Got married outside the US, want to visit the US

[MrsNorton 0]

Hi all,

I'm a born-and-raised American citizen who married a British citizen, and I have just finished the process of getting a Married Partner visa to stay in the UK.

Now that that's over and I have my US passport back, my husband and I want to travel to the US so he can meet my friends and more of my family.

We got married fairly quickly - just less than a year after we first met - so he hasn't been to the US during our relationship. Now he's wondering what he should say when he goes through customs.

I'm thinking obviously he shouldn't say "I'm here to get married," even though we are going to stage a vow renewal for our American family that couldn't come to the UK wedding. But should he go with the safe answer of "tourism"? What if they start to ask questions?

Also, should I go through the visitors line with him in case they start asking questions? Surely trying to take him with me in the US Citizens line would end badly.

Do let me know your experience if you've ever brought your international spouse to the US for a visit. Thanks.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Stay together in line, you live in the UK together, you are USC, he is your husband, and you are here for visiting. He will use his Visa Waiver privileges for visiting. Nothing wrong with that.

I would ask the person at the beginning of the line where you can go. I would say "We are one USC and one tourist" and let them tell you where to go.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[ChicagoSarah 127]

Depending on where you will be flying into in the US, you may both have to go through the visitors line. My British husband and I live in Chicago....we recently went to London together to visit family. They allowed us to go through the EU line together and I actually had less hassle than when I used to go over on my own. No issues. On the way back, we both had to go through the visitors line (to be together) since Chicago O'Hare has implemented numerous automated machines for US (and Canadian) citizens that scans the passport. So my husband could not go through that line.

Just be honest. Lots of international couples visit back and forth between the countries. I don't think you should have a problem. Bring some examples of ties back to the UK for both of you just in case, but don't stress about it. I doubt they'll even ask for anything additional.

[MrsNorton 0]

Okay, so we should definitely try to go through the same line. Got it. Anything NOT to say to avoid him being sent back on the next flight to Heathrow?

We'll be arriving at DFW.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I can't think of anything not to say, but I can think of something to say: We live in the UK.

[ChicagoSarah 127]

I can't think of anything not to say, but I can think of something to say: We live in the UK.

Definitely. You're married and visiting. It happens all the time. You aren't doing anything wrong or illegal. Present the situation as it is - you live in the UK and are making a short visit to see friends and family before returning home to the UK.