text: My fiance and I were in the same situation. We did some research and from what we read, it's easier to bring in your fiance into the country, then get married, and then apply for permanent residence. It's easier that way. If you get married first, there's lots of red tape because it's harder to prove to the government that you got married for all the right reasons and arent just trying to help someone immigrate. It takes longer that way. So, my fiance and I applied for the fiance visa in February, it got approved this month, and he should be here by August. So, it basically takes about 6 months, but with bringing a spouse over, it can sometimes take longer. Good luck.