Legal Question in Immigration Law in Washington

Working on Green Card????

Hello,

I am a US citizen and my girlfriend is currently on J-1 Visa here from Japan and her visa expires December 2009. We both are planning to get married this August... Question 1, does Civil marriage (in the court house or getting marriage certificate) constitues a legal marriage?

If yes, we will apply for her Green Card and extended stay here in the USA... Question 2: Can we do it after we get legally married?

If yes, she should hopefully receive all of the necessery paper-work before her visa expires in December 2009.... Question 3: With her Green-Card that she will receive will she be able to go to school and work in USA? Please let me know.

Thank you in advance for your help... I greatly appreciate everyones help here.... Just want to make sure that I have my facts straight.....


Asked on 2/25/09, 12:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Philip Eichorn Hammond Law Group

Re: Working on Green Card????

USCIS recognizes civil marriages.

If your girlfiend is on a J-1, prior to filing your adjustment of status paperwork please determine if she is subject to 212(e).

My office routinely represents foreign nationals in the adjustment of status process. We generally have a result within 9 months from filing. There can be delays and backlogs.

She will be able to attend school and work.

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Answered on 2/25/09, 9:15 am


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