Marrying on a ESTA

[Golftouring 0]

Hi

I have been in a relationship with a USC for 5 years and we have been engaged for just over 2 1/2 years.

I am intending to visit on a ESTA later this year, with the intention of marrying and returning to the UK a week later. I will then apply for a CR1 and hopefully once approved, return to the U.S. and start our married life's together. The reason we are considering going down this road, is so I can continue working in the UK, up until the point I can move over.

My question is, will there be any issues when I come to applying for the CR1, that I entered and married on a ESTA and did not declare my intentions ? Or should I declare when I arrive, that I am here to marry and return and take the risk, that I will be permitted entry at Los Angeles arrivals.

[canadian_wife 1,831]

You need to answer all questions truthfully.

That does not mean to offer additional information

good luck

[Mena28 35]

I am Austrian and on the US embassy homepage for Vienna it says this:

"Note: If you will return to your permanent place of residence outside the United States after the marriage ceremony, you should apply for a B-2 tourist visa or, if eligible, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. If the marriage will take place outside the United States, you will require an immigrant visa to reside in the United States."

Check your embassy website to double check!

When traveling on the ESTA during the K-1 process (that I am in) I hear it is a good thing to bring prove of ties to home country like rental agreement, paychecks, letter from employer that you are expected to return to work and return flight ticket. You could bring those as well, just in case?

[Ontarkie 14,977]

~~Moved to IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures from Introduction - As the OP will be following this path. ~~

[Boiler 47,707]

More a visitor issue.

Not a problem but also no need to make it one.

[JFH 12,195]

I entered via LAX in September 2014 to marry from the UK on the VWP (ESTA).

As previously mentioned, you must answer all questions truthfully but there is no need to offer further information than is asked.

It's perfectky legal to get married there while on an ESTA if your intention is just that - marry and leave. I had my return flight itinerary to hand and also an email from my line manager that said 'Hi Jxxxx Just to let you know your annual leave request has been approved from x date to y date and your first day back at work will be z date'. I wasn't even asked for any further evidence or information but it was good to have them.

Just a small point in your opening post. You said "I will then apply for a CR1". It's the USC that applies for you.

Edited January 4, 2015 by JFH

[canadian_wife 1,831]

Just a small point in your opening post. You said "I will then apply for a CR1". It's the USC that applies for you.

Terminology. The USC petitions. The beneficiary applies through the DS230

good luck

[JFH 12,195]

Yes what I meant is the USC sets the ball rolling. Not that our OP comes home from the wedding and does the whole thing himself.

[Ryan H 3,923]

Terminology. The USC petitions. The beneficiary applies through the DS230

good luck

It's the DS-260 that is universally in-use now for spousal visa applicants.