Expert: Sandra - 1/27/2010

Question
Hello,
  I am engaged to marry a girl in Brazil. I need so much help to do it. SHe lives in Itabuna, Bahia. She is under 21 so I know she will need permission from mom which is fine. Our plan is to marry in her city and then go to US to live. I work in Brazil at the moment but live in US. I am not doing it to gain residency, we are in love and wish to marry. I know the documents I need to bring from US and have them sent to Brazil consulate in US to verify. It is just the rest of the stuff, Is there a lawyer that is good to get for helping the paperwork?? WHat order should I go in for marrying?? I have seen the web sites and procedures but would be more than willing to hire someone to help. ANy help is greatly appreciated!!

Answer
You should ask the specific cartorio in Itabuna where you will get married for a list of documents they require. Each of yours need to be "reconhecido" at the Brazilian OCnsulate inthe U.S. that has jurisdiction over where they were emitted. In Brazil, they need to be translated by an official translator. (There is a list, very limited.)
In order for her to enter the U.S. to live, after the marriage, you must apply for a K-3 spousal visa. It involves a lot of support paperwork in addition to the main form, but it can be done without a lawyer. If you are working in Brazil, you will have to prove how you will support your wife in the U.S. You may need to provide a financial sponsor in the U.S., in this case. The process should take about 7 months from the time you send in the form to the time she gets an interview in Rio. When she arrives in the U.S., she will have permission to work and her Green Card.
Alternatively, you could petition for a K-1 fiancee visa (which also takes about 7 months and involves much  of the same paperwork) and marry in the U.S. once she arrives. She will also have an interview at the U.S. Consulate in Rio. Once she arrives, you have 90 days to marry. She will receive a social security and work card. You send in one more form to adjust her status (to married)and you will be called for a Green Card interview (You must provide a translator if needed.) at the nearest immigration office to your U.S. residence. This process is also quite possible to complete without a lawyer.
Hope some of this helped.