quick K-3 Visa question

[joelm2400]

Hello,

My girlfriend and I (shes a UK citizen and I am a US citizen) have decided to get married! Its a second marriage but we are both very excited, it looks like this one will work! But thats another story entirely.

Right now as it stands we are both pretty short on money, but my mother has agreed to be a joint sponsor for immigration purposes so that shouldnt be a problem. My question is, is it possible for her to come over on a Visa waiver and then us get married. Have her go back while we save a bit more money, and then apply for a K-3?

I keep getting conflicting information that this is not possible, or that it shouldn't be a problem at all. Any information you can provide will be extremely helpful.

Thank you!

 

[evcalyptos]

Hello,

My girlfriend and I (shes a UK citizen and I am a US citizen) have decided to get married! Its a second marriage but we are both very excited, it looks like this one will work! But thats another story entirely.

Right now as it stands we are both pretty short on money, but my mother has agreed to be a joint sponsor for immigration purposes so that shouldnt be a problem. My question is, is it possible for her to come over on a Visa waiver and then us get married. Have her go back while we save a bit more money, and then apply for a K-3?

I keep getting conflicting information that this is not possible, or that it shouldn't be a problem at all. Any information you can provide will be extremely helpful.

Thank you!

Congratulations on taking the plunge.

There are three marriage based visas:
K-1 Fiancee (get the visa, come to the US, get married and apply for Permanent Resident status aka "AOS")

Immigrant Visa: Be married, get visa, come to the US and become a PR (green card) immediately.

K-3: Be married, get visa, come to the US and file AOS to become a PR.

The K-3 was created when Immigrant Visas took a long, long, long time to process. Currently, the K-3 takes the same amount of time as the Immigrant Visa, and the IV is far superior.

Whichever of the two 'already married' visas you choose, your intended can come to the US on the VWP, get married and leave again within the 90 days. Getting married is a valid tourist activity.

It will take about 8-10 months for her to get her visa; during that time she may visit the US but may not remain.
You can find groups like the britishexpats.com marriage based visa forum that deal with the details if you need help.

The visa process will cost about $2000 and you will need to show that you earn enough money for your household (about $18000 gross annual salary for 2 people). If you don't earn that, yes, your mother can be a joint sponsor.