Permanent Residency and Divorce.

[PoshTottie 0]

Hi all. I emigrated from the UK on a K1 Fiancee Visa with two of children to Michigan, USA. I've lived there with my two children as permanent residents for 8 years. My marriage is not going so well and hasn't been so for about 4 years. I am unhappy and want to get out of this unhappy marriage. My question is...if I end up divorcing my husband at some point, and although I want to stay and reside still here in Michigan.....will I be told to return back to my original country? In other words, because I came to the US on a K1 Fiancee Visa....will I be no longer allowed to continue to reside in Michigan after divorcing my husband. I've settled down here now with my children and rather not go back. Thanks for your help.

[Ralph and Meghan 19]

If you have your permanent resident and entered the country legally and got maried in good faith you don't have to leave. If it doenst work it it doesnt work out. It happens a lot more often then your thinking but don't worry you don't have to go back.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from General Immigration-Related Discussion to Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits Forum~

~Similar topics are often discussed at this forum~

[Darnell 8,478]

anything past a K-1 visa?

like a 2 year greencard ?

or the issuance of a 10 year card?

IMO, with a 10 year card in hand, you ain't gotta do nothing - no one will come to deport you.

whatcha got?

If 10 year cards, then it's up to you if'n you want to renew it later or apply for uscitizenship.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

I agree with Darnell, is there a reason you have not gone for citizenship yet?

[PoshTottie 0]

Yes we got married in good faith and entered legally, took 6 months for the whole immigration process...everything has been perfectly fine up till about 4 years ago. I have got a 10 year Green card which I've been a resident since 2nd of November 2006, and it expires in 2018.

At the moment, the reason why I haven't got US citizenship because I can't afford it...well every time I put savings away for it....emergencies crop up.

[tuckin14 58]

If you have your 10-year green card, you have nothing to worry about. Sorry for your unhappy situation.

[PoshTottie 0]

Yes I have my Green card, we emigrated in May 2006, got married in July 2006 and then got our Green cards in November and have had them since then. The ones we have now have been updated with a fancy new look since the ones we got in November 2006.

[Ian H. 207]

Once you are an LPR especially after your have done ROC, a divorce will not affect your immigration status or that of your children. Since you have been an LPR for more than 5 years already, you can get divorced and apply for citizenship on your own.

If you are having financial problems, submit the N400 with a fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the poverty level, or if you are receiving a means tested benefit. Also if you are unemployed or make below a certain amount you may even start a divorce for free if you proceed as a poor person in the court and your divorce will be uncontested.

If your children are under 18 when you naturalize, they will become USC's on that day as well. Good luck.