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I am currently in OPT which will expire in June 10th. My employer filed h1b but now that there will be a lottery, I am worried that I might not get selected. I was considering marrying my girlfriend if that happens. But I am worried that I might lost my work permit after my OPT expires. I am currently working as a Business Analyst which is a really good job and I do not want to lost it. If I marry my girlfriend, how long will it take to get the work permit. We are not married yet, when should we get married if situation comes to it. We were waiting for right time to get married and thats the only reason I filed for H1b even if she wanted to get married earlier.
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If your girlfriend is a US citizen, you can marry her at any time and then apply for permanent residency (and a work permit). The work permit will usually be issued 60-90 days after filing. I wouldn't recommend waiting until you hear about the H1B issue since the immigration service will call into question your motive for marrying if you do that.
Answered on Apr 09th, 2013 at 9:44 PM