New here, need a bit of guidance on marrying a US citizen

[Stylereveal 38]

Hi All,

 

I have been reading threads, but haven't found a current one on this topic.

I'm a Canadian citizen and I plan to marry a US citizen this fall in the US. I will return to Canada and we will start the spousal visa process, is this allowed?

I don't want to commit visa fraud. 

 

Also traveling back and forth for a week or 2 every few months while in progress, as I read in another thread should not be too much of a hassle?

 

Thanks

[Sarah&Marc 22]

You are doing it exactly right.  It's only Visa fraud if you didn't return to Canada and attempted to stay in the US during the entire process.  You are also allowed to travel back and forth during the process, just make sure you bring plenty on proof of ties to Canada (letters from your employer stating that they expect you back on a certain date or rent or lease agreements showing you must return to continue paying your bills) Hope this helps!

[Bandt 87]

I think you need a K1 visa to come into the US if your intention is to enter and get married, even if you go home after the wedding.  If you are entering for another purpose and then decide to get married here that is ok, but if you know you will be getting married and are entering on some other visa than a K1 you are committing fraud the way I understand it.  If I am wrong maybe someone else can clarify.

[Ontarkie 14,223]

38 minutes ago, Bandt said:

I think you need a K1 visa to come into the US if your intention is to enter and get married, even if you go home after the wedding.  If you are entering for another purpose and then decide to get married here that is ok, but if you know you will be getting married and are entering on some other visa than a K1 you are committing fraud the way I understand it.  If I am wrong maybe someone else can clarify.

This is completely wrong. The K1 is only needed to come get married with intent to stay. There is no fraud at all to enter with the intent to get married. The fraud only comes if they plan to stay after marriage before entering. 

[Stylereveal 38]

Thanks so much Ontarkie, Sarah&Marc I really appreciate your help. 

[acidrain 325]

I would be very careful about entering the US with the intention of marrying a US citizen. If the border got wind of it they will ask a lot of questions about whether you are really coming back. Make sure to bring proof of ties and reasons you will be coming back just in case they ask. Keep your answers brief in hopes you don't trigger a secondary inspection and further scrutiny. When asked for the purpose of your trip say you are on a vacation. The border is really paranoid about potential immigrants who will not leave.

Edited July 21, 2017 by acidrain

[JFH 12,190]

I didn't have any problems coming to marry my husband as a visitor.