Marriage on ESTA..how can I prove I will leave the country after?

[ChrisL101 0]

I’m freaking out a little bit. I’m flying into the US in a couple of days to visit my fiancé. I’ll be staying for 5 weeks. In that time we will be getting married. After the 5 weeks I’ll be flying home and applying for a U.K. spouse visa for my wife to live with me in the UK.  

Because I’ll be entering on an ESTA I’ve read a lot of posts online saying that if I can’t prove that I am leaving the country on entry then after the 5 weeks that I’ll be instantly sent home and banned from the country for 7 years etc...

Is immigration really that strict? 

If it’s legal to marry on an esta with the intent of leaving the country then how can I prove it other than my return flight?? 

[designguy 1,179]

Do you have a job in the uk, own or rent a house? What are your personal ties to the UK? Many people come to the United States to get married without any problems.

 

FYI there is no ban at the border if you are denied entry due to the officer believing you may overstay your visa, as you would not have done anything illegal

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

There is a minimum earnings requirement for sponsoring a spouse in the U.K. so you presumably have a stable job; bring evidence of that, as well your home rental/ownership documents, as evidence of proof of ties if you are asked. 

[Eric-Pris 1,607]

Purpose of your visit:   "To get married to my girlfriend"    "To visit my girlfriend"

 

Don't lie, but also don't shoot yourself in the foot.