My husband and I are recently married in the US, I am on an e-2 visa

[jh431 0]

I'm looking for advice on where to find legal counsel to support in filing for my transition from an E-2 to a conditional green card, does anyone have any recommendations? 

 

Ideally, I would prefer someone who has dealt with this type of visa transition before, with a recent track record of successful filings. 

 

Thank you in advance 

Edited Thursday at 06:38 PM by jh431
Adding more clarity

[milimelo 4,988]

Well this is a DIY forum. If you need legal counsel, google immigration lawyers. You came on e-2 - ask the lawyer who helped you with it? 

[Boiler 48,577]

www.aila.org

[appleblossom 5,706]

5 hours ago, jh431 said:

I'm looking for advice on where to find legal counsel to support in filing for my transition from an E-2 to a conditional green card, does anyone have any recommendations? 

 

Ideally, I would prefer someone who has dealt with this type of visa transition before, with a recent track record of successful filings. 

 

Thank you in advance 

Any specific reason you think you need a lawyer? 

[OldUser 11,211]

This visa transition is pretty similar to transition from J-1, B-2, H1-B etc.

[Bob in Boston 796]

Hi, Old User is correct. I think it will be hard to find someone in your circumstanceson here as I have not seen it before (6+ years). I googledit and This is what AI sent. Give you a little direction to follow

 

AI Overview

 

Yes, if you are on an E-2 visa and marry a U.S. citizen, 

you can generally adjust your status (apply for a green card) from within the U.S. by filing Form I-485, because you entered legally, but you must have a bona fide marriage, and it creates a conflict with your E-2's non-immigrant intent, so it's crucial to work with an experienced immigration lawyer to navigate the process and prove your marriage is genuine, not just for immigration. 

Key Considerations & Steps:

1. Legal Entry is Key: Since the E-2 is a lawful, non-immigrant visa, you can use your legal entry to apply for adjustment of status as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen.
2. File Forms I-130 & I-485: Your U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), and you file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
3. Bona Fide Marriage: You must prove your marriage is real, not just for immigration, which is where the E-2's investor intent conflicts with permanent residency intent.
4. No Travel (Initially): You generally cannot travel outside the U.S. after applying for adjustment of status until your Advance Parole document (employment authorization/travel permit) is approved, as it could be seen as abandoning your application, though rules can be complex.
5. Potential Conflicts: Marriage suggests you want to stay, contradicting the E-2's requirement to leave, so lawyers help manage this tension, often advising against travel. 

Important Caveats:

• Misrepresentation: Entering on an E-2 with the secret intent to marry and stay can be seen as misrepresentation.
• Consult an Attorney: This is a complex area; getting legal advice from an immigration lawyer experienced with E-2s and marriage-based green cards is essential. 

In summary, marriage to a U.S. citizen provides a path to a green card, but you need to manage the transition carefully with legal guidance, especially given the E-2 visa's specific conditions. 

Good Luck!

Edited 14 hours ago by Bob in Boston

[Boiler 48,577]

We have a whole forum covering this very situation

[TBoneTX 49,009]

Very general rule:  take all AI answers with a grain of salt.