How to Marry a Foreigner

Marrying a foreigner could mean marrying someone of the same ethnicity or background but different citizenship, or marrying someone from a totally different culture and country of citizenship. If you are planning on marrying a foreigner, here are a few steps to guide you.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Relationship website membership
• Immigration laws and requirements of the country of petitioner

1. Finding a partner. If you are someone who is really interested in marrying someone of a totally different culture and country of citizenship, then you may want to venture on a trip to a foreign land. Although you could probably meet someone in your own country who came from a different country or culture, it is highly likely that there would still be some form of traveling involved. This is because there may be some situations or laws and ordinances--depending on the country of origin of your partner--that can only permit marriage if you travel to the foreign land. Also, if you are marrying someone with strict family and cultural upbringing, it may be necessary to ask for the parents' blessings in person.

2. Since the Internet has played a major role through the years in bringing couples of different cultures together, you may want to consider signing up with a relationship website. Make sure that you check the sites before giving your personal information. Check with the Better Business Bureau as well as with references of former clients to find out if the site would be a good fit for you.

3. Get to know each other. Once you find the foreigner of your dreams, make it a point to learn more about her. If the foreigner is not physically where you are, you may start by learning about each other through letters, emails, chats and phone calls. When you think you are ready to make a commitment, travel to the country where your foreign partner lives to meet her personally as well as her family.

4. Learn the culture of your partner and see if you can live up to it and live with it. Interracial marriages are very common, but for one to be successful it is important to have an open mind and complete understanding of that culture so as not to have any misunderstanding down the road.

5. Immigration Laws. If you are from the United States trying to marry a foreigner, know that there are a lot of requirements you must meet. Go to the nearest immigration office near you or visit their website at http://www.uscis.gov to get more information.

6. If you are from another country other than the United States, check your local immigration laws about petitioning or marrying someone from a different country. It is important to get all the documentations and requirements ready before you tie the knot to ensure that you are not breaking any laws. Besides, you want to have a marriage that is legally binding, so you want to be sure you have all the T's crossed and the I's dotted.

7. Be patient. It can take time to get all the requirements ready before your partner can join you. Prepare to be separated for a long time. Think of it as a true test of your relationship. If you can last being apart before all your paperwork is ready, your bond will be stronger, tried and tested. Then the more you will cherish each other when, finally, that day to be together comes.

Tips & Warnings

• Marry for love and not just for convenience.

• Do not offer to marry a foreigner for money to help them legally stay. This is illegal and you can be prosecuted and your foreigner spouse can be deported if caught.