Marry then leave the US before filing?

[Starless 2]

Hello all,

This is my first post, I'd be very grateful for any advise.

My American fiancé and I have been living together in the UK for six years, and have decided to move to the US.

Our plan was for my partner to move back permanently in September when her visa expires. I'm going to come with her for two weeks only. In that time we thought we'd have a tiny wedding before I head back to the UK to tie things up and start the visa process. In other words we would NOT be changing my entry status while I'm in the United States as a tourist.

However we've gotten nervous that this will be frowned on, that Border Patrol won't allow me through at the airport or that it may jeopardise our visa application. Should we just forget about the wedding and enjoy our last two weeks together before entering a fiancé visa, or is there anything I can do to prove we are committed to soon this legally and properly, with me in the UK and my wife-to-be in the US?

[CJKylie 161]

You'll be fine going and getting married, and returning. Take some evidence of your ties to the UK (employment letter, tenancy agreement etc)

Even in the very unlikely event you were refused entry, this wouldn't affect your future visa application.

[mlh 93]

And also, keep in mind that the visa process will take around a year, so you may not want to start "tying things up" immediately when you get home.

[Debi & Phil W 0]

You`ll be fine going back and forth to the States, As CJ said, take proof of your ties to the UK on each trip.. My case has been a year and 4 months so get ready for the long haul.

Good luck

[NikLR 13,227]

Have you looked into DCF? It would advantageous to marry and file before leaving the UK. The wait time is considerably shorter.

[mallafri76 1,012]

Our plan was for my partner to move back permanently in September when her visa expires. I'm going to come with her for two weeks only. In that time we thought we'd have a tiny wedding before I head back to the UK to tie things up and start the visa process. In other words we would NOT be changing my entry status while I'm in the United States as a tourist.

That's no problem. Many of us on here have gotten married on the VWP and then headed back to our home countries to start the visa process. Like some has already said, just make sure you bring ties to the UK, so CBP can see that you don't intent to stay and adjust in the US. I've never had a problem and I've been flying over every three months for the past four and a half years, so you can continue to visit during the spousal visa process too.

My case has been a year and 4 months so get ready for the long haul.

Wow, I see you guys were being messed about by NVC too?! Congrats on having your visa finally though, after your 16 month journey.