> Hey armchair lawyer, you're wrong.
Here's an actual lawyer that says you're in fact wrong (they're right):
http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/apply-for...
Key quote:
> If you are in the United States with an expired visa, then you most likely are not eligible to apply for adjustment of status.
But the whole article, start to end, almost mirrors the above comment and contradicts most of what you said. Key question: Are you a lawyer? You implied you are but are giving legal advice which contradicts a proven law firm specialising in immigration law. You also criticised someone else for being an "armchair lawyer" (implying you're not).
> You can apply for adjustment of status immediately after exchanging vows.
"Applying" sounds great, but you are in no way granted anything while the process is on-going. In fact they very specifically recommend you avoid travelling to the US while your visa in processes, as that could result in a "misunderstanding" and them junking your visa because they believe you're living in the US already.
That's the advice I was given in person by someone at the US embassy in London. She said "make sure if you travel you, you have a return ticket, and don't take too much luggage or it could cause your application to be rejected."
> simply having being out of status is forgiven when sponsored by a US spouse, so long as there are no other bars to the application
Even though they tell you many MANY times when applying that applying from within the US without legal status will automatically get you rejected? This is the NVS and the US embassy. Where are you getting your information? Can you cite a source which proves that they forgive fiancee visa applicants for visa violations?
> That said, going out of status is never a good idea.
Why? They forgive it according to you. Kind of contradicts what you said before...
> But as long as you apply while you have a valid immigration status, there is no out-of-status time period.
Unless you apply for an extension on your OLD visa, you almost certainly will be out-of-status given how long fiancee visas take under normal circumstances.
> Anyway, OP would be advised to consult with a qualified immigration attorney rather than HN commenters.
I agree. Your comment here is full of misinformation and dangerous misinformation at that. At least the above comment is suggesting they follow the documented visa process (leaving, apply, then re-enter when it is accepted). You're proposing they ignore visa law because of some "magical" clemency you claim that fiancee visa applicants are granted.
Your advice is just dangerously terrible and wrong.