Need some info about getting married in the US...any feedback appreciated!!

[newfiechick22 0]

Hi all....I'm new to this site and this whole process but I am looking for some information. I am Canadian and engaged to an American. We have been travelling back and forth for a while now to visit one another and our plan is for me to move to the US with him...eventually. Anyway, I am going there next week to visit for a month and we are planning to get married while I am there. After we get married, we were going to start the K-3 visa process and then I will come back to Canada while we wait for approval. Does this sound legit?? I don't want to make any mistakes so I thought some feedback on this would be great. Also, when I do travel down there next week, should I say that i'm going to get married (if asked by customs) or should i just leave at that i'm visiting. Thanks

J.

[ARALB 0]

Hi all....I'm new to this site and this whole process but I am looking for some information. I am Canadian and engaged to an American. We have been travelling back and forth for a while now to visit one another and our plan is for me to move to the US with him...eventually. Anyway, I am going there next week to visit for a month and we are planning to get married while I am there. After we get married, we were going to start the K-3 visa process and then I will come back to Canada while we wait for approval. Does this sound legit?? I don't want to make any mistakes so I thought some feedback on this would be great. Also, when I do travel down there next week, should I say that i'm going to get married (if asked by customs) or should i just leave at that i'm visiting. Thanks

J.

Does Customs really ask if you are coming to get married? VERY interesting! I would leave it up to just visiting if asked, but that is me-- I went to a country 7000 miles away, knowing I was getting married, no one ever even blinked about it -- except EVERYONE in the US that knows and loves me-- They are accepting thins more now.. Good thing too-- my hubby may be here before Valentines Day!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

[pushbrk 12,569]

Hi all....I'm new to this site and this whole process but I am looking for some information. I am Canadian and engaged to an American. We have been travelling back and forth for a while now to visit one another and our plan is for me to move to the US with him...eventually. Anyway, I am going there next week to visit for a month and we are planning to get married while I am there. After we get married, we were going to start the K-3 visa process and then I will come back to Canada while we wait for approval. Does this sound legit?? I don't want to make any mistakes so I thought some feedback on this would be great. Also, when I do travel down there next week, should I say that i'm going to get married (if asked by customs) or should i just leave at that i'm visiting. Thanks

J.

Does Customs really ask if you are coming to get married? VERY interesting! I would leave it up to just visiting if asked, but that is me-- I went to a country 7000 miles away, knowing I was getting married, no one ever even blinked about it -- except EVERYONE in the US that knows and loves me-- They are accepting thins more now.. Good thing too-- my hubby may be here before Valentines Day!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

I would give a more generic answer, like visiting or even something specific like where you might go on your honeymoon, without mentioning marriage or honeymoon. The wedding itself is only one brief item on the itinerary.

Yes, as long as you don't stay longer than your granted stay, your plan is legitimate.

Edited November 17, 2008 by pushbrk

[Chuck and Grace 0]

Hi all....I'm new to this site and this whole process but I am looking for some information. I am Canadian and engaged to an American. We have been travelling back and forth for a while now to visit one another and our plan is for me to move to the US with him...eventually. Anyway, I am going there next week to visit for a month and we are planning to get married while I am there. After we get married, we were going to start the K-3 visa process and then I will come back to Canada while we wait for approval. Does this sound legit?? I don't want to make any mistakes so I thought some feedback on this would be great. Also, when I do travel down there next week, should I say that i'm going to get married (if asked by customs) or should i just leave at that i'm visiting. Thanks

J.

Does Customs really ask if you are coming to get married? VERY interesting! I would leave it up to just visiting if asked, but that is me-- I went to a country 7000 miles away, knowing I was getting married, no one ever even blinked about it -- except EVERYONE in the US that knows and loves me-- They are accepting thins more now.. Good thing too-- my hubby may be here before Valentines Day!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

I would give a more generic answer, like visiting or even something specific like where you might go on your honeymoon, without mentioning marriage or honeymoon. The wedding itself is only one brief item on the itinerary.

Yes, as long as you don't stay longer than your granted stay, your plan is legitimate.

Just say visiting or shopping or whatever - dont mention the marriage. That could be a problem or reason to deny entry. But unless you already have wedding plans, you might want to check what is going faster these days, Fiancee visa or marriage visa. It seemed like before, fiancee visa was faster.

you can find a lot of information on this site for the process to complete - save you a ton of money in lawyer fees and find out what is best way.

Best of luck to you.

[Reba 2]

If you're getting married first rather than doing the K1, I'd seriously consider the CR1 rather than the K3. They're running about the same time these days out of Montreal, and with CR1 you don't have to adjust status once in the US and wait on work authorization. The CR1 is the least expensive, and least frustrating amount of paperwork and the superior benefit for you.

As to what to do at the border when you come in, just say you're here for vacation, but don't lie about anything if they ask you a direct question. If you're carrying a fluffy white dress with you, they'll ask if you're getting married obviously. Bring stuff with you that shows ties to your home in Canada and that you will definitely be returning after your trip. Rental agreement, or mortgage as the case may be, blls, letter from your employer that says you're on approved vacation and expected back at such and such date. There's no guarantee ever that they'll let you in of course, but all of these could help if they decide to drag you in to secondary.

[newfiechick22 0]

If you're getting married first rather than doing the K1, I'd seriously consider the CR1 rather than the K3. They're running about the same time these days out of Montreal, and with CR1 you don't have to adjust status once in the US and wait on work authorization. The CR1 is the least expensive, and least frustrating amount of paperwork and the superior benefit for you.

As to what to do at the border when you come in, just say you're here for vacation, but don't lie about anything if they ask you a direct question. If you're carrying a fluffy white dress with you, they'll ask if you're getting married obviously. Bring stuff with you that shows ties to your home in Canada and that you will definitely be returning after your trip. Rental agreement, or mortgage as the case may be, blls, letter from your employer that says you're on approved vacation and expected back at such and such date. There's no guarantee ever that they'll let you in of course, but all of these could help if they decide to drag you in to secondary.

THANKS EVERYBODY FOR YOUR RESPONSES....GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

Jill