Might be moot point but had to ask. The lady that currently tutors me in Russian language came to America 11 years ago on Tourist visa, got married and was allowed to stay. She was not sure if the loophole in the law has changed since then. So what happens if a lady comes to America and gets married while there? Does she still have to go back and apply for a fiance visa? How exactly does that work?
It can be done BUT it may be questioned and she may be denied her adjusting of status (green card) at her interview. A lot depends on the situation and how long she was in the US and if she and the petitioner can prove no intent of marriage when she came to the US. If she is in the US and gets married it is much safer to return and wait for the marriage visa. Also if a woman has not been to the US before she is probably going to have a difficult time getting a tourist visa where as the fiancee visa will not be a problem, but may take 6 months or more.
So do you suggest the normal proceedure of Tourist then Fiance? If tourist takes 2 months, fiance would take how long you think? I am visiting her again in February with the anticipation that she come visit me in America in April/May to see if she likes it here. Without sounding brash, would you suggest we start the finance visa paperwork when I visit in Feb? Will it require a lawyer or is it something we can fill out ourselves? Thank you very much in advance.