Muslim brothers please help before i end up regretting something

Assalamu alaikum. I’m looking for honest advice from practicing Sunni Muslims, especially brothers who can give a perspective from the man’s side.
I’m in a serious relationship with a woman, and both of our families know about us and know we intend to get married. We’re waiting on some things before the nikāḥ, including her residency situation.
She would prefer to delay the nikāḥ, while I personally would rather get married sooner. Because of her immigration situation, we’re considering doing the civil/legal marriage first, then having the nikāḥ and wedding about 9–10 months later.
Our parents don’t know that we’re considering the civil marriage/green-card route. They know about our relationship and that we’re planning to get married, but not this specific plan.
From an Islamic and practical perspective, is this actually a good idea? Would you, as a Muslim man, be comfortable legally marrying a woman and then waiting almost a year for the nikāḥ? Are there any Islamic concerns or risks I should seriously think about before doing this?
I’m not really asking about USCIS. I want to know what practicing Muslims would personally think about this situation and whether you would advise doing it or waiting.