not bothering with AOS

[KarenCee 3]

At least with AOS you're waiting it out together, unlike the K1.

[jundp 191]

I think you can get your wifes Settlement Visa same day if you go in. Its 5 days if you apply online....still unbelievable when you compare to the US system , whereby you dont get anything in return for the hassel just a headache. Hope your wife enjoys the free health and education back home As for the implication of visitng the US again i would imagine you would need a visa as they would say you may have intent to stay in the US if you attempted on a VW.

Of course the huge difference here is the sheer number of people trying to immigrate to the US either for naturalization or permanent residency. That's why it doesn't take as long to process for other countries. In Germany the spouse of a German National is granted residency within 2 days (or same day in some cases) with just a marriage license. However, there aren't the same number of people trying to get PR in Germany as there are in the US. That really needs to be taken into consideration when people try to compare the US system with systems of other countries. I know it's still terribly inefficient and frustrating, but it can't possibly compare in terms of immigrants.

At least with AOS you're waiting it out together, unlike the K1.

No kidding. I'll be glad when the K1 waiting is over and we can live in the same country. Even if it takes 3 months for his EAD to come through, I'd rather be living together.

[John & Annie 0]

If your ultimate goal is to live in the UK, then it probably is best to go now. You would be here for two years, then have to apply to lift condiitons. If you decide to leave during this process you will have abandoned your status here. I am not sure what ramifications that would have on future visits.

Whereas in the UK, you could be there within two weeks and then in two years your wife would have to apply for permament right to leave and remain.

Here is the break down on the VWP

When does a national of a VWP country need to apply for a visa instead of using the VWP?

Nationals of VWP countries must meet the conditions noted in the section above (Which travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program to enter the United States?) in order to seek admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers who do not meet these conditions must apply for a visa. In particular, a visa must be requested if the traveler:

* Wants to remain in the United States for longer than 90 days, or envisions that they may wish to change their status (from tourism to student, etc.) once in the United States;

* Wants to work or study in the United States, wants to come to the United States for other purposes not allowed on a visitor visa, or intends to immigrate to the United States;

* Does not have a machine-readable passport (MRP) issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05, or is unable to meet other requirements outlined above for passports issued on or after October 26, 2005 or October 26, 2006.

* Intends to travel by private aircraft or other non-signatory air or sea carriers to the United States;

* Has been refused a visa or admission to the United States before, or did not comply with the conditions of previous VWP admissions (90 days or less stay for tourism or business, etc.); or

* Has a criminal record or other condition making them ineligible for a visa (see Classes of Aliens Ineligible for Visas ).

Dept of State Link

[Cécy 44]

Well since you both want to live in the UK (and are sure of that), then don't waste your money on AOS.

In the future, if you do need a visa, there is always the B2 visitor visa which allows you to stay up to 6 months at a time (and can be extended an other 6 months once). The visa itself is good for 10 years, meaning that you don't have to get one for every visit, you can use it over an over as long as you don't overstay the 6 months.

Good luck on your life choice. It's a shame you were misinformed about getting married here. When you think of some people who just elope to Vegas no matter what country they are from all the time...