What will happen if I get married while on a tourist visa?

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What will happen if I get married while on a tourist visa?

I’m on the tourist visa in the US and my boyfriend (a US citizen) proposed to me. If we get married here will I have problems leaving the US and coming back? And if I apply for a green card, can I leave the country?

Asked on May 1, 2012 under Immigration Law, Georgia

Answers:

SB, Member, California / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

You are permitted to get married while in the US on a tourist visa.  What you are not permitted to do is to enter the US as a tourist with the intention of immigrating to the US through marriage.  However, if the intent to marry was formed after you entered, you should not have any problems.  You can get married and then file for your adjustment of status on the basis of marriage.  It is best if all that happens at least 90 days after your date of entry.  You do not need to go back to your home country as you can complete the entire process within the US.  In fact, if you do leave , then you would need to wait outside the US for the entire process (9-12 months).


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