Legal Question in Immigration Law in District of Columbia

What is the Appropriate Action Here?

I hold a Green Card. I have a fiancee who plans to visit me here in the USA in about 8 months. If he comes (visitor's visa) and we get married, what is the process of applying for a change of status, i.e., from visitor to a green-card-spouce status?


Asked on 12/21/01, 5:13 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Tiziana Ventimiglia Tiziana Ventimiglia, Attorney at Law

Re: What is the Appropriate Action Here?

There are a couple of things that you can do: first of all you can have your fiancee here with a fiancee visa, this would allow you to get married and than switch to an immigrant visa right away. the other possibility is for you to get married here, when he arrives, but he then needs to go back to his country as he would only be allowed to stay for a tourist visa which is normally 3 months (unless otherwise through a B-2 visa). you would then sponsor him as an immediate relative. the third possibility would be for you to get married and then he "adjusts his status" through an immediate relative petition from you. there are pros and cons with each choice. You can do this by yourself or with the help of an attorney (which I recommend), especially because of the lastest terrorist events: INS is in high alert and any minor error on your application could delay the process tremendously. Good luck to you. Give me a call if you decide to go with an attorney, you will find my fees very very reasonable. Good Luck to you and future spouse.

Tiziana Ventimiglia.

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Answered on 1/01/02, 11:40 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: What is the Appropriate Action Here?

You can sponsor the Green Card application of your newly-acquired spouse. And you don't need to hire a lawyer for this. Your local INS office will be happy to provide you with the necessary forms and information.

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Answered on 12/22/01, 8:48 pm
Gabriel Jack Muston & Jack P.C.

Re: What is the Appropriate Action Here?

How long have you been a Green Card holder? Send me an e-mail and we can arrange a one hour phone consult.

Gabriel D. Jack

Attorney at Law

[email protected]

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Answered on 12/21/01, 6:06 pm


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