Getting married in the U.S.
Apr 3rd 2008, 3:41 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 76
Getting married in the U.S.
I know you're not supposed to come to the United States on a visa waiver with the intent of getting married and then applying for a visa, but does immigration have a problem with going to the United States JUST to get married, then leaving and applying for a spousal visa while living elsewhere?
My boyfriend and I are considering staying over here in the UK for a couple of years (assuming I can get a UK visa, of course), but I'd like to get married in the United States either way so that our friends and family could attend. But I'm afraid that would cause problems for us down the line when we applied for the visa.
Thoughts?
My boyfriend and I are considering staying over here in the UK for a couple of years (assuming I can get a UK visa, of course), but I'd like to get married in the United States either way so that our friends and family could attend. But I'm afraid that would cause problems for us down the line when we applied for the visa.
Thoughts?
Apr 3rd 2008, 3:45 am
#2
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,182
Re: Getting married in the U.S.
I know you're not supposed to come to the United States on a visa waiver with the intent of getting married and then applying for a visa, but does immigration have a problem with going to the United States JUST to get married, then leaving and applying for a spousal visa while living elsewhere?
My boyfriend and I are considering staying over here in the UK for a couple of years (assuming I can get a UK visa, of course), but I'd like to get married in the United States either way so that our friends and family could attend. But I'm afraid that would cause problems for us down the line when we applied for the visa.
Thoughts?
My boyfriend and I are considering staying over here in the UK for a couple of years (assuming I can get a UK visa, of course), but I'd like to get married in the United States either way so that our friends and family could attend. But I'm afraid that would cause problems for us down the line when we applied for the visa.
Thoughts?
Though you *could* face problems at the POE if they get wind of your marriage plans. Best to carry plenty of proof of your ongoing life in the UK, just in case (but only show if you run into problems).
Anyway, this question has been asked sooooooooooooo many times, including what to say at the POE - do a search
Last edited by Elvira; Apr 3rd 2008 at 3:53 am.
Apr 3rd 2008, 3:48 am
#3
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Getting married in the U.S.
You *may* need a visa to return to the UK. What's your status there now?
Apr 3rd 2008, 3:51 am
#4
MODERATOR
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,687
Re: Getting married in the U.S.
I know you're not supposed to come to the United States on a visa waiver with the intent of getting married and then applying for a visa, but does immigration have a problem with going to the United States JUST to get married, then leaving and applying for a spousal visa while living elsewhere?
My boyfriend and I are considering staying over here in the UK for a couple of years (assuming I can get a UK visa, of course), but I'd like to get married in the United States either way so that our friends and family could attend. But I'm afraid that would cause problems for us down the line when we applied for the visa.
Thoughts?
My boyfriend and I are considering staying over here in the UK for a couple of years (assuming I can get a UK visa, of course), but I'd like to get married in the United States either way so that our friends and family could attend. But I'm afraid that would cause problems for us down the line when we applied for the visa.
Thoughts?
Rene
Apr 3rd 2008, 5:18 am
#5
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Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 76
Re: Getting married in the U.S.
I'm just visiting the UK now. We'd have to leave and then change my status so that I could live here in the US.
Sorry that this is a repeat question. I looked for it in previous posts and couldn't find it!
Sorry that this is a repeat question. I looked for it in previous posts and couldn't find it!
Apr 3rd 2008, 5:29 am
#6
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Getting married in the U.S.
You're a US citizen currently on a tourist visa in the UK.
Your boyfriend is a UK citizen currently in the UK.
You intend to come to the US and get married, then return to live in the UK for several years.
So...
After the marriage you will need a visa to return to the UK as the spouse of a UK citizen intending to reside there. You did not need a visa when you were a tourist on a visit.
More info @ http://talk.uk-yankee.com/
Apr 3rd 2008, 6:24 am
#7
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 76
Re: Getting married in the U.S.
Yep. You have the facts correct.
Essentially, our plan would be to go over to the U.S., get married, come back over to the UK on a spousal UK visa, but then ultimately (in a year or two) file to get him a US visa. We want to settle in the United States eventually.
Essentially, our plan would be to go over to the U.S., get married, come back over to the UK on a spousal UK visa, but then ultimately (in a year or two) file to get him a US visa. We want to settle in the United States eventually.
Apr 3rd 2008, 6:29 am
#8
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Getting married in the U.S.
Check the British Consulate (info recently posted here) for the UK spouse visa for your return to the UK.
Apr 3rd 2008, 6:31 am
#9
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Getting married in the U.S.
BTW, if your year or two becomes two or three, you need to remain there until you are eligible for UK naturalization. Then that's one of you out of the way with immigration paperwork, hassle and $$$.
