Getting maried to my American Fiancee

[foxhounder01]

I have been with my fiancee for a long time now (she lives in Chicago, IL, I live in the UK) and we are planning on getting married at Christmas in the States and for me to stay there.

After doing some research on the visas that I would need, I stumbled across the fact that it is illegal to get married on a holiday visa (or potentially illegal considering which forum you go on) the original plan was to get married on a holiday visa and then file for an adjustment of status (the i-130 and all supplimental visas) Is this true? I realise that I could apply for a K-1 visa but, my fiancee researched some visas and there didn't seem to be a problem with getting married on a holiday visa and then to just file the visas that we needed.

It sounds confusing but basically all we want to do is get married. If we can get married on a holiday visa without the problems of getting deported or even banned from the country then I would get married on a holiday visa, if this is the case then we will really need to think about the options that we have.

We really need help as this new information that we have stumbled on has got us very worried and very stressed out, so anything to relieve this would be of great help.

Thank you - foxhounder01

[twostep]

No reason to get stressed out! You are talking about a "spontaneous marriage". It better be spontaneous to work.

[foxhounder01]

so does that mean we can? If it is "spontaneous" does that mean there would be no problems? I know I sound dense but i'm just making 100% sure.

Thanks twostep

- foxhounder01

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by foxhounder01

We really need help as this new information that we have stumbled on has got us very worried and very stressed out, so anything to relieve this would be of great help.

The visa waiver express, known on some forums as the 10-foot pole method, eh? Well you'll certainly be in good company as it's far from uncommon. But if I tell you how to do it, won't I be partaking in a conspiracy?

[Bevdeforges]

Changes of status are notoriously difficult, most especially if you entered the country on a tourist visa. Do the fiancé visa if you can (and apply for it NOW - you might just make it in time for a Christmas wedding).

Of course that raises the issue of what your fiancée's status is - US citizen? green card holder? none of the above? That could make things a bit more difficult.
Cheers,
Bev

[foxhounder01]

My fiancée is an American Citizen born and raised there. I will be getting in touch with my local U.S. Consulate tomorrow regarding this. It's just been a shock to the system and one which we could really have done without. The hardest part about this relationship so far has been talking about being together. Ironic I know but still. I hope that gaining answers to these questions will somewhat lighten the mood between me and my fiancée.

I really would like to thank people who choose to comment in a possitive light about all this. It really has helped even being able to get that little bit closer to getting some answers to the questions we've so long been asking.

Thank you again

- foxhounder01

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by foxhounder01

My fiancée is an American Citizen born and raised there. I will be getting in touch with my local U.S. Consulate tomorrow regarding this. It's just been a shock to the system and one which we could really have done without. The hardest part about this relationship so far has been talking about being together. Ironic I know but still. I hope that gaining answers to these questions will somewhat lighten the mood between me and my fiancée.

I really would like to thank people who choose to comment in a possitive light about all this. It really has helped even being able to get that little bit closer to getting some answers to the questions we've so long been asking.

Thank you again

- foxhounder01

Unsure how you're going to contact the consulate? If you call the telephone number, you speak to an employee of a Scottish-based answering service who will read you the same instructions you see on the consulate's website at a cost of an excessive number of squid a minute. They're notoriously inaccurate BTW. The only people who can generally walk into the consulate without an appointment are US citizens. Also, if you do manage it, they are not the Citizen Advice Bureau and you cannot act in good faith on anything they tell you. They take your application and process it -- nothing more, nothing less. Another point you might note is that if you announce your intention to pursue the express route, the fact this has then been documented may come back to haunt you.

On Bev's K1 suggestion, I would think there is insufficient time for Xmas.

There is nothing illegal entering the US on a VWP or B2 and getting married BTW. The no-no bit comes with your intent to remain on entry. Perfectly okay to come in, get married and then intend to return to the UK to process your visa. However, the entry officer has absolute discretion on whether to let you in when you arrive.

[twostep]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

The visa waiver express, known on some forums as the 10-foot pole method, eh? Well you'll certainly be in good company as it's far from uncommon. But if I tell you how to do it, won't I be partaking in a conspiracy?

Bad hair day or we-want-this-NOW frustration?

[twostep]

OK - lets get down to the nitty-gritty.
Do you plan to work in the US? If so - what line of work are you in?
Can your fiance sponser your visa financially or will you need co-sponsors?

Spontaneous - you can visit, have an attack of mad love and marry her. Then go through the hoops of change of status. It only works if it is NOT pre planned. Your call to the US embassy tomorrow voids that option.

The easiest and safest way is the good ol' K1. Get your paperwork together. Then hurry up and wait. The USCIS homepage has all the necessary forms and explanations.

Personally I would not plan a big wedding without having a visa in my hand.

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by twostep

Bad hair day or we-want-this-NOW frustration?

Intelligent folks work out the express method themselves without blurting it too openly on a public forum. I gave him some suitable search terms to Google -- where he would have found experienced immigration attorneys discussing this very issue.

Instead, he's going to announce his possible intention to break the law to the very authorities who police it! It's beyond me!