GordonFreeman

I completely agree with Kim and Russ. Wherever you got the idea that you can't come on VWP is wrong. Lots of people do it all the time (including us!) Think about it, no return ticket is relatively strong evidence that you might not come home. Coming to visit your fiance with a bunch of ties to home makes a lot more sense. Just be honest but don't tell them your whole life story. Regarding marriage while a tourist, that is perfectly legal. However staying without a visa is going to cause issues.

Ok. Thanks! If I don't get in, I'll go to your house and slap you in the face! lol just kidding (of course)

yes, marriage while being a tourist is legal - don't you think that doesn't make any sense at all? So what is the K1 for, if people can just get married and then petition directly for a family based visa? weird..

I really need to see her and she might not be able to come. If I didn't want that so much, I would do everything to avoid the unbearable stress of yet another trip. Traveling to the US and being treated like a criminal "just in case" made me hate airports and planes for life.

If you choose to visit her you may need to file for a tourist visa, unless your country is a part of the Visa Waver Program.

I believe that the visa you want is actually the B2 because I think like you said B1 is for business.

Just remember if you want to do this there is a good chance that even with a visa POE won't let you in, unless you have really strong ties to prove you will leave at the end of your nominated (or in some cases, their nominated) stay.

Interesting... So basically they see me as a suspect for illegal immigration attempt... because I'm engaged to an American? Should be the opposite...

I have friends... not "strong ties" with anyone that matters here. I have strong ties with people in the entertainment/music industry in holly... but I'm sure that won't help

I read your story in your signature. It's very touching - I feel like I know what you're going (and went) through. Sounds selfish, but I'm kind of happy to know we're not the only ones going through this. Sometimes people need that for a push.

Best wishes, I honestly hope everything goes well for you guys. It's a shameful system we live in.

If you choose to visit her you may need to file for a tourist visa, unless your country is a part of the Visa Waver Program.

I believe that the visa you want is actually the B2 because I think like you said B1 is for business.

Just remember if you want to do this there is a good chance that even with a visa POE won't let you in, unless you have really strong ties to prove you will leave at the end of your nominated (or in some cases, their nominated) stay.

Thank you so much for the replies!

Well, yes, Portugal is part of the Visa Waiver Program. But according to the USCIS, it doesn't matter - right?

I'm waiting for a K1 to pass - so I really don't believe they'll just let me travel to the country with a simple green slip for 90 days!

I've been denied entry on the plane for dumber reasons before - like not having a return ticket! So I really don't see them caring about a guy who goes to see his fiancee while he waits for the visa, without proper clearance. I have to try and get the B2 first, I dont want trouble.

Am I making this too complicated? I mean think about it - a tourist can get married in the country without them checking anything. That would take the whole point out of waiting for a K1 with complicated background checks and possibility of denial..

We could have gotten married before I left the US, when I was in F1 status. We chose to wait to meet my parents first. Now we're half world apart for undetermined amount of time and without knowing if it's going to work out. Great way to compensate those who trust the system and do things by the book...

I'm Portuguese, and I met my girlfriend when I was in Cali studying (ex-F1).

We became engaged, we came to Europe meet my parents, and when she went back she filed for our K1 petition for me to go back to be with her and get married.

I love her a lot and we've been separated now for 2 months - waiting for the K1.

Initially we were told it would take about 3 months maximum, but later USCIS said it could take 8 months or more.

The processing times are erratic ( https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/Processtim...eviceCenter=CSC ) and go back and forth.

As you know, it's a very hard situation for us to be separated without knowing when we'll be together.

Q:

Who should I trust about the processing times?

Is it really going to take that long to review a simple application and do a background check?

Q:

We're going insane and we miss each other! Last resort, she'll be coming here in christmas, but she has work and classes (and I was stripped of that here after spending time there studying).

Could I go there visit her in California as well, while we wait for the K1 petition? She was told I needed a B1 visa, but isn't that for business?

Thanks in advance