Mom got married after immigration visa was received

[ebark 0]

Hi everyone,

My mom recently got her immigration visa back in Russia after I filed I-130 for her and completed all the steps. She is coming to the US in a week. Since she will not be able to travel back and forth for a while, she decided to marry to her long term fiance before leaving, so she can petition for him as a green card holder. Now it hit me, what if she may have problems at the airport upon landing here since she received her visa as a single woman? Should she notify the authorities upon arriving? I am so confused and was unable to find anything online.

Please help!

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hi everyone,

My mom recently got her immigration visa back in Russia after I filed I-130 for her and completed all the steps. She is coming to the US in a week. Since she will not be able to travel back and forth for a while, she decided to marry to her long term fiance before leaving, so she can petition for him as a green card holder. Now it hit me, what if she may have problems at the airport upon landing here since she received her visa as a single woman? Should she notify the authorities upon arriving? I am so confused and was unable to find anything online.

Please help!

No problem with her immigration to the US. She is being petitioned by a US citizen child, so marriage is not an issue.

The US Embassy will closely scrutinize the case for her husband. Getting marry after getting a visa and immediately petitioning for the spouse after getting the green card can be viewed with suspicion. The US Embassy will be concern with a fake marriage for a green card.

[ebark 0]

Thank you for your answer! Do you think she should let them know about her marriage right at the airport even if they don't ask about change in her marital status?

Regarding her husband, I am sure you are right, but they have proof they had a long term relationship before getting married, so I hope it should be fine. Thanks again.

[Boiler 43,434]

Why did they not get married before the interview so they could have come together?

[ebark 0]

Because when I filed I-130 I had to file each for a separate family member. He would not get a green card automatically as a husband. I don't know why they make it possible for other visa categories, but not for immediate relative as a mother and her husband. And I coulnd't file I-130 for him because he is not considered my step-father. I believe for him to qualify they needed to get married before I turned 18 or 21 (don't remember correctly), and when I was that age they didn't know each other yet.

[Boiler 43,434]

Sorry.

That makes sense.

[ebark 0]

Advice on the best way to notify USCIS about her marriage is welcome! Letter? Phone call? Letting them know at the airport? I am still worried a little bit.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Advice on the best way to notify USCIS about her marriage is welcome! Letter? Phone call? Letting them know at the airport? I am still worried a little bit.

The officer at the POE may or may not ask her about her marital status. If asked, she simply answer truthfully.

No one else will care until she files an I-130 for her husband.