On F-1 and want to get married

[taggen4]

I am a Swedish Citizen and I am in U.S on a F-1 visa, and I am planning on marrying my U.S girlfriend.
Is this possible without leaving the country or do i have to go back to Sweden while she applies for a Fiance visa.

The plan is that i will finish my studies here in December 2008 and apply for OPT and then get married next summer 2009 , is this possible?

thank you

[txh1b]

It is possible to get married. However, you should not have a 'plan' to get married while you enter the US or anytime within the 90 days after entry on a F1 visa into the US.

You will be denied entry to the US if the CBP officer knows that you are formally engaged.

[taggen4]

Already in U.S

Ok, but i am already in U.S and i have been here for about 2 years studying, and we are planning on getting married next summer. Can i stay here and work on OPT and get married without having to leave the U.S? and what kind of paper work do i have to file?

[txh1b]

How long you have resided here does not matter. When your last entry through CBP is important before you can do that. There is a 30/60/90 day rule (google and read about this) that comes into picture when your AoS (GC) application is sent to USCIS. You should not have any intent to marry when you enter US absolutely for 30 days. If done in 60 days, USCIS can still use it against you.
You can get married after 90 days but you will no longer be allowed into US on F1 visa.

After you marry, you need to go through the AOS process. All forms etc come into picture if you are outside the US.

Though, it is not a suggested route for marriage to USC, you should talk to an attorney and evaluate your situation.