Marriage from L-1 Visa

[hendonlad 0]

I am in the process of applying for an L-1 Visa to go and work in Chicago, as my USC fiancee wants to move back to the US. What/how long does it take to go down the correct channels to be able to get a work permit and eventually apply for AoS?

Is it easier to do it this way, and get married in the US whilst I am on a L-1 visa, or the other option is for me to enter on a VWP and get married to her once I have got there?

Any help would be great,

Thanks

[milimelo 4,539]

Wow, red flags all over plus you're wondering how to circumvent the law by using one visa or VWP to adjust status.

Why didn't you get married in your country and filed DCF as she is obviously there? Check out the DCF guides.

[hendonlad 0]

If I have a L-1 visa and I get married to her whilst in the States, how is that circumventing the law?

[Anh map 2,098]

Your intention is clearly to immigrate to the US. That is where the question comes into play.

You posted your question on a website about legal immigration to the US, so expect some sharp responses.

If L1 is a non-immigrant visa that would be the reason that it could be considered fraud. Entering as a visitor (visa waiver program is not for immigration, it is for visiting) with immigrant intent could also be considered visa fraud.

That being said you would not be the first person to do as you described. Do some research by reading the VJ guides to learn what the options are. There are many member here that have similar cicumstances to your own.

As mentioned before obtaining the CR1 spouse visa (apply directly at the local US embassy after marraige) would be the best thing for you. You would obtain a green card after entry, no adjustment of status needed. No restriction on who you would be eligible to work for.

Best of luck.

[Kittykisses73 1]

YIKES

Everything about this scares me!

Edited October 15, 2009 by Kittykisses73

[JERIII 8]

Your intention is clearly to immigrate to the US. That is where the question comes into play.

You posted your question on a website about legal immigration to the US, so expect some sharp responses.

If L1 is a non-immigrant visa that would be the reason that it could be considered fraud. Entering as a visitor (visa waiver program is not for immigration, it is for visiting) with immigrant intent could also be considered visa fraud.

EVERYBODY CALM DOWN.

An L1 visa is a dual-intent Visa. It is not fraud to enter the US with intent to obtain a green card if one is entering on a dual-intent Visa. Applicants for L1 visas do not need to prove they are going home.

As far as I know, that route is perfectly legal, but the OP should talk to a lawyer who knows about L1 Visas.

[starg 0]

Your intention is clearly to immigrate to the US. That is where the question comes into play.

You posted your question on a website about legal immigration to the US, so expect some sharp responses.

If L1 is a non-immigrant visa that would be the reason that it could be considered fraud. Entering as a visitor (visa waiver program is not for immigration, it is for visiting) with immigrant intent could also be considered visa fraud.

That being said you would not be the first person to do as you described. Do some research by reading the VJ guides to learn what the options are. There are many member here that have similar cicumstances to your own.

As mentioned before obtaining the CR1 spouse visa (apply directly at the local US embassy after marraige) would be the best thing for you. You would obtain a green card after entry, no adjustment of status needed. No restriction on who you would be eligible to work for.

Best of luck.

If you don't know what you're talking about - please do not post such comments.

L-1 visa is dual-intent visa. It allows you to have immigration intentions!

I had L-1 visa, married to USC and went through AOS. Believe me, it is perfectly fine if you have your L-1 and file for AOS based on marriage.

[hendonlad 0]

Ok, thanks for your replies everyone. I'm not getting the L-1 Visa to help me out, my company want to send me to Chicago, and as I have been with my fiancee for 6 years now, and she is thinking about moving home, I thought as it is dual intent it might aid the moving, as I don't want to get married on a visa waiver in the US as this worries me.