homeofthelame

As long as you meet the other qualifications required to adjust status, you can adjust based on marriage even if you have overstayed. But the spouse who overstayed MUST not leave the country until the process is complete and they have a green card.

Thank you for your input.. so since he overstayed if we were to get married, he would have to stay here until the process is finished.. about how long does that process take?

But would it be best to be married here or there? I didn't want it to come down to marriage. We have been together 3 years and talk about it I know we will be married just sucks with the circumstances. So which country is better? US vs. VE?

So, which are my best options? To marry here, say I want to marry in the US? Find a voucher? I'm very new to all of this so I'm sorry for the lack of knowledge. I don't know the number and letters to form or anything. He doesn't want to nessicarialy live back in the US but atleast be able to go back and visit my family. He has a job here working for his parents he works for their company. When you say strong ties? What exactly do you mean? Thank so much!

Hi Kristina....Your boyfriend is in a tough situation . I've been dealing with the Embassy in Caracas for a couple of years now trying to get my husband's visa approved. The Embassy sees over 1000 people each day trying to get a tourist visa it's difficult because space outdoors is limited and security is very tight. There's been an influx in tourist requests as more Venezuelans want to leave the country. I can tell you if you decide to get married, you will have an easier time getting a visa. The staff at the Embassy is very helpful to Americans but not so much to Venezuelans. The Embassy will not help you with your boyfriend's tourist visa and instead make him follow the process as a Venezuelan. For a tourist visa, he will need to show strong ties to VE with no intention of staying in the US. If you do decide to marry, I would suggest filing directly at the Embassy. The process is quicker that way and you will be together while you wait. My husband's visa has been put on hold due to his job with the Venezuelan Govt so my timeline is much longer then the average. I'm thinking seriously about moving there until this is completed.....what a change it will be .

Good luck with everything!

HI, thanks so much for the advice. I also sent you a request on skype I know they have an instant message function which could help some. So your husband works for the government. Just curious do you think it's harder for him because of Chavez? I know Chavez isn't thrilled with us "gringos". Just wondering if that could come into play at all. hope to hear soon! thank you

Chao

Hi everyone..

My name is Kristina and I am brand spanking new to this forum. I do have some questions but have no idea where to start. I'll just jump right in.

I am a US Citizen born and raised. I am currently on a tourist visa in Venezuela.

My boyfriend is Venezuelan citizen and has lived in the US for the past 15 years. He orignially went in 1997 on a school visa which lasted 4-5 years because he was full time enrolled in school. He then switched over to a non immigration visa which ran out in 2006 ( because his 10 years on it was up. He got it when he was a minor here in Venezuela) Now we are back in Venezuela to renew all of these things, re new his passport, get a new visa etc. But now we are hearing from others that he will not be able to return to the US. I certainly do not want to live here I want to go back to the US but I for sure don't want to go alone. Is it possible that he will be "stuck" here? We came back to do the right thing and get all of his paperwork taken care of but now we don't know if we regret coming back or what!? We have talked about marriage but it's so hard to find information on line about these things because the internet here in Venezuela is not the best. So this was the smartest fastest way for me to get some ideas. Also when you try to call the embassy they won't talk to you they are snappy and tell you to call back. When you do no one is there * this has happened 4 times already. Any one have any ideas or opinions or advice. It is much needed.

Thank you and god bless.

Chao

Kristina