which Mr. Ashoori approached my case. His guidance carried an unmistakable authority rooted in experience — a calm assurance that every step had purpose and precision. That confidence became contagious, transforming complexity into trust and replacing anxiety with clarity.
His profound understanding of legal intricacies and his ability to navigate the most complex statutory frameworks were truly exceptional. He did not view regulations as obstacles but as coordinates — guiding the process with foresight, accuracy, and impeccable compliance. Each decision was grounded in legal intelligence and strategic judgment.
Above all, it was Mr. Ashoori’s far-sightedness that set him apart. He could anticipate the legal and procedural landscape long before it unfolded — shaping my case not as a technical filing, but as a compelling narrative of merit, purpose, and credibility.
In my entire episode of milestones, one conclusion stands clear:
You must place your full trust in your attorney. They are far ahead of what you can imagine — guided by insight, experience, and an unshakable understanding of compliance.
In my case, I was guided with unwavering precision at every turn. Once you entrust your case to capable legal counsel, you begin to witness the true power of expertise in motion. Every moment invested in selecting an attorney of integrity and reputation is worth its weight in certainty and peace of mind. The complexities of this process demand discipline, foresight, and impeccable timing — and that is precisely where seasoned experience becomes invaluable.
I undertook the due diligence, completed the legwork, and made the decision to be represented by Attorney Michael Ashoori — a decision that defined the outcome of my journey. My sincere advice to anyone beginning this path is simple: step forward with trust, and allow yourself to experience the same clarity, confidence, and success that I did.
Michael Ashoori and his network of attorneys represent excellence. They are meticulously selected, profoundly competent, and collectively uphold the highest standards of professionalism and compassion. If you are embarking on your immigration journey, save yourself the time, anxiety, and uncertainty — and make the right decision from the very beginning.
You, too, will one day write a testimonial like this — from the other side of success.
With my deepest gratitude and utmost respect,

Dr. Asad Rana
EB-1A petition approved Day14 – Premium processing – No RFE
Gurjit singh K.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Ashoori law Firm to navigate the complex process of obtaining an E2 visa, and I couldn't be more grateful for their expertise and support. From the initial consultation to the final approval, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. They took the time to understand my specific situation, provided clear guidance, and handled all the paperwork with precision. Their dedication and commitment to their clients are truly commendable. If you're looking for a reliable and trustworthy immigration firm, look no further than Ashoori law firm. Five stars isn't enough – I'd give them ten stars if I could!"
Alpitkumar P.
Ashoori law firm is really helpful to me. Andrew diamond is best lawyer to ease my application and helped me every single path of my application.
I highly recommended to this firm .
gurpreet S.
Amazing Experience with Ashoori Law for My E2 Visa Application

I’m so thankful to have worked with Ashoori Law for my E2 Visa process. From the very first consultation, the entire team made me feel confident and supported. Immigration can be stressful and complicated, but everyone at Ashoori Law made things clear and easy to understand.

A special thank you to Attorney Shruti Bali, who guided me through every step with so much patience, kindness, and professionalism. She was always available to answer my questions and took the time to explain everything in detail. Her dedication and personal care truly made this experience smooth and successful.

Thanks to Ashoori Law and Shruti Bali, my E2 Visa process went perfectly. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. I highly recommend Ashoori Law to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and genuinely caring immigration firm.

Thank you again for all your help and support — I’ll always be grateful!
naveen V.
I’m really happy with the service from Ashoori Law. They were professional, responsive, and followed up regularly during my EB-2 NIW process. Great experience overall and highly recommend them!
LV B.
I cannot thank the entire team enough for all the work they did throughout my immigration process. Everything went so smoothly thanks to their excellent, well-organized approach and teamwork.
I especially want to mention Michael, Randal, and Patricia, Robert, for all the work they did during this process.
They are such a polite, caring, and informative team and easy to approach when you have concerns. They truly support their clients.
I also want to highlight the videos Michael shares on YouTube and emails. These videos are very useful and keep clients fully informed about the latest immigration news and changes, making the whole process much clearer and easier to follow.
I don’t think all lawyers take the time to do this, and it really shows the care and dedication of Michael and the team.
Among the many immigration lawyers recommended to me, I’m so happy I chose Ashoori Law team.
You can work with them completely confidently.👌🏼
Leios C.
We love Attorney Ashoori's detailed and clear videos on YouTube explaining the path to obtaining U.S Visas. I have recommended my clients to work with him several times and he provides a clear pathway to success in entrepreneurs' visa journey.
subbha S.
Ashori Law worked great for us, in processing I-751. They regularly checked with us and have answered any questions we had.
Shyam C.
Ashoori Law has done an excellent job with my second visa extension. Their team is extremely professional, organized, and always on top of every detail. They are responsive, never make you feel like they are too busy, and take the time to answer all questions clearly and promptly. I truly appreciate their dedication and highly recommend them for anyone seeking reliable immigration support.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Michael Ashoori Headshot

Michael Ashoori, Esq.

President of Ashoori Law

I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped thousands of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

Got a question? Send me an email.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION