NON-IMMIGRANT marriage on the VWP?

[thysuki237 1]

Hello,

My fiance and I want to get married a.) Very soon and b.) In the US if possible. We are wondering if it would work to have the wedding in the US so my family can come and then exit the US and apply for a spousal green card. Again, this is NOT meant to skirt any laws or procedures, and we might not even live in the US which is part of the reason I don't want a K1 visa, we just want a wedding there. This is specifically related to the VWP and whether it's allowed.

 

If so, what proof do I need to convince officials to let him through? A letter from employer, a return ticket, would a signed statement from us both help?

 

Hopefully this is in the right section. Thank you.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,468]

Yes, it is allowed and legal.

 

Visit on VWP will like any other visit   A definite return flight helps, and if asked, be straightforward and honest with CBP.

 

US allows tourists to marry in the US as opposed to the UK, where you need a special marriage visa to marry there.

[Chancy 6,241]

1 hour ago, thysuki237 said:

We are wondering if it would work to have the wedding in the US so my family can come and then exit the US and apply for a spousal green card. Again, this is NOT meant to skirt any laws or procedures, and we might not even live in the US which is part of the reason I don't want a K1 visa, we just want a wedding there. This is specifically related to the VWP and whether it's allowed.

 

Straight from the horse's mouth website of the US embassy in the UK -- https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visa-faqs/
 

Quote

We are traveling to the United States to marry and will return to the United Kingdom after marriage. Do I still need a fiancé(e) visa?

If you will return to your permanent residence you may apply for a tourist B-2 visa, or if eligible, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.  At the time you apply for the visa and/or travel to the United States you will be required to show that you have a residence outside the United States that you do not intend to abandon. There is no set form that this evidence takes as it varies with each person’s circumstances.

 

Note that a return or onward ticket is required when entering on VWP/ESTA, regardless of purpose of travel.

 

[thysuki237 1]

Thank you both. That link was quite helpful and it cleared up a few things for me. I'll read the rest of that page too.

[Daphne . 1,888]

I also got married on my Esta, left after the wedding. Not a problem at all! (just in case you needed more examples :))

[Wuozopo 4,293]

On 8/23/2022 at 7:42 PM, thysuki237 said:

If so, what proof do I need to convince officials to let him through? A letter from employer, a return ticket, would a signed statement from us both help?

I would enter as you always have like “to visit my GF/BF (or fiancé) for the holidays.” without blurting your whole life story such as…”I am coming to get married, but I promise I am returning to England  in three weeks.  My fiancé wants to be married here in front of her friends and large family. My Mum, Dad, and two brothers are coming from the UK. We’re going to apply for a spouse visa after I return home.”   Keep your answers simple  unless you are asked more specific questions.