Marry US citizen in USA after entered legally with tourist visa

Your question is a common one and touches on some typical misconceptions about the tourist visa. You have multiple entry Machine Readable Visa (MRV) in your passport that allows you to board a plane and arrive at a US port of entry (airport). At the airport, the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) Official interviews you, albeit briefly to determine whether the activities you have planned are within the guidelines of the B-2 tourist visa. They will also ask you about your financial resources and the length of time you plan to remain. Based on these questions, the CBP officer stamped the white I-94 card (Visa Waiver country nationals are given I-94 W). The I-94 card states that you are authorized to remain "until ______". Whatever the date written, that is your expiration date.

So, now the question becomes what to do next if you plan to marry. You can either marry in the US and file for adjustment of status. If you are not ready to marry, your boyfriend can file a fiancee petition for you and you can depart the US before the expiration date on your I-94 card and reenter as a fiancee. The fiancee visa process can take 9-12 months from initial filing to reentry on the K-1.

Take advantage of our FREE 30 MINUTE INITIAL CONSULTATION to learn more about the various visa options, time frames and expenses. I have included a link below to our ONLINE APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING SYSTEM so you and your boyfriend can choose a time that is convenient for the two of you.