How Does It Work?

[Snag 57]

So here's the story. In November, I had the intent to stay four months in the US with my US boyfriend's and our mutual friend, who had introduced us (he knew her in person, I did not). I thought it was a good chance to get to know him in person, his church family, and friends. I applied for my B2 Tourist visa, and it was approved on the spot (3rd December 2012).

At that point, my boyfriend (Clive) and I hadn't met in person before, but I decided to take a leap of faith. We were to meet in December, as he was coming out to Australia to see me for Christmas, spending two weeks with my family.

At the embassy interview for my B2, they asked why four months? I answered for tourist purposes. They asked where I'd be staying, and I gave the address of our mutual friend. They asked if they were a boyfriend, and I said no. (Never mentioned Clive to them). They asked where I'd be visiting, so I gave them a list of states, to the best of my ability, addressing where I planned to travel. That was it. Approved, and much rejoicing.

Clive came out in December, and it was just exactly as it was online - except better, of course! Our compatibility online carried on offline. He asked Dad for my hand, and proposed on the 22nd. I said yes.

So, we were going through the K1 Visa route. We were about 3/4 of the way through the application. I entered the US on the 13th of January, staying with our friend. The border simply asked the address I would be staying at, and my intent. I said tourist purposes. And approved.

However, since then, I've had a large falling out with our friend. Didn't take long to realise we weren't going to be okay living together, as we didn't see eye to eye on most things which affected me staying there. She asked me to leave, so I did. Clive's mum was all too happy to take me in. Clive is currently looking for an apartment for me.

Because we are religious, we aren't comfortable with living together outside of marriage. But at the moment, it looks like the easiest option. We are really just keen to start our lives together, regardless of convenience.

So, we are contemplating going to a courthouse and getting married that way, and having the ceremony later on in the year.

This is where I'd like some advice from the lovely members of the forum.

1. 30/60/90 day rule. True or completely false? I've spent the past two days reading conflicting opinions and stories about this on the forums.

2. Will my story be suffice? We honestly had no intent getting married this early, particularly at a courthouse, let alone on a B2 visa (its fraud to have that intent, I know). But after much discussion, we really don't mind. It'll give us the time and chance to plan and save for a nice ceremony later in the year, giving my parents valid time to prepare for time off work/airfares etc.

3. Think I'm aware, but wanted to triple check for myself, what forms are actually needed for AOS? what's the procedure in straight forward English?

Thanks, you guys. Can't thank you enough.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

1. Not a thing.

2. Not sure, you did lie about having a bf in the US.

3. See VJ guide up top in "guides" section".

I'd be cautious of getting married after knowing in each other in person for a few weeks only.

[Kastrs 723]

1. Not a thing.

2. Not sure, you did lie about having a bf in the US.

3. See VJ guide up top in "guides" section".

I'd be cautious of getting married after knowing in each other in person for a few weeks only.

Yup!

[Snag 57]

1. Not a thing.

2. Not sure, you did lie about having a bf in the US.

3. See VJ guide up top in "guides" section".

I'd be cautious of getting married after knowing in each other in person for a few weeks only.

Thanks for the reply. Technically, though, I did not lie, as they asked if I was STAYING with my boyfriend. I never intended to do that. I'm staying with his parents. At the interview, I also never confirmed or denied his existence.

Edited January 30, 2013 by Snag

[Snag 57]

Major typo in original post. I was staying with our friend. Clive does not live with our friend - he lives about 45 minutes away. Hence I didn't lie in the original interview.