Getting Married on a Tourist Visa
Yes, you can get married in the U.S. while on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or a visa waiver program. However, coming to the U.S. as a visitor with the sole purpose of getting married and then filing for adjustment of status is considered fraud. However, it is still possible to adjust your status from a tourist visa or visa waiver after getting married in the U.S.
Adjusting Status After Getting Married
To adjust your status after getting married on a tourist visa, you would need to prove that you got married in good faith. There is also a 30/60 day rule that makes it challenging to apply for a change of status or marriage-based adjustment status within 60 days of arriving in the U.S. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will suspect that you committed fraud if you proceed with an adjustment of status within that time frame.
- Related Blog: What is Marriage Fraud?
What If My Adjustment of Status Is Denied?
There is a possibility that your adjustment status can get denied even after you’ve married a U.S. citizen. One of the most common reasons for denial is the lack of evidence that the marriage is bona fide. Another reason is that you entered with a preconceived intent to marry and remain in the U.S. You could also be denied if you have a criminal history or previous sanctions.
Related Reading
- What Type of Questions Does USCIS Ask at a Marriage-Based Interview?
- How To Prove A Real Marriage to USCIS
If you want to get married to a U.S. citizen while on a tourist visa, contact our Orange County immigration lawyers today online or by calling (949) 478-4963! Yekrangi & Associates is ready to help!