Is a VWP visit possible even with an approved K1

[MGill 2]

Hi all,

So this might seem like a strange question but here goes - is it possible to visit the U.S. on the VWP even though I've an approved K1 visa.

So the background is, my fiancée and I are planning to get married in June this year and my family will travel out from Ireland at the time. The thing is I've pretty much gotten the K1 approved (just forgot to have my fiancée sign a form) but the embassy has my passport and it should be issued shortly.

I want to head to the U.S. as soon as possible to be with my fiancée but I don't want to activate the K1 visa, remember wedding is in June. I was thinking of heading out the end of January until the end of March on the VWP, then come back to Ireland for about 2 weeks and then enter the U.S. on the K1 visa, get married before the 90 days are up and adjust.

So is it possible to enter the U.S. on the VWP even though I'll have an approved K1 when going.

Thanks for your help.

Mark

[Boiler 46,242]

Simpler to do a legal wedding straight away and then the big one in June.

[Pheebs1201 269]

My understanding is that if the K1 visa is already in your passport then this is not possible. As above poster advised, go to a courthouse and get the legal side done and then have your wedding as planned in June (remember you won't be able to leave in the interim until you have your AP though).

Edited January 7, 2015 by Pheebs1201

[Anna Grant 169]

Once your K1 visa is approved and stuck in your passport, you will have to enter the U.S. using it on your next visit. You won't be able to use the VWP as again. Once your K1 visa is approved, you will have 6 months from the time of your medical to enter the U.S. and then 90 days to marry.

Edited January 7, 2015 by Anna Grant

[Marco&Bettina 502]

Simpler to do a legal wedding straight away and then the big one in June.

Yes. Due to the complexities of having my Fiancee's family/friends come to the US & many other reasons, we are having 2 weddings. Jan 10, 2015 & Jan 10, 2016. This year's is basically the legal one & next year will be the big one.

Edited January 7, 2015 by Marco&Bettina

[baron555 934]

gotten the K1 approved (just forgot to have my fiancée sign a form) but the embassy has my passport and it should be issued shortly.

The K-1 will override any other visa. It will be the next to be used if you want to enter the US, period.

I want to head to the U.S. as soon as possible to be with my fiancée

That is the usual objective of most couples.

but I don't want to activate the K1 visa

Then you stay, you don't have this option.

, remember wedding is in June. I was thinking of heading out the end of January until the end of March on the VWP

, then come back to Ireland for about 2 weeks

Nope not possible.

and then enter the U.S. on the K1 visa, get married before the 90 days are up and adjust.

The usual process.

So is it possible to enter the U.S. on the VWP even though I'll have an approved K1 when going.

No

Thanks for your help.

Mark

[MGill 2]

Ya I figured as much. These questions always come after the fact.

Cheers for all the help folks.

Mark