What to do? Advice please :)

[Sheepish Mareep 0]

I am a 22 year old female living in the United States. Two years ago, I met a wonderful guy from the United Kingdom. We got engaged last year, but haven't had any marriage plans set in stone or anything. He is currently visiting me for two months (he did the visa waiver program) and we are having a wonderful time. I can't stand the idea of being apart again, and we had no intention of marrying and letting him stay while he was here. If we did get married in the United States and he left when he was supposed to leave, could we apply for the IR-1 when he gets home? Would he have to do anything to make the marriage valid in the United Kingdom? How much total does it cost for this process?

Thank you

Edited July 19, 2010 by Sheepish Mareep

[bobby_kvisa 7]

You have the option at this point of either applying for a Fiance Visa or applying for a Marriage Visa.

In both of these Family Based visas the end result is marriage, so you should be aware that both Family Based Visas in your situation ultimately culminate in proof that you have married.

Obviously Fiance Visa you marry after you are awarded the Visa - in the Marriage Visa it is a requirement to be married before you apply.

If you choose the marriage visa (CR1) what you need to check or ask others is WHERE you two should get married (UK or USA). I am not familiar with the VWP program, but you research with some source whether you can get married in the USA to someone on the VWP program and then apply for the Marriage Visa (CR1) without the UK Consulate determining that the VWP visit was inappropriate for marriage.

As an FYI for you, my friend got married to a UK citizen, but she went over to the UK and did the marriage over there and then did the visa petition after that. Anyhow, make sure you check with other sources as well to get more info.