Entering US to marry on B1/B2 visa

[Armenia 18]

I've read in a few forums that it's considered fraudulent to enter the US on a B1/B2 visa to marry a USC.

However, since I'm leaving the US a few days or a week after the marriage and return to Canada, will it be ok (i.e., not fraudulent)? We intend to go through the K3 route after the wedding.

Will my marrying in the US on a B1/B2 visa be an issue during the K3 interview?

Thanks.

[payxibka 10,045]

not fraudulent to enter to marry.... what is not allowed is to enter on a B1/2 with the INTENT to STAY permanently (after the marriage)

marriage in the US in no way will be an issue for an appropriate spousal visa later

Edited July 29, 2009 by payxibka

[Armenia 18]

not fraudulent to enter to marry.... what is not allowed is to enter on a B1/2 with the INTENT to STAY permanently (after the marriage)

marriage in the US in no way will be an issue for an appropriate spousal visa later

ahh, ok. thank you.

Another question, instead of creating a new post.

Will my B1/B2 visa still be valid after processing of the I-130 and K3 visa begins? Do people get denied entry to the US if there's an I-130/K3 visa filed?

We would like to be able to visit each other while we're waiting for the papers.

[payxibka 10,045]

entry requirements remain the same... if the border officer is not convinced that you will leave after your authorized stay, then you can be denied entry. This happens whether or not any active petiitons are on file with the USCIS.

[Chris_Жанна 11]

Go for it. You can marry while you are here on your Tourist/Business visa. You just have to go home by the time the stamp on your I-94 expires and then you can file for the appropriate visa. Good luck.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Just to clarify, Canadians do not receive I-94s. As long as you return to Canada after you get married and your fiance applies for a spousal visa you should be fine.

[Chris_Жанна 11]

not fraudulent to enter to marry.... what is not allowed is to enter on a B1/2 with the INTENT to STAY permanently (after the marriage)

marriage in the US in no way will be an issue for an appropriate spousal visa later

ahh, ok. thank you.

Another question, instead of creating a new post.

Will my B1/B2 visa still be valid after processing of the I-130 and K3 visa begins? Do people get denied entry to the US if there's an I-130/K3 visa filed?

We would like to be able to visit each other while we're waiting for the papers.

There is no solid answer to this question. Many people do visit during the processing of visas. But there is no guarantee that you will be admitted back into the U.S., petition or no petition. If you plan to visit while you have a pending petition you should come well prepared to the PoE with a lot of evidence to convince CBP that you will return back to your country. My S/O is coming to visit next Tues from Russia. She will have a letter from her employer stating she is expected back at a certain date, proof of ownership of her apartment and car, a copy of the I-129F package and our NoA1 receipt. Even with all this evidence I'm still a little worried. But, they can ask for this info for anyone (who is not a USC) arriving at a PoE. I have read in the forums of alot of people being able to spend time during processing but most of the success stories come from people who have been well prepared if questioned. I hope this helps you.

Just to clarify, Canadians do not receive I-94s. As long as you return to Canada after you get married and your fiance applies for a spousal visa you should be fine.

Whoops my bad, didn't look at the country.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Yes, as Chris Janna mentioned, you should be prepared to show evidence of your ties to Canada when you enter the US. A letter from your employer about your expected date of return to work, a lease or mortgage, proof of ongoing financial liabilities (ie. utilities, phone, ISP, insurance, etc.) will all show that you have unfinished business in Canada to which you intend to return.

[Dakine 26]

I've read in a few forums that it's considered fraudulent to enter the US on a B1/B2 visa to marry a USC.

However, since I'm leaving the US a few days or a week after the marriage and return to Canada, will it be ok (i.e., not fraudulent)? We intend to go through the K3 route after the wedding.

Will my marrying in the US on a B1/B2 visa be an issue during the K3 interview?

Thanks.

FYI K3s at this time are obsolete. Surf around here and you'll see why.

[vicmo 1]

I've read in a few forums that it's considered fraudulent to enter the US on a B1/B2 visa to marry a USC.

However, since I'm leaving the US a few days or a week after the marriage and return to Canada, will it be ok (i.e., not fraudulent)? We intend to go through the K3 route after the wedding.

Will my marrying in the US on a B1/B2 visa be an issue during the K3 interview?

Thanks.

FYI K3s at this time are obsolete. Surf around here and you'll see why.

Would you care to be more specific? Why do you say they are obsolete?

[payxibka 10,045]

I've read in a few forums that it's considered fraudulent to enter the US on a B1/B2 visa to marry a USC.

However, since I'm leaving the US a few days or a week after the marriage and return to Canada, will it be ok (i.e., not fraudulent)? We intend to go through the K3 route after the wedding.

Will my marrying in the US on a B1/B2 visa be an issue during the K3 interview?

Thanks.

FYI K3s at this time are obsolete. Surf around here and you'll see why.

Would you care to be more specific? Why do you say they are obsolete?

It is NOT obsolete... but the advantages that were once there are now greatly diminished.

K-3's were developed at a time when the I-130's were taking years to approve. Nowadays it is not uncommon for the I-130/I-129f to be approved on the same day so the timing difference in most cases is all but diminished. K-3 is the end is a much more expensive route to a greencard than the CR/IR visa.

[vicmo 1]

I've read in a few forums that it's considered fraudulent to enter the US on a B1/B2 visa to marry a USC.

However, since I'm leaving the US a few days or a week after the marriage and return to Canada, will it be ok (i.e., not fraudulent)? We intend to go through the K3 route after the wedding.

Will my marrying in the US on a B1/B2 visa be an issue during the K3 interview?

Thanks.

FYI K3s at this time are obsolete. Surf around here and you'll see why.

Would you care to be more specific? Why do you say they are obsolete?

It is NOT obsolete... but the advantages that were once there are now greatly diminished.

K-3's were developed at a time when the I-130's were taking years to approve. Nowadays it is not uncommon for the I-130/I-129f to be approved on the same day so the timing difference in most cases is all but diminished. K-3 is the end is a much more expensive route to a greencard than the CR/IR visa.

spasibo payxibka!

I have a friend who is in a similar situation as the original poster (getting married in the U.S on a tourist visa and then returning to his home country to apply for K3/CR-1) and your answers have been very useful.