newbie looking for info - are we doing this right?

[Ireentje 0]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this excellent website (through the recommendation of a friend), and am hoping to receive some initial information / opinions as my current USC boyfriend and I are starting an exciting process... so here's my story/question:

I am a Dutch female, first came to the US on an F1 visa in 2005 for a brief summer program, then entered grad school in the US in 2006, also on an F1. I'm planning on graduating May 2012 but not going into academia (which is somewhat unusual for a PhD in the humanities). Because I'm not counting on getting a work visa for the type of job I'm hoping to get, but really want to stay in the US, my boyfriend and I have decided to get married and file for my AoS. (Just to make this clear: we were always going to get married, but are speeding up the process because of my status).

Ideally, I suppose, my AoS would be complete by late May - June 2012, so I can start a new job while already a PR. Would it be our best bet to get married in early 2012 and then file all paperwork immediately after that? We will be in Hawaii for a conference in January (lucky us) and are thinking of having a small ceremony there (no family or friends present). Our local office is Syracuse, NY, which I have found from the stats on this website to be a very quick local office... There are no difficult circumstances; my boyfriend has had a solid job for years, we only need police records from one country as we haven't lived all over, and have solid proof of (by early 2012) a three-year relationship (many pictures of trips, though, now I come to think of it, no joint rental lease or property...).

Does this sound like a good plan to those who have been through this? Would a quickie ceremony without family or friends prove a problem during the interview? We have lived together for 2+ years.

Thanks so much, everyone!

Irene

Note/Edit: I'm not looking for info on forms, etc... Just wondering about the general plan

Edited July 18, 2011 by Ireentje

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Your plan is fairly sound, though the timeline is cutting it a bit close. If you need the GC for your job, I'd give yourself a month or two extra "just in case." The office might slow down unexpectedly. If you just need an EAD, then the timing sounds good! Good luck and congrats!

[la2011 5]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I dont think you need police records when you're already in the US on a valid visa and AOS'ing on the basis of marriage.

[Anh map 2,098]

Solid plan. You will find the VJ Guides very helpful when preparing the forms, etc.

[BenjaminUKtoUSA 7]

I never filed Police Records, they do the background checks for you... Well that's what I thought anyways. But I don't have a criminal background or any police reports filed against me. But if you have something in the past that may have gotten a report, then it's probably time to make some phone calls.

[Ireentje 0]

Thanks everyone! Once we really start the process, I'm sure you'll see me on these boards again more regularly...