Unfortunately, reality is often very harsh to those couples who decide to forgo the K-1 fiancee visa and K-3 spousal visa. Often a couple will be accused of making a misrepresentation while they were applying for a visa and/or entering the United States.  The immigration agency often concludes that the foreign national’s temporary visa application intentionally hides the fact that he or she has a U.S. citizen spouse, fiance, or fiancee.  When a person applies for a tourist visa (or a student visa, or most other visas) he or she is seeking a temporary visa and is expected to leave the United States at the conclusion of his or her authorized stay.

If a couple is found to have misrepresented their relationship, the foreign national spouse will likely be required to leave the United States, and may face immigration consequences for the misrepresentation – including the possibility of being barred from entering the United States.

As you can tell – it isn’t wise to forgo the K-1 fiancee visa or K-3 spousal visa.  If you are marrying a U.S. citizen, or if you are already married to a U.S. citizen, please contact a family immigration lawyer to assist in your immigration to the United States.