my girlfriend of 5 years is a citizen of japan - i live in the states,
and we've decided to do more than just talk about marriage. she's
coming here to visit next week but will be here for less than 2 weeks,
in which time we plan of going to city hall and being married in a
small chapel. she can't stay on her tourist visa while waiting for her
spouse visa (but if you're answering this question, you probably
already know that)
my issues are these: 
1) after she goes back to japan, what forms/documents do i need to
submit to which agency in order to secure her a spouse visa?
2) how long must she wait in japan before she has the right to enter
the states on the spouse visa?
3) are there any legal problems with this plan?
4) what else should i be aware of?

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Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 29 Mar 2006 13:31 PST

Hi rugbyholloway,

Are you an American citizen? If not, what is your status?

Thanks,
hummer

You should apply for a fiance visa first - that is the visa she should
travel on for the purposes of getting married in the US. I think there
will be legal ramifications if she travels on a tourist visa and get's
married.

Check out: http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/fiance.htm

Hope that helps.

Hi Rugbyholloway,
Hummer-ga has posted a clarification.  It is important that you let
him give you advice BEFORE you get married, and he is the expert here
on immigration questions.
Good luck, Myoarin