Tourist Visa before wedding & before CR1

[Ramsis 1]

We are planning to get married in September in her country.

Can she apply for B2 now with the intent to do shopping and may be visit me in the future. If she receives her B2 visa before our wedding or even shortly after, and lets say she visits me shortly after my return to the US or even return with me if she wants to. Is it ok if i file while she is with me in the US under her B2 visa?

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Yes she can apply, yes she can visit during the CR-1 process if she gets the visa and yes, you can apply for the CR-01 while she is in the USA., but she must leave the USA when her tourist visa stay is up (usually 6 months, sometimes less). She may have difficulty getting a tourist visa if they know she is married/ soon to be married to an American; it will depend on the ties to her home country (job, minor kids, enrollment in university etc). But even if she is denied, a tourist visa denial will have no effect on the CR-1 process unless she lies during the visa application.

[Ramsis 1]

Say she gets the tourist visa.

and after the wedding and my return to the US.

when she is at the POE and she is asked the reason for the visit. if she says "visiting my husband" will it be a problem? will she be allowed to stay the full 6 month?

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Most likely she will have no problems, and get the 6 months. But it's up to the discretion of the CBP at the time of entry- always good to bring ties to the home country.