Choice of Visa - which one & potential repecussions

[Mielikki 0]

Hi,

I am still very new so I appologize if this question has been asked/answered before. I did try looking around and couldn't find a similar question - I'm not even sure if this is the right area to post this in

I can get a K1 (or K3 if we chose to marry first), or an L1 Visa.

I want to marry my boyfriend (and vice versa) but I want to make sure I don't marry him before we are ready. I want to take my time and enjoy the wedding, not rush through it just to meet the deadlines/requirements of the K1/K3 visas.

I qualify (or soon will) for an L1 visa, and one of the potential centers I can (& would like to work in is close to my boyfriend.

My question is: if I apply for an L1 visa, live with him and then get married when we are ready, would I then have to apply for a K3 visa (alternatively, apply for a K1 when we are ready for marriage and get married when it goes throught)? Would there be any concequences or restrictions since I already know him, love him and want to marry but chose to go through an L1 visa instead? Is it strongly recommended to go through a K1/K3 visa since we do intend to marry, instead of the L1? Or does it not really matter so long as we are honest and complete the whole way?

Thank you very much, in advance, for any help anyone can give me

[Dr_LHA 3]

My question is: if I apply for an L1 visa, live with him and then get married when we are ready, would I then have to apply for a K3 visa (alternatively, apply for a K1 when we are ready for marriage and get married when it goes throught)? Would there be any concequences or restrictions since I already know him, love him and want to marry but chose to go through an L1 visa instead? Is it strongly recommended to go through a K1/K3 visa since we do intend to marry, instead of the L1? Or does it not really matter so long as we are honest and complete the whole way?

L-1 is a dual intent visa, which means you can move to the USA on a L-1, with intent to marry your fiancee without breaking any visa rules. In fact if the L-1 option is available to you, its better than a K-1 because you will be able to work and travel on your L-1 visa, even after you have filed for AOS.

Personally I would go for the L-1 option if it is available. There are no negative consequences of moving to the USA on an L-1, then marrying your boyfriend and filing for AOS (green card).

Edited August 6, 2007 by Dr_LHA

[Mielikki 0]

Thank you so much Dr LHA

Do you, or anyone else, know where I can learn more about this?

Thank you again!

[Dr_LHA 3]

Google is a powerful tool!

[Yodrak 7]

Dr_LHA,

Point of clarification: The dual intent is with regard to immigration v. non-immigration, and has nothing to do with marriage. One can enter the USA using any visa with intent to marry and not be breaking any immigration laws.

Yodrak

L-1 is a dual intent visa, which means you can move to the USA on a L-1, with intent to marry your fiancee without breaking any visa rules. In fact if the L-1 option is available to you, its better than a K-1 because you will be able to work and travel on your L-1 visa, even after you have filed for AOS.

Personally I would go for the L-1 option if it is available. There are no negative consequences of moving to the USA on an L-1, then marrying your boyfriend and filing for AOS (green card).

[Dr_LHA 3]

Dr_LHA,

Point of clarification: The dual intent is with regard to immigration v. non-immigration, and has nothing to do with marriage. One can enter the USA using any visa with intent to marry and not be breaking any immigration laws.

Yodrak

Thanks for that clarifaction Yodrak, of course I should have said "with intent to immigrate" not "intent to marry". You can of course come to the USA to marry on any visa, but if its not dual-intent (or a K-1) you are not allowed to have intent to remain and apply for AOS after that marriage.

Edited August 7, 2007 by Dr_LHA