theoretical question about VWP status adjustment

[cyberonic 0]

I want to move to the US and work for a company of a friend of mine (hes still busy setting that up). and I wonder if its possible to go to the US under VWP and stay at his place and change status there?

I thought of a another route I can take which is this: go to the US and stay with my american girlfriend and get married to her and adjust my status.

Are these remotely possible? I tried looking through the USCIS but it is very complicated and for now it seems that I cannot change my status to anything under VWP unless I married to my girlfriend without preintent. (my girlfriend is also going to work for my friends company if that helps.)

Any light on the issue is greatly appreciated because I am unsure what to do I basically need the fastest route to getting either a 2 year work permit / permanent residency status (and change to permanent during that date)

my girlfriend said she would marry me in a heartbeat and I love her so much I would do it too without thinking. however if it can get me banned from the US I would rather not do it. Help please.

I guess I could do it a legal way though K1 visa since that seems to be the only route (I dont believe I qualify for any of the Temp work visa's or perm work visa's)

[canadian_wife 1,827]

Nope - can't come to the US with the intentions of marrying your girlfriend to adjust status. Visa fraud - can give you a lifetime ban

When your friend gets his company up and running, he can sponsor you for a work visa. Until then, you can visit for up to 90 days on the VWP.

Good luck

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Using the VWP with intent to immigrate is visa fraud will lead to a lifetime ban and they've recently been cracking down on that, even for those getting married. With both a job and a relationship at stake, I wouldn't risk it.

- What will you be working as? If it is a highly skilled or managerial position, a work visa may be an option.

- Getting married quickly (say, fly over next week, get married in Vegas, go back home) may be an option- it will lead to a CR-1 spousal visa, which means immediate ability to work once you get to the USA, and thus would suit you better than a K1 (fiance) visa, where you need to adjust status after marriage and wait another 2-3 months to work. But getting the CR-1 takes 5-8 months. You can visit during that time on the VWP, but you cannot work.

[cyberonic 0]

I will be doing the administrative tasks in the company and act as a general manager (even though I am not trained to do that) and I might do the accounting but that is still a big might since I do not know the differences in accounting laws (US and my current nation which I prefer not to disclose)

Thanks for the input and reaffirming what I thought to go for K1 or CR-1

Edited November 3, 2010 by cyberonic