Can I get married while visa renewal is pending?

[sarahc123 0]

I'm in the US on an O-1 visa. I've had it since 2018 and it now needs to be renewed/extended annually. Currently I'm waiting to hear if the next 1-year extension will be granted. My visa has actually expired, but because I submitted the extension application prior to the visa expiration date I'm still here legally. My question is whether I can get married right now, while the my I-129 for the O-1 is pending review. The rush is that we want to submit I-130 and I-485 right away after the O-1 is approved (which I think it will be) so that I have a full year left on the visa. I'm trying to avoid an interruption in work. Thanks for any help and apologies if this is the wrong spot for this question. 

[Boiler 43,636]

Yes

[pushbrk 12,186]

18 hours ago, sarahc123 said:

I'm in the US on an O-1 visa. I've had it since 2018 and it now needs to be renewed/extended annually. Currently I'm waiting to hear if the next 1-year extension will be granted. My visa has actually expired, but because I submitted the extension application prior to the visa expiration date I'm still here legally. My question is whether I can get married right now, while the my I-129 for the O-1 is pending review. The rush is that we want to submit I-130 and I-485 right away after the O-1 is approved (which I think it will be) so that I have a full year left on the visa. I'm trying to avoid an interruption in work. Thanks for any help and apologies if this is the wrong spot for this question. 

Certainly.

[Chancy 6,233]

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures to AOS from Work/Student/Tourist Visas forum -- OP will go through AOS, not spouse visa process ***

 

[OldUser 5,038]

Yes, you can get married any time.

 

On 10/16/2023 at 10:54 PM, sarahc123 said:

My question is whether I can get married right now, while the my I-129 for the O-1 is pending review. The rush is that we want to submit I-130 and I-485 right away after the O-1 is approved (which I think it will be) so that I have a full year left on the visa. I'm trying to avoid an interruption in work.

Be careful framing your reasons like this, especially during interview. I hope you're marrying because of love, and not for immigration status? Marrying for immigration benefits is fraud.

Edited November 17, 2023 by OldUser

[sarahc123 0]

I stated that this is the reason for the timing of the wedding, not for the marriage itself. What a rude and insulting comment. And frankly, just bizarre. Absolutely nothing I said implied that I was getting married for immigration benefits and not for love. 

Edited November 17, 2023 by sarahc123
My original comment was incomplete.

[OldUser 5,038]

16 minutes ago, sarahc123 said:

I stated that this is the reason for the timing of the wedding, not for the marriage itself. What a rude and insulting comment. And frankly, just bizarre. Absolutely nothing I said implied that I was getting married for immigration benefits and not for love. 

I am sorry you found it offensive, I'm giving a warning so you don't get into trouble during your immigration journey. By no any means I meant to accuse you, but USCIS may if you give them an answer like this. Good luck!

Edited November 17, 2023 by OldUser