I'm a US citizen and my girlfriend is coming over to the U.S. with a tourist visa.?

Question

now we plan to get married. is it legal? if so what are the things to be considered to do?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It's called visa fraud.  She knew when she requested the visa that her real intent was to get married.

If you intend to get married then you should get a fiancee visa for her.

Answer 2

Last I checked both visa fraud and forgery was illegal.

Answer 3

I think what Bridget D means is a K1 Visa not J1 visa. Just to clear things up.

Answer 4

How nice for you both.  Love is grand, isn't it?  But................

First, you must call USCIS.  I think your girlfriend will have to return to her home country, you will have to apply for a fiancee visa, then you can bring her over here and you have 90 days to marry her. After you are married to her you apply to change her status. One of the requirements for this procedure is that you agree to support her for 10 years, even if you divorce.

Also you must pledge evidence your income/assets to the gov.  The request for a fiancee visa is $130... if you marry her with an expired visa the fee for this form is $1000  and they do NOT have to grant your petition. Either of these choices takes about 6 months.

   Alternately, you can marry her and she can return to her home country, and you can go to her country. Together with your wife you make a trip to the American Consulate in her city/country and you make your request to bring her to USA there. The fee is about $130. If they grant your request it takes 10 or fewer weeks.

   From me to you: do NOT waste your time/money on an immigration lawyer. Indeed the going rate is $2,500 and these forms are all EASY, and they are FREE, and INS is nice and will help you I am sure.

Good luck!