Legal Question in Immigration Law in New Jersey

Marriage to a citizen

I'm a international student that just graduated a couple of months ago. I'm currently in the country with an OPT that allows me to work for a period of one year. That permit will expire on january 31 2007.

I met my girlfriend during my school years, and we are planning to get married, she will get her citizenship at the end of this month (July)

Assuming that we get married after she becomes a citizen:

- How fast would it take for me to get my residency? my work permit?

- Would you recomend to get married in my country (it may accelerate the process)

- Would I have any problem if I keep working, after my Opt expired, assuming my work permit would take longer than january 31?

- Do you recomend send all the paperwork at once?

Thanks for the help

best regards

Nestor


Asked on 7/18/06, 10:59 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Sameer Kumar Law Offices of Sameer Kumar, P.C.

Re: Marriage to a citizen

Hi Nestor,

I don't see any major obstacles from you getting your green card through marriage to your girlfriend once she is a citizen. However, I would want to quickly discuss your case to make sure there aren't any red flags. Give me a call and we'll go through the details in just a few minutes.

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Answered on 7/19/06, 1:06 pm
Patrick Klauss Berd & Klauss, PLLC

Re: Marriage to a citizen

Dear Sir,

It is advisable to file all the paperwork in a single package for efficiency reasons. From the facts you describe, there should be no problem with filing for you Lawful Permanent Residence once your fiance becomes a citizen and you get married.

Once you file, the work permit should take about 3 months to process, depending on your jurisdiction and the Green Card a few months after that. This is of course assuming there are no major issues in your case.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

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Answered on 7/21/06, 11:37 am


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