VisaJourney.com > We got engaged! and now what?

G+D

Sep 6 2007, 11:20 AM

Hey guys,

I'm new here and a little confused...

I'm so happy I found this forum and I want to thank you all for the helpful information!
Me (Bulgarian) and my fiance (American) just got engaged and we realize how long and painful the whole process of applying for visa, work permit and the immigration is going to be. And the only think we want is to be together...

We've been a couple for almost 4 years and I don't want to stay apart just because of some bureaucracy rules!

I'm working in NJ until December 2007 on J1 visa. We got engaged and we're planing to get married in December or January. I have got so many questions though...
Since I'm staying in the USA for another 3-4 months is it possible for me to get some of these documents (visa, EAD or residence permission) within this period?
Where do you think is the best place to get married? In my home country or in USA? Should we get the marriage license and he can file for a K3 visa for me in the USA? But when we go the Bulgaria to have a nice ceremony are they going to let me come back here?
What is the quickest way for me the get EAD if I have already a SSN? I'm applying for a job now and I hope will be allowed to work starting at the end of my internship (in January or February...). What's the way?

I'll greatly appreciate any infos, tips and advice for my case! Thanks in advance!

Scott & Lai

Sep 6 2007, 11:58 AM

Welcome to VJ, and congratulations! First thing would be to check the Guides and Visa FAQ at the top of the page. Most questions are answered there.

Zee Bee

Sep 6 2007, 02:05 PM

Congratulations!!!

I would recommend reading the guides to determine what route is best for you.

Welcome to VJ and good luck

Eresh

Sep 6 2007, 03:08 PM

Hello...welcome to VJ. I also suggest reading the Guides, along with Search for the answers to any questions you might have. They are valuable sources of information.

Magenta

Sep 6 2007, 03:21 PM

The OP is currently over here on an F1 visa, the guides on here do not necessarily cover everything that she needs to know.

QUOTE

For non K1/2 visa holders, when applying for your Adjustment of Status, you will be required to obtain an Appendix A. Supplemental Form To I-693 (a.k.a. I-693A) to submit with your package.

The form looks like this:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/pdf/ti-03/appdx-a_693vacc.pdf

You will be asked to bring the vaccination worksheet copy you received from your civil surgeon abroad (DS-3025, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/dsforms/3025.htm ) to your appointment with your civil surgeon in the United States so they can transfer your information onto the new supplemental form and place it in a sealed envelope which you DO NOT open..

To find a civil surgeon in your area please click here:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00048f3d6a1RCRD

Prices vary from surgeon to surgeon so you may want to call around and find the cheapest rate. Also, your price may change if you need any updated shots at your appointment (updated shots are required to adjust status). You do not need the whole medical done again though some surgeons may say you do.
From the USCIS website:

Sid and Nancy

Sep 6 2007, 07:36 PM

QUOTE(dary @ Sep 6 2007, 09:20 AM)

Hey guys,

I'm new here and a little confused...

I'm so happy I found this forum and I want to thank you all for the helpful information!
Me (Bulgarian) and my fiance (American) just got engaged and we realize how long and painful the whole process of applying for visa, work permit and the immigration is going to be. And the only think we want is to be together...

We've been a couple for almost 4 years and I don't want to stay apart just because of some bureaucracy rules!

I'm working in NJ until December 2007 on J1 visa. We got engaged and we're planing to get married in December or January. I have got so many questions though...
Since I'm staying in the USA for another 3-4 months is it possible for me to get some of these documents (visa, EAD or residence permission) within this period?
Where do you think is the best place to get married? In my home country or in USA? Should we get the marriage license and he can file for a K3 visa for me in the USA? But when we go the Bulgaria to have a nice ceremony are they going to let me come back here?
What is the quickest way for me the get EAD if I have already a SSN? I'm applying for a job now and I hope will be allowed to work starting at the end of my internship (in January or February...). What's the way?

I'll greatly appreciate any infos, tips and advice for my case! Thanks in advance!

Welcome to VJ!

Make sure your J1 doesn't have a 2-year HRR. If it doesn't, then read the I-130 guide:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

Good luck!

Happy Bunny

Sep 6 2007, 10:10 PM

Welcome

I'd look into marrying now and adjusting status. The crux is whether you had immigrant intent at the POE into America. If you came in not intending to marry, then this might be the fastest and most hassle free way to handle this sitch.

Look into it! Or anyone here correct me if I'm wrong?

jasman0717

Sep 7 2007, 04:15 AM

Welcome to VJ

G+D

Sep 7 2007, 10:11 AM

thanks for all the answers!
You are right I think if we get married now and start the process while I am still in the USA it would be the best.
My J1 expires in December and I am allowed to stay one more month after that. If we file I-130, I-485 etc. am I going to be legal to stay until I get an approval/ green card even if my visa expires? I know it takes about 6 months to get it and my visa is valid for 4 more months only. What's your status while you are waiting for the approval/interview etc.?
When can I apply for EAD? Can I do this right after we file the petition or I need to wait for some answers (NOA1,2 ?? )?

I can easily prove that I didn't have immigrant intent when I arrived last year. I've been to the USA before to work and to visit and I always went back to Europe, we were actually living there for a while. I can proof all this with pictures, documents and so on.
Thanks again for you answers!

Jason-Sasha

Sep 8 2007, 10:24 PM

I don't think you would have any problems with marrying before your visa expires (as long as your intent was not to stay) and adjusting your status. I have a 2 friends who married women from other countries while they were here working. Neither of them had any problems. But I'm not an expert. Good luck and welcome.

Sand

Sep 10 2007, 02:03 AM

Hello And Welcome to Visa Journey

AUBGER

Sep 10 2007, 02:18 AM

Hey there
Welcome to VJ.
I've been studying in Bulgaria for 4 years. It's a very nice country.
I don't know what advice to give you but I know several cases when people for married while on a J-1 visa (PLEASE MAKE SURE NONE OF YOUR VISAS HAS A 2 YEARS RULE!!!! I have that on my very first visa and now i'm stuck home waiting for the time to pass. If I was in the states married, I wouldn't have had a chance of getting my status in the US adjusted). If you don't have that, I know there is a way to stay with no problems but I do think you would not be able to travel until getting Advance Parole and your AOS..
Good luck

Margott1990

Sep 10 2007, 05:44 PM

JJWashington

Sep 15 2007, 02:25 AM

Hello and welcome to VJ