Hi, I'm going try and keep this as short and sweet as possible. I'm a UK citizen looking to marry my American girlfriend, I'm not sure what to believe, I've seen that can just go there on a fiancé(e) visa and get my citizenship visa processed after the marriage... or maybe even as part of the marriage OR I can go on a the VWP (or green card) and solidify it when I'm there... I mean, I am TOTALLY what has to be done here. The low down is I want to marry her and live there for the rest of my existence, What exactly has to be done? Thank you all in advance for ANY help.

P.s Another small question if you want to answer it: I've heard that you NEED a visa just visit the US, Obviously I know about the VWP but apparently if I turn up in the country without a visa I'll get sent straight back home... Has it changed or am I still good to go on the VWP?

Once again Thanks.

If you are planning on marrying and having your USC wife petition for you, then you cannot enter the US on a VW.

You should apply for the K-1 visa. This starts with the K petition with USCIS on from I-129F, after approval, you apply for the visa at your home consulate. After visa issuance, you enter the US as a K-1, marry within 90 days, then apply for AOS.

I trust this is responsive to your inquiry.

If you intend to get married in the US and then leave after the wedding to come back and live in the UK within 90 days, then you do not need a K-1 visa. You will need to present some proof of your intent to return (i.e. mortgage/letting agreement, proof of employment in Britain etc.), but the INS should not refuse you entry into the States since you are leaving within the 90 period allow.

However if you intend to stay in the US after the wedding you should definitely apply for a visa beofre you travel. If you enter under the VWP, get married and then apply for your green card to stay in the US, you will be breaking immigration law and cause yourselves a lot of hassle. If you get a visa and get married in the US, you can then apply to change your status from a K-1 visa to a green card (the visa is designed for this to happen since 99% of people who do marry a US citizen remain in the US after the wedding). It's pretty straight forward to get a visa and takes around 3/4 months form the US Embassy in London.

Hope this helps.

I did it myself... I just came out here on the waiver visa... Married my husband after 7 days and we started the process of permanent residency. I got it no problem. I have been here for 3 years now. Just do it ;-) Lisa

I'm currently in a situation just as well. My finacee is a UK citizen and wants to come over and us get married. But questions lie in my head. I have read so many things out there. If we get a K-1 visa for him to stay here and us get married within the 90 days limited by the immigration, he doesn't have to return BUT we then have to pay more money AGAIN to pay for a spouse visa. So why is it wrong to get married if he visits and then file the proper paper-work for him to stay here after were married instead of having to pay double in everything? We get a K-1 visa he stays. But if we marry and he goes back to the UK then I file for his spouse visa, then we pay for another ticket for him to come back into the US and another fee of a spouse VISA - so how do people work around this and not have to pay so much money just to be in love and to be married?

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Originally Posted by Moncai

I'm currently in a situation just as well. My finacee is a UK citizen and wants to come over and us get married. But questions lie in my head. I have read so many things out there. If we get a K-1 visa for him to stay here and us get married within the 90 days limited by the immigration, he doesnt have to return BUT we then have to pay more money AGAIN to pay for a spouse visa. So why is it wrong to get married if he visits and then file the proper paper-work for him to stay here after were married instead of having to pay double in everything? We get a K-1 visa he stays. But if we marry and he goes back to the UK then I file for his spouse visa, then we pay for another ticket for him to come back into the US and another fee of a spouse VISA - so how do people work around this and not have to pay so much money just to be in love and to be married?

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You are confused about the visas. The K-1 is for a fiancée of a USC to enter the US, marry and then file in the US for permanent residence. You don't need to file for a spouse visa afterwards.

The K-3 is for the spouse or a USC to enter the US and file in the US for permanent residence.

Thank you so much for clearing that up NYcityboy ~ I've read so much and researched so much I think my head is spinning and my eyes are crossed now. I think researching has also made me confused on so much because I've read so much. I appreciate your time and response very much.

By chance is there an easier way of getting married to a UK citizen if planning to live in the United States besides the K-1. I'm just curious. This seems to be so costly :( I've written my story and asked for the worlds help in helping us save the money up for getting all of this done, hopefully I'm not doing anything illegal.

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Originally Posted by Moncai

By chance is there an easier way of getting married to a UK citizen if planning to live in the United States besides the K-1. I'm just curious. This seems to be so costly :( I've written my story and asked for the worlds help in helping us save the money up for getting all of this done, hopefully I'm not doing anything illegal.

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The only additional fee is the USCIS filing fee for the I-129F of $455. You will still need to pay the FF for the I-130 and I-485.

If this is a serious issue, you should check to see if you qualify to petition for your spouse as you need to meet 125% of the HHS poverty guidelines to qualify as a petitioner.

I am a us citizen. Do I have to get married to my UK fiancé in order for him to stay and work in the US.
Can he apply for a green card and stay and work in the US and then we will marry when we decide ?
Can I apply for his green card as a US citizen or does he have to. He lives in London United Kingdom ans has a British passport.

Thank you very much for time and information. I know this isn't going to be a quick and easy process. I'm weighing all of my options right now to begin a very long road. All in all I see that this is going to be very costly ~ again thank you :)

Also is there a step by step guide to doing a complete K-1?

I know there are books to guide you through the process, but I don't know any specific books to recommend.

I think its best to start with the USCIS website, the instructions are very detailed for the I-129F. Be sure to keep a complete file copy of the petition you send in and have it in the exact order you filed. Make a copy of the money order too.

I am willing to do a arranged marriage

Hi this forum is old but could you tell me the process you took step by step as I'm considering this option right now

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Originally Posted by LisaJ1117

I did it myself.......I just came out here on the waiver visa.....Married my husband after 7 days and we started the process of perminent residency. I got it no problem. I have been here for 3 years now. Just do it ;-) Lisa

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Could you talk me through the process as I am planning on doing this in the next month