Legal Question in Immigration Law in California
I am married, what's next?
I have a question, I got married four weeks ago to my US citizen boyfriend, and I am in the process of sending out all the forms after that. I was wondering if I need to send the I-130 forms first and after that my request for a work permit or do I send it all at once?
Also, I was wondering what additional info they mean you have to send to prove my marriage is real? (examples?)
5 Answers from Attorneys
Re: I am married, what's next?
Pictures and the like are needed to prove marriage, this is why investing with an experienced Attorney helps the process along, if in Southern California contact us. We do not charge for initial consultation.
Re: I am married, what's next?
did you enter the country lawfully? How long have you lived in the UNited States? Have you sepnt anytime here in unlawfully? If you do qualify for an adjustment, you will want to submit everything at once. As for the marriage proofs, they are not required in the initial filing, aside from the marriage certificate. You will need to produce the remaining other documentation at the time of the interview. Feel free to contact my office for an appointment. the initial consultation is just $80.
Re: I am married, what's next?
First, did you come in to the U.S. legally (with a visa and inspected)? If not, you can only file the I-130 now but must travel back to your country to get the immigrant visa, which could be a problem for you to come back here if you've been living here illegally. But, assuming you came in legally, you should file the I-130 TOGETHER with the I-485 and the I-765. The I-130 is only a relative petition while the I-485 is the actual adjustment of status application to permanent residence (green card). The I-765 is the work permit authorization. Proving a marriage is real involves all types of evidence tending to prove it's real such as documents with BOTH you and your husband's names on them such as tax returns, rent agreement, insurance, etc. And photos, too. Marriage fraud is a big problem so immigration looks at marriage cases closely. You may want to retain an experienced attorney to represent you to make sure things do not go badly and set you back for years.
Larry L. Doan, Esq.
Note: The above response is provided for information only and should not be construed as legal advice, nor to create an attorney-client relationship, which can only be established through payment of consideration.
Re: I am married, what's next?
Congratulations on your marriage. You can file the I-130, I-485, I-765, and I-131 all at the same time. Typically proof of the marriage is submitted at the time of the interview, and would include shared residence, finance, and life plans. If you have further questions before filing please email or call my office to set a time to talk.
Re: I am married, what's next?
First, congratulations on your new marriage.
There are a number of forms, documents and other items submitted together, some of which you mentioned, but there are others too not mentioned.
Some people should be represented and some don't need it. By your questions, it seems like you could use the support of a qualified lawyer. I would be happy to work with you. Regardless of your location, it's fine. I have clients around the country.
For more information, write to me at [email protected] or check me out at http://www.yardum-hunter.com.
Sincerely,
Alice M. Yardum-Hunter, Attorney at Law, Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law, State Bar of CA, Bd. of Legal Specialization