illogicist

Thank you both for the info - it's very reassuring. I did not know about the volunteering option, and it's something I may explore while looking for a full-time job. I'm an economics major so it might be difficult to find something in that field, but worth a shot certainly.

Hi everyone

I am an F1 visa holder with OPT. My OPT began Jan 25th, and it gives me 3 months to find a job. I have been with my US-citizen girlfriend for a long time and we are planning to get married. 'When' is not a problem - we can get married tomorrow if need be. But I am worried about gaining permanent residence status - specifically, I worry that I have left it too late, and that I may have to leave the country, even if we get married (under the assumption that I am unable to find employment). Can anyone tell me the process here? If my OPT expires April 25th, and I were to get married, say, tomorrow, what forms would I need to file? Would I be able to stay in the country until these forms are processed, even beyond April 25th?

Thanks, much appreciated.