F1 Married to USC- need help!

[chimichanga 3]

Hello everyone

I am an F-1 student and I just got married to my USC wife. We have been together physically for almost 2.5~3 years(Have joint leases and all that).

My question is, how do we file all the paperwork? We live in Minnesota.

Where do we send the paperwork and proofs for I-130, I-485 and all the other required forms?

Do we have a distinct "Lockbox" serving the Minnesota area?

Do I need to send in my I-20 forms with the paperwork as well?

Oh and if I keep on continuing school with full enrollment, can I still be able to resume my F1 status in case something happens? Or if the interview date comes after my enrollment date for next semester?

Thanks for all the help!

Edited April 7, 2015 by joshuacheung8

[canadian_wife 1,791]

Most of these questions can be answered by reading the instructions to the forms. Have you done that?

good luck

[RnZ 4]

Read the following and the instructions of forms thoroughly for the process related question

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

You should send in your I-20. I don't know if its necessary but i recommend that you send I-20.

You should maintain your status as F-1 during the process because you are adjusting from F-1 visa.

If something happens.. Well it depends on what you mean by something.

If your case is denied you will not be able to resume your F-1 status because F-1 is a non immigrant visa and you have already shown the intent for immigration by applying.

[GurkenSalat 48]

Read the instructions! You'll most likely be sending to the Chicago Lockbox, but the instruction packets have the addresses you'll need.

I-20: I didn't send it. Nothing happened.

[AKOL 3]

Read the following and the instructions of forms thoroughly for the process related question

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

You should send in your I-20. I don't know if its necessary but i recommend that you send I-20.

You should maintain your status as F-1 during the process because you are adjusting from F-1 visa.

If something happens.. Well it depends on what you mean by something.

If your case is denied you will not be able to resume your F-1 status because F-1 is a non immigrant visa and you have already shown the intent for immigration by applying.

Someone posted a link to a website (don't remember who or what, but it was to a university website) where they actually stated that: as long as you maintain F1 status (that is continue full time study and so on), you will automatically fall back on your F1 visa if you are denied. Maybe someone else can confirm if this is correct or not?

I am under the impression that as long as you don't break the F1 visa rules, and your F1 and I-20 are still up to date you will remain that status no matter what, until you actually have a green card. Which also makes sense, just because you are getting married and do an AOS doesn't mean you stop attending school.

[GurkenSalat 48]

Someone posted a link to a website (don't remember who or what, but it was to a university website) where they actually stated that: as long as you maintain F1 status (that is continue full time study and so on), you will automatically fall back on your F1 visa if you are denied. Maybe someone else can confirm if this is correct or not?

I am under the impression that as long as you don't break the F1 visa rules, and your F1 and I-20 are still up to date you will remain that status no matter what, until you actually have a green card. Which also makes sense, just because you are getting married and do an AOS doesn't mean you stop attending school.

I don't have a citation, but an international student adviser told me that as well.

[moraaj 3]

Was married for 2.5 years

I worked more than allowed, however went to school as required.

You will use Chicago but your local office will be Bloomington st.paul

I sent my 1-20 with

If marriage is real and you are organized and can answer questions right, the process cant go wrong.

All the best