fanbladeswinger

My spouse already has a tourist visa to come to the U.S. However, we'd been told by a lawyer that once I begin the CR1 process with submission of the I-130, my spouse may be turned away from entering the U.S. by American customs officials. They would have to wait until they receive their green card in order to come to the U.S.

A few weeks ago, my spouse came the the U.S. and we got married. They arrived on a valid tourist visa, and afterwards returned to Croatia. During their visit here, they had several positive meetings with a local university about doing a post-doc fellowship. University officials informed them that they would have an opening this autumn and they would recommend my spouse for the position. My spouse is currently working at a University in Croatia, and their work contract there will end in January.

When I officially apply to bring them to join me in the U.S., I've heard that the form I would have to fill out (I-130) will take 10- 12 months to be completed, and during that time my spouse would not be able to visit or work in the U.S. However, we are now wondering if we should wait to see if they are offered the post-doc position, and sponsorship, by the local university and then adjust their status once they're in the U.S. Is this doable? What is the wisest choice here?