Yes, you can visit!

[G&A 1]

Great thread and input Michele but...

I am very concerned with what officers had told you on two occasions. DO NOT GET MARRIED THERE. IT IS A VIOLATION.

I recently started a new thread here and was advised by many members here that is perfectly ok and legal to get married in the US as long as the person leaves afterwards, and then files for a K-3. I know the officers are concerned that people get married, hang around and then adjust status.

I would love to get something in writing that tell me a visitor to the US can marry as long as they LEAVE the US after the marriage.

I would like to hear opinons and mostly REAL experiences from folks here on VJ.

thanks.

was told he can't marry me while he's here, that would be a violation. Adam assures officer he won't.

Was advised again not to get married while here (yeah, we know!)

[Michele and Adam 53]

Well, all I can tell you is that is what was told to Adam each time he visited and said he was visiting his girlfriend (and also what I was told when I went to England). I can't really speak to why the officer would lie to us, if they did. I'm sure the intention of the warning was to not marry and try to stay, but that was not expressely said to either of us.

Here's the info straight from the customer guide from the USCIS web site, "I am a US Citizen, how do I...help my fiance(e) become a permanent resident?" http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/A2.pdf

"What if my fiancé(e) uses a different kind of visa, or

enters as a visitor without visa, to come here so we

can get married?"

There could be serious consequences. Attempting to get a visa or

enter the U.S. by saying one thing when you intend another may

be considered immigration fraud, for which there are severe

penalties. Those penalties include restricting a person’s ability to

get immigration benefits, including permanent residence, as well as

a possible fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five

years. It is not appropriate for your fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. as

a visitor with the intent to marry you and remain to try to become

a permanent resident. It is appropriate, however, to enter as a

visitor to have the wedding in the U.S. and then return to a foreign

residence for further processing for U.S. immigration as a spouse.

You should come prepared with proof of your clear intentions in

this regard.

So yes, it certainly appears that you are allowed to get married while you're here as long as you do leave, but you'd in effect be abandoning your K-1 application to start a K-3, right? (well, assuming you're not yet married and doing the K-1 route...)

Again, I am just reporting what our experiences were, I can't tell you why we were told that. Wish I could!

[*julez* 124]

Great thread and input Michele but...

I am very concerned with what officers had told you on two occasions. DO NOT GET MARRIED THERE. IT IS A VIOLATION.

I recently started a new thread here and was advised by many members here that is perfectly ok and legal to get married in the US as long as the person leaves afterwards, and then files for a K-3. I know the officers are concerned that people get married, hang around and then adjust status.

I would love to get something in writing that tell me a visitor to the US can marry as long as they LEAVE the US after the marriage.

I would like to hear opinons and mostly REAL experiences from folks here on VJ.

thanks.

was told he can't marry me while he's here, that would be a violation. Adam assures officer he won't.

Was advised again not to get married while here (yeah, we know!)

I personally don't believe that Michele and Adam's experience wasn't real! Why make stuff up? Sheesh!

Edited May 12, 2007 by julezabelle

[~Nini~ 2]

I visited my fiance in PA while we were waiting for our application to be approved. I brought along a letter from my employer stating that I was on holidays for the length of the trip, a copy of my schedule for the upcoming summer semester, and a printout of my itinerary.

At pre-clearance customs in YVR the officer asked me why I was visiting the US, and I told him that I was visiting my fiance. He asked if I had a return ticket, asked to see my itinerary, and then asked me a few questions about my fiance. He cracked a joke about "how I had it made" (this was after I told him what my fiance did for a living) and I laughed, then he told me to have a good trip and sent me through.

Nerve-wracking, but easy!

[DakotaK1 1]

I would love to go try it really,but I am too scared of getting turned away.Flying all the way from Germany,the flight bad as it is,then going through the worries wondering if they will let you in.Possibly the hassle of a second "Interview" in the office.

A friend of mine got turned down,she said it was not the nicest experience.The bad thing is you have to pay the flight back home out of your own pocket.

Of course it is up to everyone if they do it or not. Sometimes I do admit I play with the thought,but I am just gonna wait,it should not be too long before I can finally be with my Fiance.

[vanee 13]

I would love to go try it really,but I am too scared of getting turned away.

It is a risk, unfortunately. The best we can do is be as prepared as we can. I understand not wanting to take that risk when you'd have to travel so far to find out if they'd let you in.

Still, it sounds like almost everyone who is well-prepared is allowed into the country. But "almost everyone" isn't a guarantee.

A friend of mine got turned down,she said it was not the nicest experience.

I'm sorry to hear that. Can you tell us her circumstances? What did she bring and not bring to prove ties to her country, and why did the border guard deny her entry?

[DakotaK1 1]

I'm sorry to hear that. Can you tell us her circumstances? What did she bring and not bring to prove ties to her country, and why did the border guard deny her entry?

Yeah I can tell you exactly what happend.

Well: She is from Germany and wanted to go see her boyfriend at the time.

Actually they where planning to do K3 Visa,but did not have the real info on it and wanted to do get all the info when she arrived there. So when she got there the officer asked her the usual questions"Who are you going to see" she was like "my boyfriend" and all that.

As soon as he heard boyfriend for some reason the officer got alert,(she claims he must of had a bad day or something) anyway she had a second interview at the airport. One officer said "WHO ARE YOU SEEING" she was like "as I said sir my boyfriend" he then asked her to unpack her laptop to read her Emails etc. Finally she said she was planning on doing K3 and they then called her boyfriend asking him questions.

She claimed it took like 3 hours all together and she got a denied stamp in the end anyway.

But there is another story of a travel agency I know where a woman told me a couple of stories of women that dated Americans and got turned away.

So yeah it can happen from time to time,I guess it all depends on which kind of officer you have and all that.

[G&A 1]

Well, all I can tell you is that is what was told to Adam each time he visited and said he was visiting his girlfriend (and also what I was told when I went to England). I can't really speak to why the officer would lie to us, if they did. I'm sure the intention of the warning was to not marry and try to stay, but that was not expressely said to either of us.

Here's the info straight from the customer guide from the USCIS web site, "I am a US Citizen, how do I...help my fiance(e) become a permanent resident?" http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/A2.pdf

"What if my fiancé(e) uses a different kind of visa, or

enters as a visitor without visa, to come here so we

can get married?"

There could be serious consequences. Attempting to get a visa or

enter the U.S. by saying one thing when you intend another may

be considered immigration fraud, for which there are severe

penalties. Those penalties include restricting a person’s ability to

get immigration benefits, including permanent residence, as well as

a possible fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five

years. It is not appropriate for your fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. as

a visitor with the intent to marry you and remain to try to become

a permanent resident. It is appropriate, however, to enter as a

visitor to have the wedding in the U.S. and then return to a foreign

residence for further processing for U.S. immigration as a spouse.

You should come prepared with proof of your clear intentions in

this regard.

So yes, it certainly appears that you are allowed to get married while you're here as long as you do leave, but you'd in effect be abandoning your K-1 application to start a K-3, right? (well, assuming you're not yet married and doing the K-1 route...)

Again, I am just reporting what our experiences were, I can't tell you why we were told that. Wish I could!

Thanks so much for your detailed response. I really appreciate the USCIS quote above. It make me feel much better about my plan being all legitimate. You are right about abonding the K1 and going the K3 route. I decided to do this so i can have a religious wedding in Canada in October and not have to worry about it confliting with the K1 process (just playing it safe at the expense of an extra month wait).

Cheers!

Great thread and input Michele but...

I am very concerned with what officers had told you on two occasions. DO NOT GET MARRIED THERE. IT IS A VIOLATION.

I recently started a new thread here and was advised by many members here that is perfectly ok and legal to get married in the US as long as the person leaves afterwards, and then files for a K-3. I know the officers are concerned that people get married, hang around and then adjust status.

I would love to get something in writing that tell me a visitor to the US can marry as long as they LEAVE the US after the marriage.

I would like to hear opinons and mostly REAL experiences from folks here on VJ.

thanks.

was told he can't marry me while he's here, that would be a violation. Adam assures officer he won't.

Was advised again not to get married while here (yeah, we know!)

I personally don't believe that Michele and Adam's experience wasn't real! Why make stuff up? Sheesh!

Huh? Who said anything about making stuff up?

[G&A 1]

I would love to go try it really,but I am too scared of getting turned away.Flying all the way from Germany,the flight bad as it is,then going through the worries wondering if they will let you in.Possibly the hassle of a second "Interview" in the office.

A friend of mine got turned down,she said it was not the nicest experience.The bad thing is you have to pay the flight back home out of your own pocket.

Of course it is up to everyone if they do it or not. Sometimes I do admit I play with the thought,but I am just gonna wait,it should not be too long before I can finally be with my Fiance.

I have a crazy idea for you. You go to Canada first and then get a round trip ticket to the US. Since you clear US customs on the Canadian border, you do not have to deal with flying back if turned down. You go back to a hotel room in Canada and have your fiance fly up for a few days.

On the bright side, you might get in otherwise you still get to see him in Canada and then fly back with your regular return ticket to Germany.

i know the planning is bit more complicated but just wanted to mention the thought.

[DakotaK1 1]

I have a crazy idea for you. You go to Canada first and then get a round trip ticket to the US. Since you clear US customs on the Canadian border, you do not have to deal with flying back if turned down. You go back to a hotel room in Canada and have your fiance fly up for a few days.

On the bright side, you might get in otherwise you still get to see him in Canada and then fly back with your regular return ticket to Germany.

i know the planning is bit more complicated but just wanted to mention the thought.

Yeah that is an idea,but also involves alot of money,but thank you for bringing it up. I really think I will just wait,I am currently waiting for NOA2 and I am guessing right now that I should be back like September or October.

[*julez* 124]

Well, all I can tell you is that is what was told to Adam each time he visited and said he was visiting his girlfriend (and also what I was told when I went to England). I can't really speak to why the officer would lie to us, if they did. I'm sure the intention of the warning was to not marry and try to stay, but that was not expressely said to either of us.

Here's the info straight from the customer guide from the USCIS web site, "I am a US Citizen, how do I...help my fiance(e) become a permanent resident?" http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/A2.pdf

"What if my fiancé(e) uses a different kind of visa, or

enters as a visitor without visa, to come here so we

can get married?"

There could be serious consequences. Attempting to get a visa or

enter the U.S. by saying one thing when you intend another may

be considered immigration fraud, for which there are severe

penalties. Those penalties include restricting a person’s ability to

get immigration benefits, including permanent residence, as well as

a possible fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five

years. It is not appropriate for your fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. as

a visitor with the intent to marry you and remain to try to become

a permanent resident. It is appropriate, however, to enter as a

visitor to have the wedding in the U.S. and then return to a foreign

residence for further processing for U.S. immigration as a spouse.

You should come prepared with proof of your clear intentions in

this regard.

So yes, it certainly appears that you are allowed to get married while you're here as long as you do leave, but you'd in effect be abandoning your K-1 application to start a K-3, right? (well, assuming you're not yet married and doing the K-1 route...)

Again, I am just reporting what our experiences were, I can't tell you why we were told that. Wish I could!

Thanks so much for your detailed response. I really appreciate the USCIS quote above. It make me feel much better about my plan being all legitimate. You are right about abonding the K1 and going the K3 route. I decided to do this so i can have a religious wedding in Canada in October and not have to worry about it confliting with the K1 process (just playing it safe at the expense of an extra month wait).

Cheers!

Great thread and input Michele but...

I am very concerned with what officers had told you on two occasions. DO NOT GET MARRIED THERE. IT IS A VIOLATION.

I recently started a new thread here and was advised by many members here that is perfectly ok and legal to get married in the US as long as the person leaves afterwards, and then files for a K-3. I know the officers are concerned that people get married, hang around and then adjust status.

I would love to get something in writing that tell me a visitor to the US can marry as long as they LEAVE the US after the marriage.

I would like to hear opinons and mostly REAL experiences from folks here on VJ.

thanks.

was told he can't marry me while he's here, that would be a violation. Adam assures officer he won't.

Was advised again not to get married while here (yeah, we know!)

I personally don't believe that Michele and Adam's experience wasn't real! Why make stuff up? Sheesh!

Huh? Who said anything about making stuff up?

Sorry if I misintepreted you! Above you stated that you wanted to hear about *REAL* experiences, which made gave me the impression that you doubted the POE experience quoted above. I do apologize. I think with all the bashing that has been taking place on VJ in recent weeks, I'm just a bit sensitive!

[marieke 1]

i personally am going to risk it. im flying on the 12th of june. its only money at the end of the day! yes, IF i get send back i have to buy a new ticket, but so what. dont think im rich! and it doesnt affect your K1 process. i get to see my thomas when i get in, whom i now havent seen for 3 months. for me its long and therefor am going to do it. im just going to be well prepared and go see the officer with a charming smile..

wish me luck and i'll let you know!

[*julez* 124]

I have a crazy idea for you. You go to Canada first and then get a round trip ticket to the US. Since you clear US customs on the Canadian border, you do not have to deal with flying back if turned down. You go back to a hotel room in Canada and have your fiance fly up for a few days.

On the bright side, you might get in otherwise you still get to see him in Canada and then fly back with your regular return ticket to Germany.

i know the planning is bit more complicated but just wanted to mention the thought.

Yeah that is an idea,but also involves alot of money,but thank you for bringing it up. I really think I will just wait,I am currently waiting for NOA2 and I am guessing right now that I should be back like September or October.

Besides, coming through via Canada seems to put you under greater scrutiny. They wonder why you don't come in directly to the US from your own country! Last summer, my fiance (then boyfriend) flew in to Toronto and we drove via the Peace Bridge to Buffalo, where I live. At the Peace Bridge, we were grilled terribly, and lied to by the border agent! He tried to tell us that the VWP allows people from foreign coutries that participate to come into the US for a total of 90 days in a 12 month period. Thank God I was well versed on the law, cos once I challenged (politely) what he said, he backed off and issued the I94 - otherwise we might have had a different outcome! He'll never fly in via Toronto again (despite the huge $ savings and time savings on the flight). Seems like the agents have the Peace Bridge have lots of time to hassel potential visitors to the US!

[Michele and Adam 53]

Marieke - Good luck! I'm sure you'll be totally fine. I know, there comes a point where you just can't stand it any more and have to visit. Risk versus reward. But at least it does seem that most people are allowed in. You may get hassled a bit but you're right: if you are one of the few that get denied, you're right back where you started (minus airfare, which stinks), no harm no foul. If you are one of the many that get admitted, you get to be with your fiance!

Do you really have to pay for the return ticket right then? It seems to me they could just transfer the return ticket you already have. Or could you then get your return ticket (the one you had purchased already to come back from your trip, assuming you got let in) refunded? I'm sure every airline is different in that regard, but I'd be interested in hearing from someone who did get denied with airfare involved. Maybe I'll read up on British Airway's website today...

I was also thinking about being told not to marry while we're here. Maybe Adam was told it would be a violation because he said his reason for visit was to visit me, and didn't say to marry. Since he didn't specify his intent was to marry me on those particular visits, it would be a violation if we did? Border Patrol/Immigration seem very concerned with "intent", so maybe that was it? Of course I can't know for sure and am just guessing.

[marieke 1]

Marieke - Good luck! I'm sure you'll be totally fine. I know, there comes a point where you just can't stand it any more and have to visit. Risk versus reward. But at least it does seem that most people are allowed in. You may get hassled a bit but you're right: if you are one of the few that get denied, you're right back where you started (minus airfare, which stinks), no harm no foul. If you are one of the many that get admitted, you get to be with your fiance!

Do you really have to pay for the return ticket right then? It seems to me they could just transfer the return ticket you already have. Or could you then get your return ticket (the one you had purchased already to come back from your trip, assuming you got let in) refunded? I'm sure every airline is different in that regard, but I'd be interested in hearing from someone who did get denied with airfare involved. Maybe I'll read up on British Airway's website today...

I was also thinking about being told not to marry while we're here. Maybe Adam was told it would be a violation because he said his reason for visit was to visit me, and didn't say to marry. Since he didn't specify his intent was to marry me on those particular visits, it would be a violation if we did? Border Patrol/Immigration seem very concerned with "intent", so maybe that was it? Of course I can't know for sure and am just guessing.

well it also seems that if you have knowledge of the visa process it helps you. straight answers and confidence in what you are talking about. so all my hours on this forum and others will come in handy! im flying with BA and i will definately check it out. either way it will be expensive, a last second ticket back! oh i would hate to go through that, and knowing thomas is like metres away!

im not too sure about your other question. i know of people who came on a visit, not on any visa and had a return ticket 3 months later. they asked why she was here and she said to see my boyfriend and travelling. got married and applied for the visa, when asked why they didnt plan it before arrival, they just said, it was a spontanious thing. she got to stay. i dont think i would take that risk, but they are happily married. im not advising anyone to do that! it seems too risky!

anyway im going off topic here! sorry!