Getting married in the US then coming back to Japan

[Project_Harajuku 28]

Hi everyone, I have done a number of searches however I didn't see many cases similar to mine so here goes. My fiancé (who is active duty Navy) and I have been weighing the pros and cons of a K1 vs CR-1 visa and we're thinking that the CR-1 would be better in our situation.

Is it possible for me to head over to VA when he arrives there (he's currently deployed on a ship), get married (on a regular tourist visa) then come back to Japan while waiting for the paperwork? I have no problem coming back to Japan after the wedding as that would allow me to continue working (and saving) while waiting on the paperwork than staying in the US with no employment permit.

I've read where some posters advise against getting married on a tourist visa, however my intention would be to leave the country after the wedding and wait while he files the I-130. Also can the process be expedited since he's military?

Your thoughts and advice please :-)

[Morganalmonshid94 84]

What you want to do is perfectly legal, marrying and going back and I've heard of sometimes military folks getting granted expedite due to orders and such but just your soon to be spouse being military doesn't automatically make it happen no .

[evapaula 230]

nothing illegal with getting married on a tourist visa. I personally know of at least one case who married in US, the non-USC returned to home country, they applied for CR1 and waited separately.
Took them forever, but your story might be different if your spouse is in the military.

They did advise me to go the K1 route instead and I'm forever grateful

[Marvo 8]

You can get married on a tourist visa. The NVC can expedite the I-130 process and the embassy can expedite as well (it is on a case by case basis). Good luck.

[Project_Harajuku 28]

Thank you for the responses everyone, I was worried that getting married on a tourist visa may look suspicious (I'm always nervous about immigration procedures lol).

As for expediting the case, we know it's probably a long shot since he's already deployed and will already be at his new duty station by the time we get married but I guess it's worth a shot. Fingers crossed everything is done quickly.