Can I Marry My Girlfriend on a Tourist Visa?

Marriage while on a tourist visa can seem like an attractive but complicated option for many couples. Whether you're considering tying the knot or simply making the most of a trip, understanding the laws and visa requirements for each country is crucial. Here, we explore the possibility of getting married on a tourist visa, focusing on the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

United States

It is indeed possible to marry while on a tourist visa in the United States, but it's not as simple as it might appear. For example, it is possible for a non-U.S. citizen to marry on a B-1 visa (business visa) if they can prove that they had no prior intent to marry and that the marriage is a genuine, recent development. However, there are specific conditions and it requires careful planning. If the relationship predates the visa, it could cause significant complications. If the couple grabs attention from immigration authorities by marrying early, the newlyweds might face issues when seeking to adjust their status.

The key to successfully marrying on a tourist visa is to avoid raising any red flags. If you're from countries other than Somalia and can prove that your intent is to return home after the marriage, you might not face major problems. However, transparency with immigration officials is crucial, as they can and will investigate any suspicious behavior.

United Kingdom

In the UK, the process is not as lenient. To get married or register a civil partnership while on a visitor visa, you need to apply for a UK Marriage Visitor visa. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who wish to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK but have no intention of staying or settling in the country following the marriage or civil partnership.

Notably, citizens of Somalia are automatically rejected for any UK visa outright. However, for others, there's a straightforward process. To qualify, you need to meet the eligibility requirements, which can be found on the ICS legal website. Here, you'll find detailed information on how to apply, along with the required documentation. The visa is free, which makes it an attractive option for many.

Australia

Australia presents a unique set of visa requirements. For example, a tourist visa (subclass 600) allows you to visit for business, tourism, or family visits. However, the rules are even more specific. If you're married (or intend to marry) while on a visitor's visa, you'll need to secure a Marriage Visitor visa (subclass 500).

Key points to consider include:

Only citizens or close relatives of citizens from certain countries can apply for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651) for limited tourist stays. This includes British and European Union citizens, among others. Visitors from certain countries, like the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, can use an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) for similar purposes but are subject to a small fee. For longer visits, you might need to apply for a subclass 600 visitor's visa, which is more costly and less convenient for brief stays.

Some individuals, like Taiwanese passport holders, need to use a subclass 600 visitor's visa if they lack a national ID card number and thus don't have right of abode in Taiwan. This can complicate the process further.

Conclusion

Marrying on a tourist visa is not a straightforward process, and it requires careful consideration of the laws and regulations of the country in question. In the United States, it's possible but risky, while in the UK and Australia, specific visitor visas are required. Transparency with immigration authorities is key to navigating these processes successfully.

Keywords: Tourist visa, marriage visitor visa, eVisitor visa