hlucy

hi there

i intend on traveling to the usa later this year to visit my american boyfriend,
we have discussed marriage but have no plans, if we get married when im in the usa on a VWP what can i do to become a permanent resident? and can i get into any sort of trouble with the government if i cancel my return ticket after we got married?

ian-mstm

It is perfectly fine to get married while you're in the US on the VWP. It is illegal, however, to enter the US as a visitor with the intent to stay and adjust status.

There are 2 "marriage" routes that you can take: the K-1 fiancee visa; and the CR-1 spouse visa. Check here: http://britishexpats.com/wiki/K1, and here: http://britishexpats.com/wiki/CR-1.

There is no "try before you buy" visa!

Ian

agentpeppermint

my husband and I did the K-1 route, i wished we had gone the vwp and then the cr-1, but not knowing the differences until it was too late ...
anyways the seperation length isnt that bad.

Rete

I'll point you to post #3 of this thread:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=648007

It answers clearly want the issues and ramifications are to your scenario.

Yes, you will always find others who have done this and were fine. Read up on what can be the outcome if you are unsuccessful. Is it worth it to you to try and circumvent prescribed USCIS regulations? I know that I wouldn't take the chance.

Read and then have our American boyfriend shell out the money for a one time consultation with an immigration attorney to get their take on it. That's the best advice I can give you.