Possible to get married and have spouse sort of live in U.S. until K3 is approved?

[norftown 0]

I recently got engaged and am planning on filing a K1 through the Vermont Service Center. The processing times are about 6.5 months for a K1 and it seems the processing times for a K3 are shorter. But, I was wondering if we were to get married this September or October would it be possible for her to live with me as long as a tourist visa allows (180 day period?), returning home for however long she needs to renew the tourist visa while waiting for the K3 to be processed? Or would she not be allowed to stay here for an extended period until after she gets the K3? I am a US citizen and she is Canadian. I'm not concerned about her being able to work while here.

[norftown 0]

Sorry, double posted somehow and now cannot edit or delete for some reason.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I recently got engaged and am planning on filing a K1 through the Vermont Service Center. The processing times are about 6.5 months for a K1 and it seems the processing times for a K3 are shorter. But, I was wondering if we were to get married this September or October would it be possible for her to live with me as long as a tourist visa allows (180 day period?), returning home for however long she needs to renew the tourist visa while waiting for the K3 to be processed? Or would she not be allowed to stay here for an extended period until after she gets the K3? I am a US citizen and she is Canadian. I'm not concerned about her being able to work while here.

No. She cannot "sort of live" in the US while waiting processing.

If you have concerns about her being able to work, you should go for the CR-1 visa once you guys get married. The K-3 (which mind you, takes about the same time nowadays) is not work-eligible until she adjusts status.

and welcome to VJ!