if i marry a spanish lady in spain, what does it take for her to return to usa with me and how long does it take for the process? If we are to marry in the usa, what kinds of visas etc does it require and how long does this take. further info on my lady is that she just finished a one year teacher swap in the us and she has a master degree but will take other work just so we can be to gether in the us as soon as possible. she does not have a green card now. i can hire her for a job in house keeping and nurses care-non licensed or as a private spanish teacher, could this help?

Hi Motorhd,

From what I understand it's easier and less bureaucratic to get married in the States. My (Spanish) husband and I got married in the States and moved to Spain the following day.

However, if I understand your post correctly, your intention is to live in the USA with your wife, correct? This would change the process a bit. It that is the case, you would need to apply for a fiancee visa (the actual number of the visa escapes me but it is commonly known as the fiancee visa) for your girlfriend before getting married. This visa will allow her to remain in the States legally once you are married and as you are going through the process of getting her residency (green card), which is lengthy (maybe 6 months or more). I think it takes about 3 months for the fiancee visa, but don't quote me on that.

Your hiring her for another job will take just as long, if not longer, because you will need to process for a working visa for her and demonstrate that there is no one locally who can do the job.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Actually motorhd your question is one I know very well. My brother married my sister in law (a spanish lady) and they currently live in the U.S.A. They first had to get married in the states though. She did the same teacher swap your talking about for your lady. I can ask them what exact papers they got if you would like? It is a long process though.

Related, but on the other side of the Atlantic divide, what are the requirements for an American citizen who is marrying a Spanish citizen to acquire residency?

I've done various searches (mm and google) and I come up with conflicting advice. This post is my last try before paying to see a lawyer.

I have read that all we need to do is take the Libro de Familia to the Comisaria here and I can apply. I've also read that I need to first get a Visado for Familia Agrupacion, which means applying to my local stateside consulate. However, the New Orleans consulate told me to check the website of the Chicago consulate. The website was confusing so I emailed. I got a reply that said, and this is a quote "check with the authorities in Madrid." Uh, if I need a visa, wouldn't the consulate know??? And who are the "authorities?"

Anyway, the point is, I am hoping that a Visa is not needed. The NOLA consulate is a disater, it was before the hurricane, and it is worse now. They already turned me down two years ago for a student visa (though the Spanish govt. had issues it w/o problem).

So, any clues, anyone? Or does anyone know who the "authorities" covering these situations are and where they are located in Madrid, and if they have a website???

Thanks!!!

Guide to marriage, partnerships and divorce in Spain, Relocation, Spain, Expatica
http://www.expatica.com/actual/article.asp?subchannel_id=86&story_id=1918

Weddings in Spain
http://www.european-weddings.com/legal-spain.htm

English:
http://www.spainlawyer.com/

Castellano:
http://www.iabogado.com/


American Citizen Services - Non-Emergency Services
http://madrid.usembassy.gov/cons/acsnon-emergency.html

De facto Relationships in Spain - Legal guide about Spain provided by Spanish lawyers with iAbogado.
http://www.spainlawyer.com/guialegal/guialegal.cfm?IDCAPITULO=01020000

Getting Married, Weddings & Giving Birth in Spain: Spain Expat
http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/getting_mar...ving_birth_in_spain/

Registering marriages
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=Registering+marr...=Google+Search&meta=