Can I Marry in USA and then apply for k3

[kiiwii 0]

HI,

Me and my fiance are at a stand still right not, but frusterated just the same. We want to marry in USA, but can I do that and then apply for the K3 visa. Or will we have to get married abroad. I read that with a K3 visa, we can get married anywhere, then I read that I can't cross the border with intentions of marrying... or is it that I can't cross the border with intentions of not coming back?

We want to and will do it legally and if I have to come back for a time after the wedding, I am also prepared to do that. We just need to know before we start all the planning if I can legally marry in the US. Also will I have any trouble getting across the border for the wedding.

Thanks,

kiiwii

[payxibka 10,045]

HI,

Me and my fiance are at a stand still right not, but frusterated just the same. We want to marry in USA, but can I do that and then apply for the K3 visa. Or will we have to get married abroad. I read that with a K3 visa, we can get married anywhere, then I read that I can't cross the border with intentions of marrying... or is it that I can't cross the border with intentions of not coming back?

We want to and will do it legally and if I have to come back for a time after the wedding, I am also prepared to do that. We just need to know before we start all the planning if I can legally marry in the US. Also will I have any trouble getting across the border for the wedding.

Thanks,

kiiwii

You can legally marry wherever you wish. Crossing the border to get married is OK, crossing the border with the intent to get married and STAY (without the proper visa) is not.

Edited July 15, 2008 by fwaguy

[kiiwii 0]

Perfect. Thanks. I have another question. If I marry go on my honeymoon, how long can I stay?

Thanks,

Cheryl

[YuAndDan 153]

Perfect. Thanks. I have another question. If I marry go on my honeymoon, how long can I stay?

Thanks,

Cheryl

Canadians tend to be allowed up to 180 days in the USA.

Also consider CR-1 visa (I-130) only, compare timelines for the 2 visas.

CR-1 is issued green-card upon entry, however K-3 requires adjustment of status to get green-card, AOS costs $1010. K-3 cannot take a job, apply for SSN, or apply for driver's license until after getting EAD or green-card. EAD can take 90 days or more to get.

[pushbrk 12,910]

Perfect. Thanks. I have another question. If I marry go on my honeymoon, how long can I stay?

Thanks,

Cheryl

You can stay the same amount of time you would stay if visiting for any other reason. Typically that's 180 days.

[payxibka 10,045]

I don't know how many times you have crossed the border and what kind of questioning you have experienced but make sure you bring strong evidence to return as the simple mention of "I am coming to get married" will raise the CBP officers radar.

[MrsCat 6]

That is what I did when hubby and I got married. I never said I was going to the US to get married though when asked by the Border Officer - I said I was going to meet the in-laws (which was true). My mom brought my wedding dress for me in her vehicle so it wouldn't raise any questions at the POE.

We got married in Vegas and I went home a week later. No problems. We applied for CR-1 thereafter.