US citizen wanting to marry a UK citizen

[babystace806]

Hi there,

I am in a situation where I could really use a live person's advice.

My boyfriend and I have been together for almost two years. We met working overseas in Asia and lived there together for one year. He is from England and I am from America. We are both back in our home countries and have been back and forth to see each other for the last several months.

We want to get married, but we aren't sure which country would be best to have the ceremony. Ultimately, we plan for me to move over to England with him permantely once we are married.

I'm not sure if its easier for us to get married in the US and then apply for a spouse visa once we're married. Or, should we apply for a fiancee visa and then get married in England? The problem is that it seems like the fiancee visa takes ages to get and once we do get married, I'd have to wait another 2 months plus to get permission to work. Getting married in the US seems easier since he doesn't need a special visa, as he is not coming to stay permanently.

I'm so confused on a lot of the info for the spouse visa. I've had a hard time getting someone on the phone to get the proper info for my circumstance. It all seems so complicated. If anyone could help. I would be extremely grateful for the advice.

Thanks,

Babystace

[izzysmum04]

I would say, from my own experience, if you already plan on getting married, it would be much easier to just get married in the US then apply for your spousal visa. That is what we chose to do, and it was easy as pie. It only took me about 4 weeks to receive my visa once we sent the application in. Of course that was 5 years ago. If you chose to do the fiance visa, you'll be paying out quite a bit, as you pay for the fiance visa, then have to get married within 6 months and then apply for the spousal visa. So it's double money within 6 months. Just a thought. Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide.

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by babystace806

Getting married in the US seems easier since he doesn't need a special visa, as he is not coming to stay permanently.

It's certainly going to be easier and quicker visa-wise for you both to move to England.

If he's going to marry you in the US on a VWP entry, he needs some preparation. Whilst it's perfectly legal, he has no right of entry, and the intent to marry a USC raises the possibility of refused entry on the grounds that he may have immigrant intent.

So, he needs to be thoroughly prepared to be able to prove he will be returning to the UK with you.

[Lar]

My girl is UK and I'm US. Been together whenever we could since 2005. Getting married seemed like it was gonna be hard work, but there's an easier way.

I disagree about your guy coming over on a VWP to get married. A bad move!

I found this site where a girl tells you what you can and can not legally do. She BEEN there already! She's got a site up online called ukmarryinguscitizen.

We 'get it' now. We'll take her advice and marry inside a month.

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by Lar

My girl is UK and I'm US. Been together whenever we could since 2005. Getting married seemed like it was gonna be hard work, but there's an easier way.

I disagree about your guy coming over on a VWP to get married. A bad move!

I found this site where a girl tells you what you can and can not legally do. She BEEN there already! She's got a site up online called ukmarryinguscitizen.

We 'get it' now. We'll take her advice and marry inside a month.

The site is full of falsehoods without even paying the bucks. Gawd knows what you get with payment. Apart from the unauthorized practice of law, I suppose! And absolutely no peer review.

I've travelled to the US on the Visa Waiver Programme several times and have learned that is not legal to travel to the US on the VWP with the intention of marrying while you are here.

It is perfectly legal to enter the US on the VWP to get married. It is, however, fraudulent to enter the US on the VWP with the intention to remain. The OP is not proposing that, though.

Why is entering the US on the VWP a bad move?
What is the "easier way"?
What is your relationship with the site quoted?

[Davis1]

For $5 I will tell the secrets of anything you could possibly think of...

[ibmonir]

I think what you've decided is right saveing time, so every thing is eassy while he's there in us whenever he has his valid visa, then the uk embassy will give you your spose visa quicker but if you both in uk fo him to get his paper done will be pain and alot of money plus waiting the home security appointments.
pc/ ask there in us if he needs to prepare any documents before arrving it's also cheaper to get any paper done from the country of origin.

[izzysmum04]

I absolutely agree with Fatbrit about that site. There is no "easier way" or "secret" about getting married in the US. How ridiculous!!

My hubby (UK) and I have been there, done that! You can get married in the US without any sort of special visa. My husband and I got married in my home state of West Virginia in 2004. He entered the US without making any special arrangements for himself, such as a visa. He had a return ticket and that was all they needed as proof he would be returning to the UK.

[babystace806]

Originally Posted by izzysmum04

I absolutely agree with Fatbrit about that site. There is no "easier way" or "secret" about getting married in the US. How ridiculous!!

My hubby (UK) and I have been there, done that! You can get married in the US without any sort of special visa. My husband and I got married in my home state of West Virginia in 2004. He entered the US without making any special arrangements for himself, such as a visa. He had a return ticket and that was all they needed as proof he would be returning to the UK.

Thank you all so much for your advice! I did call US immigration and they said that he can come over on a visitors visa for the ceremony. So, you are right on that.

Another question we have though is in regard to the spousal application. What documents do we need exactly other than photos, passport copies, bank statements, proof of accomodation? Is there anything else you would suggest we put in the app to make sure its approved?

[jlms]

Marriage certificate! :-)