I-130 F1 visa

[Helenix 0]

HI all!

I am new here, but i liked the discussions very much!so i thought i'd ask you a question. My mom is USC and applied for a I-130 F1 visa for me her single son (28 years old) in 2009. My girlfriend and i want to get married, however she is not interested in going to the States with me, so my question is can i still go as a single F1 category, or is it mandatory that i change my status to F3 once i get married? What is the policy?

Thank you very much in advance!

[Harsh_77 718]

If you want to move to US a single, why are u even getting married?

You got to pick dude, either get married and stay in Lebanon or you stay single and move to US.

[Helenix 0]

If you want to move to US a single, why are u even getting married?

You got to pick dude, either get married and stay in Lebanon or you stay single and move to US.

You are definitely right man! She is not keen on going any time soon cos she just had her dream job offer and she's saying that she would wait if i can apply for her once i get to the US, and i want to go sooner than later because i want to be reunited with my mom! and that is why i am asking about the policy, so i can see what my options are exactly!

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

If you get marrried, then you must report it and change the status. If you lie about your status and come as a single male, when you are indeed married, then you WILL NOT be able to petition for your wife.

[Harsh_77 718]

You are definitely right man! She is not keen on going any time soon cos she just had her dream job offer and she's saying that she would wait if i can apply for her once i get to the US, and i want to go sooner than later because i want to be reunited with my mom! and that is why i am asking about the policy, so i can see what my options are exactly!

What makes you think she will quit her dream job in lebanon and go with you. When she does not want to go with you just at the prospect of her dream job.

You should not lie on any of the US application or forms, if you lie it would be considered mis-representation, which can result in life time ban from US.

If you get married you will have to report your marriage.

Edited June 21, 2011 by Harsh_77

[Helenix 0]

If you get marrried, then you must report it and change the status. If you lie about your status and come as a single male, when you are indeed married, then you WILL NOT be able to petition for your wife.

Thank you very much for your reply!It's very helpful!

Glad I joined this forum!

What makes you think she will quit her dream job in lebanon and go with you. When she does not want to go with you just at the prospect of her dream job.

You should not lie on any of the US application or forms, if you lie it would be considered mis-representation, which can result in life time ban from US.

If you get married you will have to report your marriage.

True, very true!Just weighing pros and cons so far!

And thanks, it's been very helpful!

[Jojo92122 1,924]

If you get marry, you automatically move from the F1 to the F3 category. Once married, you can not retain your place in the F1 category. The F1 category is ONLY for unmarried children of US citizens. You would not be unmarried.

The NVC (or USCIS if the I-130 has not been approved) will continue to process your case as an F1 case until you notify them that you are married. You must notify them that you are married by sending in a copy of your marriage certificate and an English translation. If you fail to notify them that you are married, any fees you pay will be wasted and not refunded. In addition, if you lie and say you are not married to stay in the F1 category, you will end up in big trouble which includes deportation and a lifetime ban from the US.

If you get marry, do the right thing by notifying the NVC (or USCIS) that you are married and have your case properly processed in the F3 category.

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It's no ones business if your fiancee does not want to immigrate to the US with you after you get marry. That is your choice. However, if she wants to immigrate to the US after you immigrate, it will mean you have to file an I-130 which would take around 3-4 years to process.

Since getting marry will put you into the F3 category, you would have to wait probably 4-5 years longer than if you don't get marry and stay in the F1 category.

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It's your choice.

1. Don't get marry and stay in the F1 category. Your PD is 2009, so it will probably be current in another 5 years. That's when you can immigrate to the US in 2016.

2. Get marry and not notify the NVC or USCIS. You will be processed in the F1 category. Ultimately, any fees paid will be lost since you no longer qualify for a visa in the F1 category because you are married. You will be placed in the F3 category. If you lie about your marital status, you will likely be banned for life from the US.

3. Get marry and notify the NVC or UCSIS. You will be processed in the F3 category. It will take another 9-10 years for you to get a visa to the US, so it will be around 2020 or 2021 before you could immigrate to the US. In 2020 or 2021, your wife can decide then if she wants to immigrate with you.

[Helenix 0]

I cannot be grateful enough for this amazingly thourough reply.

Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. You have clarified many things for me. Thank you.

My I-130 has already been approved and my PD is Feb.2008 (i checked the papers again.

Now, thanka to your reply, I have everything in perspective.

This has been of tremendous help.

Many, many thanks.