QUESTION
Is it possible for my friend to get residency by marrying his girlfriend?
Asked on Apr 17th, 2013 on Immigration - Michigan
More details to this question:
My friend will be in America with his girlfriend. He's on b1/b2 visa and entered legally in the United States. They are planning to get married so he can get residency. Is this possible? How soon they can get married and file a petition while he’s in United States?
6 ANSWERS
Yes, it is possible but they cannot get married and file for his residence within the first 90 days of his entering the US as that will be presumed to be misrepresentation of intent at the time of entry.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2013 at 9:10 PM
Your friend needs to work on the supporting documentation that the relationship with his girlfriend is not a fraud for the purpose of obtaining legal residency in the US. If he is certain that this is not a fraud but is going to be a family longstanding relationship, they could marry and your girlfriend will be able to petition on his behalf. Some other issues will come out with adjustment of status and affidavit of support. Nevertheless, that was not your question and your friend would be better of consulting an attorney prior to starting the process.
Answered on Apr 19th, 2013 at 1:59 PM
Real Estate Attorney serving Frisco, CO
at
The Law Office of Eric A. Fisher, LLC
Update Your Profile
If your friend's future wife is a US citizen, he can apply for lawful permanent residency the same time she files the visa petition for him. Whether it will be approved depends on many factors, so they should speak with an immigration attorney.
Answered on Apr 19th, 2013 at 1:58 PM
It is possible. It takes about 6 months to receive a green card if everything is filed correctly. However, your friend cannot use b1/b2 to enter the country to get married. He needs to consult with an Immigration attorney.
Answered on Apr 19th, 2013 at 1:57 PM
It is possible. Consult with an attorney to go over all the facts to make sure there are not any issues. I would recommend that they wait at least 2 months before marrying.
Answered on Apr 19th, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Immigration Law Attorney serving San Francisco, CA
at
Richard S. Kolomejec
Update Your Profile
Your friend should wait a couple of months after entry before marrying. But yes, they can marry and apply for a green card (assuming one is a US citizen).
Answered on Apr 19th, 2013 at 1:57 PM