Ideally, you should decide before filing your adjustment of status or immigrant visa application. This is because your name needs to be consistent across all official documents, including your green card, Social Security card, and work authorization documents.

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, meaning that it’s intended for temporary purposes, such as studying in the U.S. F-1 visa holders must demonstrate their intention to return to their home country after completing their education. This requirement can make applying for a marriage green card slightly tricky because it involves switching from non-immigrant intent (temporary stay) to immigrant intent (permanent stay)

My UK resident clients come to me with almost identical questions: What is the fastest way for me to get a Green Card for the US? Is the K-1 fiance visa the fastest way for me to get to my spouse in the US or should we get married and apply for the IR1 spousal visa?

For many F-1 visa holders who file for a marriage green card, the timing of the EAD approval is crucial. Once your OPT or CPT expires, you must rely on the EAD for legal work authorization. This can create a gap in your ability to work if your EAD is delayed, so it’s essential to consider the timeline carefully.

"Understanding the typical timelines for marriage based Adjustment of Status cases in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn is essential for setting realistic expectations. While Manhattan generally offers the fastest processing times, Queens and Brooklyn have longer average timelines."

"Our deep understanding of both UK and US cultures, combined with our extensive experience in immigration law, allows us to offer truly bespoke services. We're not just helping you navigate paperwork; we're helping you write the next chapter of your love story."

"For parents of U.S. citizens, the child must be at least 21 years old to submit the family-based petition. This marks the beginning of the process, which is managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)."

The absence of cohabitation can indeed trigger deeper scrutiny from USCIS, potentially leading to a Stokes interview—a more intensive interrogation process designed to verify the authenticity of the marriage.

Be aware of the USCIS filing fee increase, effective April 1, 2024, and take proactive steps to submit the correct fees. If an applicant files their case with the incorrect fees with their USCIS petitions, it will cause rejection and significant delays in their case.

Understand factors that can cause delays for H-1B’s adjusting status based on marriage to a US Citizen or Green Card holder.

Mistakes to avoid when you are in the US on a B1/B2 visitor visa and applying for adjustment of status based on marriage to a US Citizen or a Green Card holder.

The options available to unmarried binational couples depend on the foreign partner's entry and residence history in the U.S. Some may be able to adjust their status within the States, while others need to pursue consular processing or fiancé visa, often involving waivers for overstays or unauthorized entries.

Should you maintain your H-1B during the marriage-based Adjustment of Status? Learn how to keep safe while applying for Adjustment of Status based on marriage to a US Citizen or Green Card holder.

H-1B professionals do not require Advance Parole to travel abroad while an adjustment application is pending based on marriage to a US CItizen or a Green Card holder. They can re-enter the U.S. with a valid H-1B visa without jeopardizing their status.

Departing the U.S. before an Advance Parole document is granted will result in the abandonment and automatic denial of the pending I-131 application if you have a marriage-based Adjustment of Status pending unless you have a valid H-1B stamp.