Every year students who come to the US to study on either a J1 or F1 Student Visa meet someone, fall in love and then wish to get married and live in the United States. The process of applying for legal residency based on marriage to a US Citizen is called and Adjustment of Status. This adjustment allows a student, once married to a US Citizen, to live and work in the United States as a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States.
There are a few basic requirements that a student must meet to successfully apply for an Adjustment of Status. These requirements are:
- Valid legal entry into The United States (with an approved student visa) and attendance in school as originally contemplated
- Valid and honest marriage to a US Citizen
- The US Citizen spouse must meet the required the income requirements for sponsorship or have a co sponsor who does meet the requirements.
Once you meet these basic requirements, you can apply for an Adjustment of Status to become a Legal Permanent Resident. Typically, the process takes about 6-12 months. Most couples are scheduled for an interview at the end of the process which normally takes about 30 min. The hearing officer will ask you questions about your marriage and relationship and then if all is OK, issue your Green Card.
The initial Green Card is good for 2 years. Its referred to as a Conditional Green Card. You are required to apply for your Permanent Green Card within 90 days of its expiration. This is called removing the conditional nature of the Green Card.
Once you have been a Green Card holder for 3 years and have lived continuously in the US, you can apply for your US Citizenship.
If you have any questions about getting your Green Card as student, please feel free to call me anytime tool free at 888-515-3529. I welcome your call.
Attorney Jeff Pettys
www.marriagevisaservices.com
1-888-515-3529