can a brit citizen marry an american in the states and be considered legal there?

Question

but the american be able to go live in the u.k shes on a visa now and lives with him. they want to marry here and go back

Answer 1

1) A foreign national (including a Brit) may marry a US citizen in the US, at which point the US citizen may petition for legal resident status (Green Card) for the foreign national. During the petition process, the foreign national is considered to have legal status to live and work in the US.

2) Actually getting and keeping the legal resident status (and US citizenship in the future) has specific US residency requirements. Individual circumstances must be carefully assessed to be certain that the foreign national is eligible. Otherwise, another petition may have to be filed when residency requirements can be met.

Answer 2

Your question is a bit confused. Any couple, neither of whom is married and both of whom are of legal age or have parental (and if necessary ( http://snurl.com/girl13 ) judicial) consent, may marry in a state of the USA. A foreigner who obtains a K-1 (fiancé(e)) visa (rather than being in the USA on some other visa, or visa waiver) automatically gets a green card after the marriage. Otherwise his or her status remains unchanged. S/he may be able to adjust status, or may have to return home (or go to Canada or Mexico) to apply for an immigrant visa.

Or, as seemingly is the case in your question, the alien spouse can stay on for the 3 or 6 months allowed under his/her I-94, then go home. And s/he can continue to visit as a tourist any time.

To marry in Britain a noncitizen of the EU/EEA/Switzerland who does not have residency status in the UK must have a "visa for marriage". This is either a tourist visa (required even though US citizens do not otherwise need visas) or it's the British equivalent of a K-1 visa.

If a British citizen marries a foreigner abroad (or with a visa to marry as a tourist in the UK), then the foreigner must apply for a visa (entry clearance) "for settlement" at a British consular office abroad. These visas are granted relatively quickly -- certainly much faster than American immigration visas.

As an alternative, if the European partner (whether also British or not) has an Irish or other EU/EEA/Swiss passport, the alien spouse is entitled to an "EU permit" which is fast, and also free & gratis. The same is true if the couple wish to live elsewhere in Europe than the UK: they will get a Schengen EU spousal permit.

It goes without saying that the alien spouse has to live with the UK or US partner for (under the laws of both) two years to "validate" the marriage, to prove it is not a marriage of convenience. Then the immigrant status becomes permanent. And they can divorce, etc. and still stay on.

Answer 3

let get it right people marrying a US citizen does not grant you us citizenship or any rights to emigrate to the USA but only after legal marriage ceremony and the US citizen while abroad or physically in the States file an affidavit ot sponsorship for alien relative /wife/husband. I 130 after its approved and you had you physical exam and all is OK'd with the consular officer you are given a visa to exit your country upon entry to the USA the immigration officer at the post of entry will make that determination to give you access to the USA by validating your approved entry permit the green card will be sent to you a a later time via mail at your place of residence in the USA,if you enter on ak1 visa you ahve 90 day to me married after that the american spouse has to petition for an adjustment of your k1 visa to eventually be converted to a green card because of 9/11 expect many delays and additional scritiny bu both consular officials and Department of Homeland security i have been waiting for my wife approval to emigrate for now little over 11 months

Answer 4

Uhhh... eventually.

The laws have changed drastically since 9-11, or at least, the process to get a person into the country has ground to a halt.

I know a couple where he's in the US Air Force, and she's a Canadian, and she's not even a "resident alien" (legally here full time) after 2+ years. No, she doesn't have a criminal record.

Answer 5

Yes, you can legally marry an American and get some legal status. Be careful, though. If it's discovered that its a marriage of convenience, you are out of here and your mate will be jailed.

Answer 6

Yes - but be careful. There is a time requirement - and they WILL check up on you. You have to live here, too. Consult with an immigration attorney. Pay the money. It's worth it to make sure you do it right.

Answer 7

after 3 years of so ---you can then apply for citizenship....but if its foudn to be a fraud / sham marriage (anytiem up to ten years or so after that) ...you will / can be deported and perhaps your mate--can be fined / jailed...