British Expatriate Network

1) Is it possible to travel into the U.S on a tourist visa and marry? without a K1?

Theoretically yes (did it myself once) but I don't advise it.

If you are that serious, the K1 has more advantages and less risk.

what advantages? and risks?

There is nothing stopping you coming to the states and getting married. Chris Evans did it and I am sure that there are thousands who go to Vegas, Niagra wherever and get married all the time. But I am sure your question is can you stay? Well it depends. You can apply for two main types of Visa/permission to stay

A fiancee visa (I think it is a K1, help me out here someone) - This will require you to be out of the country as your case is considered and will only be allowed to return once your case has been approved.

File an Adjustment of Status - You can only adjust the Visa under which you entered the country under certain circumstances, the Visa Waiver program is NOT one of them. I came into the country on a B2 visa and although it was not a problem, it did take 4 years to get a green card.

how long does it take to get an K1? and do i apply for that? or my U.S partner?

I seem to remember we both had to do it. Me with the US embassy and her at her end but I'm not sure where she applied. The US embassy will have a website with FAQs i'm sure.

take a look at http://www.visajourney.com

One question - are you planning to stay in the US? I got married on a visa waiver and our intent at the time was to live in the UK so no K1 was needed. When our plans changed after living in the UK, I filed a green card application at the US Embassy in London. Mind, you have to get a visa for your spouse for the UK, but that took about 5 minutes at the British Consolate.

i came in on a viser waiver got married in vegas and was granted my green card today took 7 months though to sort out