Marriage on B1/B2 Visa: Is It Allowed in the US?

Yes, it is legally permissible to get married in the U.S. while on a B1/B2 tourist or business visa. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Legal Aspects of Getting Married

• The U.S. does not restrict marriage based on visa type. You can legally marry a U.S. citizen or another individual in the U.S. regardless of your visa status.

• You will need to meet the requirements of the state where you plan to marry, such as obtaining a marriage license and following state-specific procedures.

2. Immigration Considerations

• Intent at the Time of Entry:

o The primary issue is whether you entered the U.S. on the B1/B2 visa with a preconceived intent to marry and/or adjust status. The B1/B2 visa is intended for temporary visits, not immigration.

o If it appears that you misrepresented your intent when entering the U.S., it could lead to visa violations and complications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Change of Status:

o If you marry a U.S. citizen and plan to stay in the U.S., you may be eligible to apply for a green card through adjustment of status (AOS).

o This process requires filing forms like the I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

o Be aware of the 90-day rule, where USCIS scrutinizes changes in activity (e.g., marriage, application for AOS) made within 90 days of entering on a non-immigrant visa.

3. If You Intend to Leave After Marriage

• It is perfectly fine to marry on a B1/B2 visa and then leave the U.S. as planned. However, any future visa applications might be scrutinized to ensure there was no intent to misuse the visa.

4. Practical Advice

• Be Transparent: If asked during visa interviews or at the port of entry, be honest about your plans. Misrepresentation can lead to denial of entry or future visa bans.

• Seek Legal Advice: Consult an immigration attorney if you plan to adjust status after marriage to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

In summary, marrying on a B1/B2 visa is allowed, but your actions must align with the visa's intended purpose to avoid legal and immigration complications.