Legal Question in Immigration Law in New York

Marriage to green card holder?

i`m on a student visa though i haven`t been going to school for two semesters. The visa on my passport is good till december. And i`m about to marry my girlfriend who is a green card holder, hopefully she will getting her citizenship in a couple of months.

My question is, should we wait until she gets the citizenship and then get marry or do it now?

and in any case would i have to leave the US?

Thank you


Asked on 11/05/03, 2:19 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Albert Van-Lare The Law Office of Albert Van-Lare

Re: Marriage to green card holder?

You should get married as soon as you desire. There is no disadvantage to getting married now except getting married to a citizen would make your green card/work authorization faster.Remember you cannot be married solely for immigration purposes.

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Answered on 11/10/03, 11:07 am
Andrew Nitzberg Andrew Nitzberg & Associates

Re: Marriage to green card holder?

congratulations on your marriage. the best of luck to both of you.

Under current immigartion law, there is no benefit to waiting. There may be benefits to marrying now. Marriage to a green card holder will enable you to stay in the US as her spouse, but not enable you to work.

You are welcome to a consultation at no fee at my offices at 42 west 44th st., NY,NY. Please call for an appointment first. (646) 591-5786

Regarding whether you should leave the US; the basic principle holds - stay in the US as long as you can stay within your status. You can extend your status with a work-study program (practical training) or by renwing your student visa. This is a good thing to explore.

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Answered on 11/05/03, 8:53 pm


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