AOS using Visa Waiver

[random_stranger 0]

Hi all,

I recently arrived in the US to visit my fiancee for 2 weeks under the Visa Waiver Program. Soon after my arrival we decided to get married, went to the local court house to apply for a marriage licence and also to arrange getting married there. We also decided that I should stay within the US whilst applying for the AOS etc. I am aware that entering the US with plans to marry through the VWP is illegal, but this was a spontaneous decision made after my arrival at the point of entry.

My question relates to how do I demonstrate that I / we had no intention to marry prior to my arrival? I can show that I was expected back at work after my 2 week visit through an approved leave form and that although I was staying with my parents I had a lease with them. I also have a bank account in my home country as well as utility bills etc.

Would showing that we only arranged to get our marriage licence and marriage ceremony at the county court house after I entered the US further demonstrate the lack of intention to marry prior to entry?

Is this adequate proof or are we still going to run into difficulties?

[TayRivers 4]

Hi all,

I recently arrived in the US to visit my fiancee for 2 weeks under the Visa Waiver Program. Soon after my arrival we decided to get married, went to the local court house to apply for a marriage licence and also to arrange getting married there. We also decided that I should stay within the US whilst applying for the AOS etc. I am aware that entering the US with plans to marry through the VWP is illegal, but this was a spontaneous decision made after my arrival at the point of entry.

My question relates to how do I demonstrate that I / we had no intention to marry prior to my arrival? I can show that I was expected back at work after my 2 week visit through an approved leave form and that although I was staying with my parents I had a lease with them. I also have a bank account in my home country as well as utility bills etc.

Would showing that we only arranged to get our marriage licence and marriage ceremony at the county court house after I entered the US further demonstrate the lack of intention to marry prior to entry?

Is this adequate proof or are we still going to run into difficulties?

Congratulations on your marriage.

The evidence that you have already mentioned is good to prove you had intended to return to your home country. Most people are not even asked about their intent at entry, the interviewing officers ask more about your marriage being real and what evidence you have to show that.

Keep all the evidence you have about your return to your home country and if you close any bank accounts get a letter from the bank confirming the account is closed and the date it was done. Keep any return ticket you have that you did not use. If you have resigned from your job then keep a copy of your resignation letter and any response from your employer.

Good Luck

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I've read alot of interview summaries of people that said it never came up. That will depend on your office, but it could turn out being a non-issue. Best to be prepared though.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi all,

I recently arrived in the US to visit my fiancee for 2 weeks under the Visa Waiver Program. Soon after my arrival we decided to get married, went to the local court house to apply for a marriage licence and also to arrange getting married there. We also decided that I should stay within the US whilst applying for the AOS etc. I am aware that entering the US with plans to marry through the VWP is illegal, but this was a spontaneous decision made after my arrival at the point of entry.

My question relates to how do I demonstrate that I / we had no intention to marry prior to my arrival? I can show that I was expected back at work after my 2 week visit through an approved leave form and that although I was staying with my parents I had a lease with them. I also have a bank account in my home country as well as utility bills etc.

Would showing that we only arranged to get our marriage licence and marriage ceremony at the county court house after I entered the US further demonstrate the lack of intention to marry prior to entry?

Is this adequate proof or are we still going to run into difficulties?

No one here can say for sure. What you have mentioned is as good as anything I suppose, the job situation is probably best.

[Krikit 1,164]

Moving this to the AOS From Other Visas forum.