Hi everyone!

I posted a message over a year ago about the steps to marrying in Spain vs. the US. Well, my (Spanish) husband and I are now happily married (been married for a year --the wedding was a lot of fun!) and I just wanted to post a couple of comments on the process I went through, for those who are interested.

First, it's taken MUCH longer than anticipated for me to obtain the NIE/residency here in Spain after our wedding in Seville last April (Actually, I'm still waiting-- will pick up the card in June). While we were told that this would be processed "immediately" & that I would likely have it within a couple of months, in reality I've had to wait just under *14 MONTHS* for this valuable document (I received a letter containing my NIE & fingerprinting date --set for three months later than the actual letter-- about 9 months after submitting the residency application; however,once fingerprinted, there is a 30 to 45-day lapse before one can pick up her/his residency card).

Second, during this time I have had to *continue paying my private health insurance,* as it has proved impossible for me to use the health system (except the emergency room) without a NIE. My husband and I tried desperately to solve this problem after we were married, talking to the health system's social services counselor here in Seville, but to no avail. My husband's father is a doctor who works for the national health system, but even he couldn't help.

Third, since I was an American "sin papeles" before marrying, I have not been able to leave the country while awaiting the residency permit (at least, that's what my immigration advocate advised-- and he should know, since he used to work for the immigration office here in Seville). I could have risked being stopped at the border & just gone anyway, but chose not to.

Fourth, while the Asociación de Mujeres Progresistas has been very helpful in terms of providing the right forms and escorting me through the system, their advice has not always been accurate or consistent. Before marrying I was told by one of their lawyers that I'd have immediate access to socialized health insurance once married, and that my residency would be a matter of "weeks." I was also told that I'd have the right to obtain citizenship in Spain after only 2 years of legal residency here. However, just a month ago another lawyer from the same office told me I needed 10 years of residency to qualify.

Anyway, I just wanted to give some updated information for those who are considering the pros and cons of marrying/applying for residency in Spain vs the US. The bottom line: if you choose to marry in Spain, expect a long wait for residency, plan in advance for interim health insurance, and use the Asociacion de Mujeres Progresistas for paperwork purposes only. Hope this helps!

Laura**