I-129F and the fiance visa

[Ezekiel Chester 3]

Hey guys!

I'm pretty new to this site, but I have some experience in non-immigrant visas to the US, but I'm currently going through the K-1 visa process so that I can go to the US and marry my fiance - and it's all new to me!

My fiancee has sent off the petition I-129F on my behalf (along with the G-325A from each of us, and all the other required info), and we're just awaiting receipt (and hopefully approval) of the form. I'm wondering, am I still allowed to travel (for 2 weeks) to the US to visit her while my petition is being assessed by the USCIS, or before I have my interview at the US Embassy in London? I want to go over and propose "properly" and give her the engagement ring - although she has no idea that I'm planning to "officially" propose yet.

Also, she wants to go to the court house and just get the marriage licence while I'm visiting, but I have a feeling that would have a negative effect on the visa application and we'd have to start the process all over again for a different visa. Am I right in thinking that, or would it possibly be a positive push for the visa application?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

1. You can visit.

2. I don't think this would have a negative effect, but I must ask: Why do you want to get the marriage license early? Sometimes they expire, and you have months to go before you can get married. Why do this a 6 months to a year in advance?

[didopage 337]

Yes you can go visit her, as UK is part of the VWP. Have strong proofs that will show that you are only staying for a short visit (less than 3 months), and that you will come back to UK then.

If you get married while you visit her, your I-129F petition will be void as you will no longer be fiances, but married. You will have to re-apply for a spousal visa.

[Ezekiel Chester 3]

Thanks guys!! I'm happy waiting to get married until the visa application has been completely processed and approved. She suggested it last night when she called me, because she thought it might help them speed up the process. I had a feeling it would void our current application, but I just wanted my thoughts confirming.

And that's okay, I have sufficient proof that I will return All my family is in the UK, and I have a job too at IKEA.

Thanks for the help and advice!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks guys!! I'm happy waiting to get married until the visa application has been completely processed and approved. She suggested it last night when she called me, because she thought it might help them speed up the process.

It will not speed up the process. I don't know your state but mine has a 30 day validity on a license so it's a useless exercise if your state license has an expiration.

Back when we were first starting,I remember a discussion and link to a newspaper article where a couple had bought a license but decided not to marry. Later they started the fiance visa process. They had a big hassle with their paperwork because USCIS said they were married (knew they took out a license) and a fiance petition couldn't be approved for a married couple. Anyway, they made the newspaper with their plight where USCIS wanted proof that they did not marry and they were finding it impossible to prove a negative.

I had a feeling it would void our current application, but I just wanted my thoughts confirming.

I think your instincts and thought processes are spot on! Weird things happen sometimes to trip people up.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Thanks guys!! I'm happy waiting to get married until the visa application has been completely processed and approved. She suggested it last night when she called me, because she thought it might help them speed up the process. I had a feeling it would void our current application, but I just wanted my thoughts confirming.

And that's okay, I have sufficient proof that I will return All my family is in the UK, and I have a job too at IKEA.

Thanks for the help and advice!

None of the above. It will neither speed your process nor void the process to get a marriage license. Most have a very short life, 30 days or so, and most states will sell you the license moments before getting married, some have, at most, a 3 day waiting period. That is determined by the state and there is nothing you can do to change it.

You should NOT be making any wedding plans until the visa is IN YOUR HAND, there are way too many things which can delay it along the way to put any specific time on anything and no amount of planning ahead will help speed the process.

[Ezekiel Chester 3]

Thanks guys!! I read a post after I wrote this that gave the answer I needed, but couldn't find this original post to delete it!