Green Card

[Awwronn]

My girlfriend is hoping to travel to the US with a passport only and get married here then apply for a green card once we're married. What doe I have to do to make sure she becomes legal?

 

[Awwronn]

She plans on traveling here without a visa.

 

[Proserpina]

She plans on traveling here without a visa.

Why not file for a K1 fiancee visa?

Coming to the US without the appropriate visa, with the intent to immigrate, will not end well for either of you.

 

[FlyingRon]

I assume we're talking about a VWP entry when you mean without a visa? Entering on a short duration entry and immediately getting married will likely be construed as a violation of the non-immigrant intent. Even if you come on a longer duration visa (like an F-1 or whatever), you're well advised not to get married within the first few months for fear that you violated the intent of that visa.

I presume you are a US citizen?

As pointed out, the proper way to do this is to apply for a K-1 visa. Then once you are married, you can file an I-130 for her to get her conditional green card.