Need advice before I make a big decision, brothers

Assalamu alaikum. I really need some honest advice from practicing Sunni Muslim brothers-especially guys who can share a man’s perspective. I’m in a khutubah with a sister. Both our families know about us and that we plan to get married, alhamdulillah. We’re just waiting on a few things before the nikāḥ, including her residency stuff. Here’s the thing: she prefers to wait for the nikāḥ, but I’d rather do it sooner. Because of her immigration case, we’re thinking about doing the civil marriage first, then having the actual nikāḥ and wedding about 9–10 months later, in Kenya where her parents live. Right now we’re both in the US but in different states, and we met through a halal matchmaking service. Our parents don’t know we’re considering this civil route yet-they just know we’re serious and heading toward marriage, but not the specifics. I’m really torn. From an Islamic and practical side, is this actually okay? Would you as a Muslim man be comfortable being legally married to someone and then waiting almost a year for the nikāḥ? Are there any Islamic risks or things I should seriously think about before doing this? I’m not asking about immigration stuff; I just want to hear what practicing Muslims honestly think about this whole situation and if you’d suggest going for it or just waiting.