Marrying under VWP

[Julija 6]

I plan on visiting my boyfriend for the first time under the Visa Waiver Program. I would stay with him over the summer and leave before the 90 day period.  We've discussed getting married in the US and filing for a CR-1 (there would be no adjustment of status needed from VWP to CR-1 since I'll be going back home). Considering this is going to be my first ever visit, is there any downside to us going this route?  Are we going to have any issues, even if I didn't overstay the VWP? I've done quite some research on this topic, but I'm still a bit sceptical. Any opinion or advice will help.

[Cryssiekins 976]

People marry on vwp all the time - the key thing is you leave before the i94 expires.

 

Visa fraud (which I assume is the “issue” you’re inquiring about) happens when you plan in advance to “visit” but actually have no intention of leaving. 

[Crazy Cat 39,224]

No downside as far as the CR-1 is concerned.  Just be prepared to convince the CBP officer that you are going to return home after your visit.

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

No issues

 

Be honest at POE you're discussing plans to marry, then return to life back home awaiting CR1. Try exiting the US some days prior to 90-day period. 

[Chewbacca 18]

It's not a problem to marry in the USA, go back to your country, and apply for CR1. I did that. But you need to bring enough evidence that you will go back to your country instead of staying and applying for AOS. Letter from your employer, a return plane ticket, rental agreement from the place where you live, etc. In my case I just stayed in the USA for 10 days, and I would strongly advise to plan to stay for 90 days as it shows that you don't have strong ties back home as most people do not have 3 month vacation. 

[Crazy Cat 39,224]

2 minutes ago, Chewbacca said:

I just stayed in the USA for 10 days, and I would strongly advise to plan to stay for 90 days as it shows that you don't have strong ties back home as most people do not have 3 month vacation. 

Typo?

[Julija 6]

I'm unemployed at the moment, and i recently moved back in with my parents because i finished school and no longer need to live in that city so staying in my apartment and still paying rent seemed unnecessary. What are the other options of proving ties to my country?

[Chewbacca 18]

8 minutes ago, missileman said:

Typo?

Yes! I'm sorry. I meant I would advise AGAINST staying in the country for 90 days. 

[Boiler 43,433]

A good job, one you would be silly to abandon.

[Crazy Cat 39,224]

8 minutes ago, Julija said:

I'm unemployed at the moment, and i recently moved back in with my parents because i finished school and no longer need to live in that city so staying in my apartment and still paying rent seemed unnecessary. What are the other options of proving ties to my country?

Well, that isn't ideal.....but anything showing you have commitments in your country......like taking care of parents, obligations, duties, etc. 

[Crazy Cat 39,224]

You might be asked to show how you plan to finance your stay in the US, and the amount of money you have with you......and you MUST have a return ticket.

[Julija 6]

We are buying a return ticket, so there's not gonna be an issue there. As for financing my stay, my boyfriend is gonna have that covered. How do i deal with that? He's listed as my 'Address while in the U.S.'' in my ESTA application, which was approved 2 days ago.

[Boiler 43,433]

5 minutes ago, Julija said:

We are buying a return ticket, so there's not gonna be an issue there. As for financing my stay, my boyfriend is gonna have that covered. How do i deal with that? He's listed as my 'Address while in the U.S.'' in my ESTA application, which was approved 2 days ago.

Bank account with sufficient funds

 

Cash/Travellers Cheques

 

Credit Cards

[Crazy Cat 39,224]

1 minute ago, Julija said:

We are buying a return ticket, so there's not gonna be an issue there. As for financing my stay, my boyfriend is gonna have that covered. How do i deal with that? He's listed as my 'Address while in the U.S.'' in my ESTA application, which was approved 2 days ago.

Well, you must answer any and all questions truthfully if asked.........and those are common questions......but not all VWP travelers are asked a lot of questions....

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

20 minutes ago, Julija said:

We are buying a return ticket, so there's not gonna be an issue there. As for financing my stay, my boyfriend is gonna have that covered. How do i deal with that? He's listed as my 'Address while in the U.S.'' in my ESTA application, which was approved 2 days ago.

Just be honest with CBP. Most VWPers have no issues. If you're planning on returning home, it'll show in your body language, along with the return tkt. .