If you’re thinking about marrying someone from another country, you’ve probably wondered:
- How many other American men actually do this?
- Is it rare?
- Is it normal?
- Is it growing?
The truth is, the number of international marriages has quietly climbed over the years. And you’re far from alone. Knowing the stats gives you clarity — it shows you that this path is more common than most people think and growing for a reason.
Whether you’re dating online, thinking about the K‑1 visa process, or just curious, the data can help you make smarter moves and realistic decisions.
In this guide, we break down the real numbers behind international marriage. We’ll show you what percentage of american men marry foreign women, which countries they’re marrying from, and what the long-term success of these relationships looks like.
What does it mean if you’re considering this matter?
These stats should give you confidence if you’ve been thinking about meeting someone from another country. You’re not chasing a trend — you’re joining a group of men who are building real, lasting relationships across borders.
Whether you’re looking on dating sites, exploring cultural forums, or reading reviews on the HalfAccess website, your decision to date internationally is part of a growing shift. The key is doing it thoughtfully — being respectful, informed, and clear about your goals.
International dating isn’t for everyone. But for many men, it’s the best decision they’ve ever made.
U.S. data: Men marrying foreign-born women
Let’s cut to the numbers.
- According to a U.S. Census Bureau report, around 21% of all married households in the U.S. include at least one foreign-born spouse.
- Specifically, 7% involve a native-born American married to a foreign-born partner.
- And get this: Pew Research data shows that today, about 4% of Americans are married to someone from another country — up from just 6.3% in 1980. That means the rate has basically doubled in the past four decades.
So no, marrying a foreign woman isn’t rare. It’s steadily becoming part of the new normal.
How many American men marry women from specific regions
American men marry foreign women for many reasons, from cultural compatibility to long-term relationship goals. While general stats tell us international marriages are growing, which regions are American men marrying from most often?
According to U.S. immigration data and visa records:
- Latin America continues to be one of the top regions, especially countries like Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil. Men often describe women from these countries as passionate, warm, and highly family-oriented.
- Asia sees high numbers too, particularly the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. Many American men are drawn to the values of respect, caregiving, and long-term loyalty common among Asian cultures.
- Eastern Europe is another hotspot, with Ukraine, Russia, and Poland being common countries where American men find wives. Women from these regions are often admired for their combination of independence and traditional family values.
These trends are also reflected in the K-1 visa (fiancé visa) data and IR-1/CR-1 spousal visa numbers, which consistently show the Philippines and South Korea at the top.
So, if you’re wondering whether other American men are also chatting with women from Medellín, Manila, or Kyiv — the answer is a big yes.
Demographics behind the numbers
So, who are these men marrying abroad? American men who marry foreign women tend to:
- Be between 35 and 55 years old
- Have middle or upper-middle income levels
- Often work in skilled trades, IT, military, or business
- Be ready to marry soon, as the study published in the National Library of Medicine reports that 19% of immigrant wives and ~8% of immigrant husbands enter the U.S. in the same year they marry an American citizen.
Many of these men say they’ve struggled with modern U.S. dating culture and want a partner who shares their values on family, gender roles, or long-term commitment. Some are divorced and looking for a fresh start.
It’s not a mail-order fantasy — it’s a growing, very real demographic trend.
Trends over time — Is it increasing?
Yes — and the data proves it. In 1980, only 6.3% of U.S. marriages were between an American and someone from another country. Fast-forward to today, and that number has nearly doubled to 12.4%.
A big part of this trend is accessibility. Global travel is easier, online dating makes cross-border communication simple, and cultural curiosity has grown. More men are open to meeting someone from a different background — and more women are doing the same.
The takeaway? International marriage is no longer rare or “out there.” It’s a normal and growing part of the dating world.
Why men choose to marry foreign women (based on data)
Beyond the numbers, the motivations are often just as interesting:
- Stronger family values and traditional roles
- Higher relationship loyalty and commitment
- Easier emotional connection
- Less focus on superficial dating culture
And here’s a key point: these marriages last. One study found that divorce rates in marriages between U.S. men and foreign-born women are often lower (20-25% lower) than the U.S. average.
So, it’s not just about meeting someone “exotic.” It’s about values, stability, and long-term compatibility.
How U.S. marriages involving foreign-born wives compare
Here’s how international marriages stack up against domestic ones in a few key categories:
| Category | U.S. Domestic Marriages | U.S. Men + Foreign-Born Wives |
| Divorce Rate | 40-45 % (U.S. national average) | 20-25% — lower divorce risk in mixed-nationality marriages |
| Average Age Difference | ~2.2 years (U.S. average, 2022 data) | 7.4 years — spouse-age gap in marriages involving immigrants entering the U.S. upon marriage |
| Engagement Length | ~15 months (U.S. national average) | 6-12 months — typically shorter than domestic engagements (previously cited) |
| Cultural Adjustment Time | Not typically tracked in domestic marriages, as they may greatly vary. | 1-3 years — adjustment phase common in cross-border relationships (based on adaptation studies) |
These differences don’t mean one type of marriage is better — but they do show that international couples often approach relationships with more intention and commitment from the start.
Final summary
Around 10.2 % of married-couple households involved interracial or interethnic spouses (as of 2016, and the tendency is growing, as you’ve seen from the data offered here). The number is growing, the outcomes are often strong, and the motivations are more than just curiosity — they’re about finding values that align.
From Asia to Eastern Europe to Latin America, more American men are building cross-cultural relationships rooted in trust, family, and shared goals.
If you’re considering this path, take your time, do your research, and lead with honesty. The data says you won’t be alone — and your odds of success may be higher than you think!
