F-1 Visa to marrying American?

[jen89 0]

I am currently on an F-1 Student Visa and still in status and attending university. My bf and I have been dating for 2 1/2 years and want to get married. How does this work? Do I need to apply for AOS before my F-1 expires, if so..how far in advance? What AOS am I applying for? I don't understand if the K-1 involves me or not! A little, ok a lot lost!!

[canadian_wife 1,785]

Visas are for people who want to enter the country. You do not need a K-1 visa as you are already in the county. Simply marry and adjust your status from F-1 student to permenant resident.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/otheraos

Follow the guides, you'll submit the I-130, the I-485, the G-325A and the supporting documents

Good luck

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

That link is a bit wonky... here is the VJ step-by-step guide. It is called CONCURRENT I-130/I-485 in USCIS jargon...

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide2

Good luck!

Edited November 17, 2010 by Harpa Timsah

[jen89 0]

Thank you canadian_wife and Harpa Timsah! I will look at the guidelines! =]

[VSfansfans 2]

I am currently on an F-1 Student Visa and still in status and attending university. My bf and I have been dating for 2 1/2 years and want to get married. How does this work? Do I need to apply for AOS before my F-1 expires, if so..how far in advance? What AOS am I applying for? I don't understand if the K-1 involves me or not! A little, ok a lot lost!!

Hello there,

I was a F-1 student too~~

1) Since you are still in school, I'm sure your F-1 visa is still valid, and you won't have any problem renewing it as if you are/will enroll as full time student. When will your F-1 visa expired?

2) You can only adjust status (AOS) after you both got married, and get the marriage certificate. Normally you get 1 free copy for yourself, you will need 1-2 copies while filing for AOS, so when you go to pay for the certified copies, request for more for future use, save $ and time too .

3) You have nothing to do with K-1

4) If you both get married now, and your visa is still valid, you can file AOS, when you get your green card, you no longer need your F-1 visa and you can probably pay for local resident tuition too! Make sure you don't leave the country before you apply for AOS and while it is in process.

Good luck!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Don't need certified copies to send to USCIS, just a regular photocopy of one of those; bring the real deal to the interview

(VJ guide is wrong on that)