My fiance (Mexican) just arrived on a travel visa. We are unsure where to begin getting her legally into the US.

[GattAttack 2]

Thanks to all for the replies. Fortunately, I work from home and she has already began to make friends. I think that AOS seems like the more appealing route. She understands that once she begins the process that she will not be able to leave for 8months give or take. We are prepared for this. 

[Crazy Cat 39,591]

3 minutes ago, GattAttack said:

Thanks to all for the replies. Fortunately, I work from home and she has already began to make friends. I think that AOS seems like the more appealing route. She understands that once she begins the process that she will not be able to leave for 8months give or take. We are prepared for this. 

Great.  I would suggest you both read and study the guide I linked above, then come back here to ask questions.  Good luck on your marriage and immigration journey.

Edited May 31, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[GattAttack 2]

We will. Thank you so much for all of  your help. Our gratitude can not be expressed in words. 

[SalishSea 16,853]

2 hours ago, GattAttack said:

We met while I was vacationing abroad and hit it off right away. She came and visited once already where we went on a few trips and ultimately decided to get engaged. She returned back to Mexico and arrived back in the US 25 days later. We want to know what our best and quickest routes would be about her becoming a legal resident. Should we legally get married first or wait? Are there certain forms that we must fill out and if so which ones? We really do love each other. I just had no idea how many government strings would be attached to this relationship. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Hopefully she told the truth at CBP, because it sounds very much like she was not planning to return home at all.

[Loren Y 2,741]

Hello, Depending on the state you are in, let me know if you need the wedding certificate in hand quickly. I can get you married and certificate in hand here in Las Vegas, NV in about an hour. I am also registered to do marriages in Ohio, and Minnesota. I've done a bunch of ceremonies for many couples arriving on K1 visas, or looking to get the process started ASAP. Message me with any questions. Good luck on your journey. I will be in Minnesota in June, and Ohio in August so far, so depending on the state you are in, I may be there as I travel quite a bit.

[GattAttack 2]

I am located in WV. And I'm not sure what she told CBP. I mean I only bought a one way ticket so that should be pretty clear. 

[SalishSea 16,853]

11 minutes ago, GattAttack said:

I am located in WV. And I'm not sure what she told CBP. I mean I only bought a one way ticket so that should be pretty clear. 

Pretty clear that she had no intention of returning home?   
 

You know that was fraud, right?

[Crazy Cat 39,591]

17 minutes ago, GattAttack said:

I mean I only bought a one way ticket so that should be pretty clear.

Exactly what does that mean?  Sounds she is extremely lucky to have been allowed to enter the US.  

Edited May 31, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[SalishSea 16,853]

3 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Exactly what does that mean?  Sounds she is extremely lucky to have been allowed to enter the US.  

Cue the “intent is established at POE” contingent.

[GattAttack 2]

She had every intention of returning home. She has just under 6 months to be here and I will buy a ticket then. We just wanted to be together while we figured out the process. 

[Crazy Cat 39,591]

4 minutes ago, GattAttack said:

She had every intention of returning home. She has just under 6 months to be here and I will buy a ticket then. We just wanted to be together while we figured out the process. 

Almost all true visitors purchase a return ticket......that's why it seems odd that you didn't. 

Edited May 31, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[GattAttack 2]

Because we don't know when exactly she will be returning. I've not much experience in flying in general, so I didn't want to buy a ticket not knowing when she would be returning. 

[Crazy Cat 39,591]

32 minutes ago, GattAttack said:

so I didn't want to buy a ticket not knowing when she would be returning. 

When is the last time you went on vacation, but had no idea when you would return home????  I don't know anyone who does that....

That is now water under the bridge....

I'm out of this one. 

 

If I were you, I would find out what she actually told CBP.  It might be extremely important at some point.

Edited May 31, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[SusieQQQ 11,585]

1 hour ago, Jorgedig said:

Cue the “intent is established at POE” contingent.

Interestingly enough, on the other forum I am on, someone not long ago posted they got an RFE to explain why an i130 was filed within 90 days after entry. Cue the “90 day rule doesn’t actually exist” contingent. (Admittedly this seems rare,,, but ..)

also there was that case reported here ..maybe a year back? More? Where AOS was denied based on what had been said to CBP at entry. So it can matter.

 

[SusieQQQ 11,585]

1 hour ago, GattAttack said:

I am located in WV. And I'm not sure what she told CBP. I mean I only bought a one way ticket so that should be pretty clear. 

 

1 hour ago, GattAttack said:

She had every intention of returning home. She has just under 6 months to be here and I will buy a ticket then. We just wanted to be together while we figured out the process. 

So then…what was clear? It doesn’t matter that you’re tying yourself in knots here, but it might matter (a lot) during the adjustment process.  Good luck.