Question about wedding

[laura819 0]

We are planning our wedding for August 15, 2009. We've got a lot of things reserved, etc. However, I don't think we are going to recieve our visa in time. So my first thought was obviously to move the wedding. However, my pastor said that he thinks we can still do the wedding without the visa, but just not sign the paperwork. What i mean is, have the ceremony, etc, but not do a marriage license. And then after getting the visa approved, we could fill out the marriage license. Is this even a possibility? Or is it still illegal?? Please help!!!

[pushbrk 12,883]

We are planning our wedding for August 15, 2009. We've got a lot of things reserved, etc. However, I don't think we are going to recieve our visa in time. So my first thought was obviously to move the wedding. However, my pastor said that he thinks we can still do the wedding without the visa, but just not sign the paperwork. What i mean is, have the ceremony, etc, but not do a marriage license. And then after getting the visa approved, we could fill out the marriage license. Is this even a possibility? Or is it still illegal?? Please help!!!

Of course, it's both possible and legal but there's not assurance the foreign fiance will be allowed to enter the US at the appropriate time. K1 visas and traditional "far in advance" wedding plans don't really go together very well.

[laura819 0]

We are planning our wedding for August 15, 2009. We've got a lot of things reserved, etc. However, I don't think we are going to recieve our visa in time. So my first thought was obviously to move the wedding. However, my pastor said that he thinks we can still do the wedding without the visa, but just not sign the paperwork. What i mean is, have the ceremony, etc, but not do a marriage license. And then after getting the visa approved, we could fill out the marriage license. Is this even a possibility? Or is it still illegal?? Please help!!!

Of course, it's both possible and legal but there's not assurance the foreign fiance will be allowed to enter the US at the appropriate time. K1 visas and traditional "far in advance" wedding plans don't really go together very well.

if we decide to go this route, what can we do to ensure he will be allowed to enter??

[amberdima 6]

We are planning our wedding for August 15, 2009. We've got a lot of things reserved, etc. However, I don't think we are going to recieve our visa in time. So my first thought was obviously to move the wedding. However, my pastor said that he thinks we can still do the wedding without the visa, but just not sign the paperwork. What i mean is, have the ceremony, etc, but not do a marriage license. And then after getting the visa approved, we could fill out the marriage license. Is this even a possibility? Or is it still illegal?? Please help!!!

Of course, it's both possible and legal but there's not assurance the foreign fiance will be allowed to enter the US at the appropriate time. K1 visas and traditional "far in advance" wedding plans don't really go together very well.

if we decide to go this route, what can we do to ensure he will be allowed to enter??

csc is moving pretty quickly. IMO you might be ok.

[Yoink 7]

you should elope when she arrives to get things moving and then plan wedding

[laura819 0]

you should elope when she arrives to get things moving and then plan wedding

we already started planning the wedding...and im the girl by the way

[pushbrk 12,883]

We are planning our wedding for August 15, 2009. We've got a lot of things reserved, etc. However, I don't think we are going to recieve our visa in time. So my first thought was obviously to move the wedding. However, my pastor said that he thinks we can still do the wedding without the visa, but just not sign the paperwork. What i mean is, have the ceremony, etc, but not do a marriage license. And then after getting the visa approved, we could fill out the marriage license. Is this even a possibility? Or is it still illegal?? Please help!!!

Of course, it's both possible and legal but there's not assurance the foreign fiance will be allowed to enter the US at the appropriate time. K1 visas and traditional "far in advance" wedding plans don't really go together very well.

if we decide to go this route, what can we do to ensure he will be allowed to enter??

Nothing to "ensure" it. That was my point. You can read lots here about how to improve the chances of being allowed to enter. Start with the FAQ's or read about others asking the question nearly daily.

I'm known for being blunt but I guess I wasn't blunt enough. Making traditional wedding plans before the visa is in hand has a pretty good chance bringing you major disappointment. You would be trusting to luck.

Edited January 17, 2009 by pushbrk

[laura819 0]

We are planning our wedding for August 15, 2009. We've got a lot of things reserved, etc. However, I don't think we are going to recieve our visa in time. So my first thought was obviously to move the wedding. However, my pastor said that he thinks we can still do the wedding without the visa, but just not sign the paperwork. What i mean is, have the ceremony, etc, but not do a marriage license. And then after getting the visa approved, we could fill out the marriage license. Is this even a possibility? Or is it still illegal?? Please help!!!

Of course, it's both possible and legal but there's not assurance the foreign fiance will be allowed to enter the US at the appropriate time. K1 visas and traditional "far in advance" wedding plans don't really go together very well.

if we decide to go this route, what can we do to ensure he will be allowed to enter??

Nothing to "ensure" it. That was my point. You can read lots here about how to improve the chances of being allowed to enter. Start with the FAQ's or read about others asking the question nearly daily.

I'm known for being blunt but I guess I wasn't blunt enough. Making traditional wedding plans before the visa is in hand has a pretty good chance bringing you major disappointment. You would be trusting to luck.

I completely understood your bluntness. I ignored it because thats pointless now. Its done, so theres no point in saying those things, is there?

[Cham 3]

We are planning our wedding for August 15, 2009. We've got a lot of things reserved, etc. However, I don't think we are going to receive our visa in time. So my first thought was obviously to move the wedding. However, my pastor said that he thinks we can still do the wedding without the visa, but just not sign the paperwork. What i mean is, have the ceremony, etc, but not do a marriage license. And then after getting the visa approved, we could fill out the marriage license. Is this even a possibility? Or is it still illegal?? Please help!!!

Of course, it's both possible and legal but there's not assurance the foreign fiancé will be allowed to enter the US at the appropriate time. K1 visas and traditional "far in advance" wedding plans don't really go together very well.

if we decide to go this route, what can we do to ensure he will be allowed to enter??

Nothing to "ensure" it. That was my point. You can read lots here about how to improve the chances of being allowed to enter. Start with the FAQ's or read about others asking the question nearly daily.

I'm known for being blunt but I guess I wasn't blunt enough. Making traditional wedding plans before the visa is in hand has a pretty good chance bringing you major disappointment. You would be trusting to luck.

I completely understood your bluntness. I ignored it because thats pointless now. Its done, so theres no point in saying those things, is there?

Yes there is a point. Push has made a great point and the point is there is no guarantee he will be here in August and there is no guarantee that if it is close to the interview they will let him go through the port of entry.

I know it is NOT what you want to hear; but its a fact and there is no way of ensuring anything during this visa process.

I learned that the fast way.

[rebeccajo 14]

Personally, I prefer 'to the point' over 'blunt'.

It is possible to convey facts without being rude. But it's a skill some people just can't master.

Being 'correct' without courtesy is no excuse for social retardation.

Edited January 17, 2009 by rebeccajo

[Cham 3]

Personally, I prefer 'to the point' over 'blunt'.

It is possible to convey facts without being rude. But it's a skill some people just can't master.

Being 'correct' without courtesy is no excuse for social retardation.

and I agree but i do not see how he was being rude..i think the OP did not like the answer and one thing Push will do is give you a complete and honest answer..YES blunt at times but respected here.

(sometimes push ya drove me nuts but I respect you mate lol)

[Old Dominion 26]

What everyone is trying to tell you is for you and your family to cancel the wedding arrangements right away. Don't spend another dime unless you enjoy throwing money down the well. How's that for being blunt?

You have just now begun the waiting game for USCIS action (three days ago!!). Anything can happen in that process in the next 6-8 months. By regulations, he cannot come here on a visitor visa with the intent to marry you (even if the pastor is willing to call it a non-marriage). So that is not an option.

[tmma 467]

....... By regulations, he cannot come here on a visitor visa with the intent to marry you (even if the pastor is willing to call it a non-marriage). So that is not an option.

He can come here with the intent to marry-many do it and then return home to file for the appropriate visa. Also many have been here on VWP or tourist visa and just decided to get married spur of the minute-then adjust status. Intent when entering the US on a VWP/tourist is what matters here. He CANNOT enter on VWP/tourist/student visa with the intent to marry and adjust status.

[rebeccajo 14]

....... By regulations, he cannot come here on a visitor visa with the intent to marry you (even if the pastor is willing to call it a non-marriage). So that is not an option.

He can come here with the intent to marry-many do it and then return home to file for the appropriate visa. Also many have been here on VWP or tourist visa and just decided to get married spur of the minute-then adjust status. Intent when entering the US on a VWP/tourist is what matters here. He CANNOT enter on VWP/tourist/student visa with the intent to marry and adjust status.

Well - all that plus - if they were to marry before he had visa in hand, the K1 process goes down the toilet.

I only mention this because we see sometimes see the question "Can we get married in the US, but he leaves and re-enters on the K1"

[Cham 3]

....... By regulations, he cannot come here on a visitor visa with the intent to marry you (even if the pastor is willing to call it a non-marriage). So that is not an option.

He can come here with the intent to marry-many do it and then return home to file for the appropriate visa. Also many have been here on VWP or tourist visa and just decided to get married spur of the minute-then adjust status. Intent when entering the US on a VWP/tourist is what matters here. He CANNOT enter on VWP/tourist/student visa with the intent to marry and adjust status.

EXACTLY! Immigration NOW has you on file for a k1 visa. IF he were to come here and marry you no matter how you do it..it will be ILLEGAL. This can be a huge mess. You already started it so waiting a little while longer will not kill you.

I have not even PAID for our wedding place or pastor yet because I know he will not be here this month or maybe even the next. SO we set it for the end of April. I have it reserved for 50 dollars and will PAY the rest after I know he has entered the USA. WHY? because there is no guarantee POE will let him in. Even with visa in hand they can still say NOPE go home.

Your best bet is to WAIT to even if you do not want to. The reason being is you might not even get your NOA2 until the 6 months waiting time. Some folks from JUNE and JULY are still waiting for their NOA2s! So your best bet:

Talk to your pastor and tell him you will have to postpone it till your NOA2 arrives. THAT would be the wise choice there.

I know you miss him trust me I know. I have not seen my fiance for 1.6 months now. NOW that we finally HAVE money to visit we wont because we are to close to the interview and medicals...

YOU will be okay.