Can you marry a U.S. citizen while on a B2 visa?

Generally, it is legal to get married while you are in the U.S. as a visitor on a B-2 visa, but only if you return home at the end of your permitted stay. However, this is not a risk-free strategy.

Can you marry someone on a B2 visa?

The short answer is: yes, you can get married in the US while on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or on a visa waiver program. There is nothing in the regulations that say individuals who are in the US as visitors cannot get married.

What happens if you marry a U.S. citizen while on tourist visa?

There is no problem or penalty to getting married in the US while on a tourist visa. The problem is over staying the time limits of the visa. You can then return home and have your new spouse submit a form I-130 to request that you join them in the US. In this case the wedding date will be before filing the I-130.

Can you overstay your visa and marry a U.S. citizen?

Long-term overstays can still lead to a successful green card application through marriage. The U.S. immigration system can forgive overstays for spouses of U.S. citizens, allowing them to adjust their status while remaining in the U.S.

Do you automatically get a green card when you marry a U.S. citizen?

In many cases, yes. Because marriage is a relatively easy route to permanent residence, USCIS grants conditional permanent residence for two years. After two years, you will need to file Form I-751 to remove the conditions of residence and to get a permanent green card.

Can I get married on a tourist visa (b1 b2 visa)?

How fast can I get a green card if I marry a U.S. citizen?

Quick facts

As of January 2024, the processing time for a marriage green card is 9-11 months.

How long to get a green card after marrying an American citizen?

Spouses of U.S. citizens

If your spouse is a U.S. citizen and you currently live in the United States, it takes on average 13.5–20.5 months to get a marriage-based green card. Spouses of U.S. citizens living in the United States can file their I-130 and their I-485 at the same time (also known as “concurrent filing”).

How can I stay in the U.S. after marrying a U.S. citizen?

Once you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residence and remain in the United States while we process the application. If you choose this method, file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Filing instructions and forms are available on our Web site at www. uscis.

Can an immigrant be deported if married to a U.S. citizen?

Marrying a United States citizen alone does not get you immigration status or protect you from being subject to Deportation or removal. To get a green card, your United States citizen spouse must file a petition for you.

Do you have to leave the country if you marry a U.S. citizen?

Answer: Yes. It may not seem logical, but if you marry an American or green card holder, you have to be very careful about travel. People in F or J status or in tourist status are expected to have a home outside the U.S. to which they intend to return.

Can I change my b1 B2 visa to green card?

If you're a foreigner with a B-1 or B-2 visa, you may be wondering whether it's possible to get U.S. residency. The answer is yes – it is possible to go from a B-1 or B-2 visa to a green card.

Can I enter the U.S. if I am married to a U.S. citizen?

Marriage to a US citizen gives you automatic “immigrant intent” and you cannot have immigrant intent when seeking entry as a visitor to the USA. Your visa is still valid, BUT, and this is a very big BUT, a visa does not guarantee you admission into the US.

How long can you stay on a b1 B2 visa?

Additionally, there are strict requirements on studying in the United States as a visitor. While B-1 or B-2 visas may be valid up to 10 years, visitors on B-1 or B-2 will only be permitted to stay in the United States for a short duration (maximum 6 months), as granted by US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.

What are the rules of a B2 visa?

Does marriage affect visa status?

Yes, there is an important and very time relevant difference. Persons married to US citizens are considered "immediate relatives" in the immigration process and can apply immediately for LPR status. The USC spouse may file an immigrant petition (Form I-130) for the alien spouse immediately after the marriage.

What happens if you marry a U.S. citizen and then divorce?

While your divorce may not affect your immigration status, it will affect the time you must wait before applying for your permanent resident status. Because you are no longer married, you will have to wait 5 years to apply, versus the 3 years if you were still married.

Can you get in trouble for marrying an immigrant?

The Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments Act of 1986 amended § 1325 by adding § 1325(c), which provides a penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for any "individual who knowingly enters into a marriage for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws." Under 8 U.S.C.

Can you work immediately after marrying a U.S. citizen?

If you are getting married to a US citizen or you are the spouse of a US citizen and you are in the United States then you can file for EAD and Adjustment of Status at the same time as Form I-130. All in all, it takes approximately 4 to 6 months to get an EAD card (work permit) after marriage to a U.S. citizen.

What are the benefits of marrying an American citizen?

Marrying a U.S. citizen allows you to file Form I-130 and I-485 together, a process known as concurrent filing, since there are no visa number limitations for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. I-485 processing time for family applications in 2023 can take between 12 and 37 months on average.

What is the 3 year rule for U.S. citizenship?

3 Years of Continuous Residence. The spouse of a U.S. citizen residing in the United States must have continuously resided in the United States as an LPR for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of the filing the application and up to the time of the Oath of Allegiance.

What visa do you get if you marry an American?

Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) - It is important to note that application for the nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) who married a U.S. citizen must be filed and the visa must be issued in the country where the marriage took place.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a green card through marriage?

You do not have to hire an immigration lawyer to apply for a marriage-based green card. More than half of all marriage-based green card applications are filed by individuals who do not work with an attorney. You can definitely do it! In certain circumstances, having an immigration lawyer is essential.

What happens if I stay more than 6 months outside US with green card?

However, your trip must be temporary and you cannot remain outside the United States for more than 1 year. If the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer believes you do not intend to continue living permanently in the United States, they could revoke your status as a permanent resident.

How hard is it to get a green card through marriage?

Getting a green card through marriage is not as simple as you might think. There are multiple requirements and steps that must be carefully followed. Failure to properly file your case or to follow each of the required steps can result in your case being delayed, or even worse, denied.

Can I stay in the US while waiting for green card?

You can apply for a green card through consular processing or adjustment of status (AOS). AOS is the process that allows you to apply for a green card from within the US. When you use AOS, you can remain in the US as you wait for your green card to be processed even if your visa expires.