Say "I Do" to a Fiance Visa: Can You Leave the US for Your Honeymoon After Getting Married?

Congratulations on your engagement! If you're planning on getting married in the United States and your significant other is a foreign national, you may be wondering if they can enter the country on a fiance visa, get married and then leave for your honeymoon. The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, your significant other will need to apply for and obtain a K-1 fiance visa. This visa allows them to enter the United States for 90 days, during which time you must get married. Once you are married, your spouse can then apply for a green card and work authorization.

It's important to note that the K-1 visa is a single-use visa, and once your spouse enters the US on a K-1 visa, they cannot leave the country before getting married or the visa will become invalid. It is best to make sure your wedding plans are in place before your fiance arrives.

Once you are married, your spouse can leave the US for your honeymoon, but keep in mind that they will need to apply for and receive advance parole in order to travel outside the US while the green card application is pending. It can take several months or up to a year to receive the travel authorization, so you will need to be flexible in your travel plans and not leave without the travel authorization. If your spouse leaves the US without advance parole, you will have to obtain an immigrant visa in order for them to return. The immigrant visa process currently takes two to three years due to immigration backlogs.

In summary, it is possible for your significant other to enter the US on a fiance visa, get married and then leave the country for your honeymoon, but it's important to plan ahead and make sure everything is in order before they enter the country and to avoid any travel until they receive the advance parole.