If you’re looking to marry a US girl, you’ll need to meet certain requirements before you can move forward. Depending on your immigration status, you may need to apply for a K-1 fiancé visa, which allows a foreign national to enter the US in order to marry a US citizen.
The visa applicant will need to fill out and submit a meticulous petition, providing proof that the marriage will be bona-fide as well as proof that each person is legally free to marry. You’ll also be required to provide documentation such as passport photos, birth certificates, and proof of financial support.
You’ll need to attend an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate during which an official will review your documentation, ask you questions to assess the legitimacy of the marriage, and verify that you’re not inadmissible for any reason.
If approved, you’ll be granted a visa, which you and the US girl must use to enter the United States to get married. Once you are in the US, you and your fiancée must get married within 90 days before the visa expires, or you’ll face removal proceedings.
After the marriage, your new spouse can apply for a green card and permanent residency, and if approved you’ll be authorized to remain and work in the US.
What happens if you marry an American citizen?
If you marry an American citizen, you could potentially become a lawful permanent resident (a green card holder) of the United States with the proper paperwork and evidence. You and your spouse would need to file a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, along with supporting documents such as a birth or marriage certificate.
Once this form and all necessary documents are filed, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review the petition to determine if it meets the legal requirements. If approved, you will be given a conditional permanent residency status that is valid for two years.
During that time, you and your spouse will need to file a joint petition to remove the condition on your permanent residency status. After the petition is approved, you will be eligible to apply to become a U.
S. citizen.
Do you automatically get citizenship if you marry an American?
No, marrying an American does not automatically confer citizenship. While the process of becoming a citizen through marriage to an American is relatively fast, as compared to other pathways to U. S. citizenship like employment, investment or family-based immigration, it still requires a series of steps.
The primary steps for a non-citizen to obtain U. S. citizenship through marriage to an American citizen include filing a visa petition for the alien spouse, applying for an immigrant visa through a U.
S. consulate abroad, applying for lawful permanent residence (a green card) and subsequently applying for naturalization. These steps typically take several years and involve a considerable amount of paperwork and legal fees.
In order to begin the process, the petitioning American citizen must prove they are a citizen and prove to the U. S. government that the marriage is valid. This involves showing evidence like marriage photos, documents, and joint bank accounts, and the couple will usually be interviewed by a USCIS officer.
Additionally, the foreign spouse must demonstrate an understanding of the U. S. Constitution and be of good moral character. The process must be completed successfully for the foreign spouse to obtain citizenship.
Can I stay in America if I marry an American?
Yes, you can stay in America if you marry an American. By entering into a marriage, you can obtain permanent residency, also known as a Green Card. In order to obtain a Green Card, you and your spouse will need to submit an I-130 petition, which is a form that documents the legal marriage.
This form will also be used for your application for a Green Card. You and your American spouse will be required to attend an interview with a US immigration official to assess the validity of your marriage and in order to provide additional evidence of the legal union.
After the interview and approval of your I-130, you will receive a Green Card, enabling you to live, study and work in the US.
Obtaining a Green Card through marriage also makes you eligible for citizenship after a period of three years. If you wish to apply for US citizenship, you will have to provide evidence of your marriage and proof of residence in the US for the last three years.
You and your spouse will also have to attend an interview in order to provide additional evidence of your legal union and the validity of your relationship. Upon approval, you will be given a certificate of citizenship, granting you the same rights and privileges of a US-born citizen.
Overall, obtaining permanent residency and citizenship through marriage is possible in America. However, a legal marriage must be provided along with sufficient evidence of the relationship to avoid any suspicion or denial of your application for a Green Card or citizenship.
How long do you have to stay married for green card?
The period of time that couples must remain married in order to receive a green card (or lawful permanent residence) depends on several factors including which country the immigrant is from, if either spouse has ever been married before, and whether the immigrant is applying for the green card through employment or family petitions.
Generally speaking, couples must stay married and remain living together for at least three years in order to be eligible for lawful permanent residence. This is true regardless of whether the immigrant applied for a green card through family or employment petitions.
After the three-year period has elapsed, the couple must file an I-751 Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence. This can be done as early as 90 days before the end of the third year of marriage and must be done within 90 days of the green card expiring.
In certain situations, couples do not have to wait three years. Immigrants from select countries may be able to receive an immediate green card if the marriage occurred within two years of entering the United States.
Immigrants who have previously been married may also qualify for an immediate green card depending on the circumstances.
Ultimately, the length of time that couples need to remain married for a green card depends on the individual situation and any special circumstances that exist. To determine the particular requirements for a specific individual, it is best to consult with an immigration attorney.
Can undocumented immigrants get married in the US?
Yes, undocumented immigrants can get married in the US. Just like any other legal resident or citizen, they can go through the processes required to obtain a marriage license in the state in which they live.
Depending on the state, these processes can include the bride and groom going together to sign the license, and providing a valid form of ID, proof of residence, and sometimes blood tests. However, those who are attempting to do so should be aware that if the marriage is found to be illegal and in bad faith, it can have consequences, such as possible deportation and other legal ramifications.
Therefore, it is important for those who are undocumented to work with an experienced immigration attorney to make sure that the marriage will be valid and recognized.
Can you legally marry an immigrant?
Yes, you can legally marry an immigrant in the United States. In order to marry an immigrant, you must ensure that the marriage is legally valid and both parties involved meet the requirements of their respective state or the state in which you plan to wed.
In the United States, each state has its own laws that determine the requirements for getting married. Generally, this includes establishing a valid form of identification, marrying within the state where the ceremony is held, and signing a marriage license.
It is possible to marry an immigrant who has a valid visa or permanent residence status, whether they are under a United States visa or a visa sponsored by another country. If the immigrant is in the United States on a visa, additional requirements may apply.
For example, certain visas may require the bride or groom to prove that they have a longer-term plan for their marriage and that the marriage is not intended for the purpose of obtaining rights to remain in the country.
To learn the specific requirements for getting married in your state, you may wish to consult a family law attorney who is knowledgeable about marriage laws.
Does marrying an American guarantee citizenship?
No, marrying an American does not guarantee citizenship. Even if you are married to a US citizen, you must go through several steps in order to become a US citizen. You must first be eligible for a green card or permanent residence, either through the marriage or through another immigration program.
Then, you must complete a lengthy immigration application process, submit all necessary supporting documents, and attend an immigration interview to prove you are eligible for immigration benefits. In addition, you must pass background and security checks, and prove you are able to speak and understand English.
Finally, you will be required to attend a naturalization ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and become a US citizen.
Do I keep my green card after divorce?
Yes, as long as your green card is still valid, you will not lose it due to divorce. Your green card will be valid until the expiration date stated on the card and won’t be affected by a divorce. Although you may have to take additional steps to update your legal name and address if you get a divorce after you were granted your green card.
Once you receive your final divorce decree, you can submit an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) to switch your name to your maiden name. If you have recently moved, you should also update your address on your Resident Card, which can be done on the same form.
The filing fee for Form I-90 is $455, unless you qualify for a fee waiver.
What visa do you get after marrying a U.S. citizen?
If you are looking to marry a U. S. citizen and gain legal status in the U. S. , you will need to obtain a marriage-based visa. A marriage-based visa is a document that grants immigrant status to foreign citizens who have married a U.
S. citizen. It is a two-step process that begins with filing a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS will evaluate the petition and, if approved, will then forward a visa package to the applicant.
The applicant must then file an Immigrant Visa Application with the U. S. Department of State (DoS). When approved, the applicant will be scheduled for an immigrant visa interview at the U. S. embassy or consulate closest to their place of residence.
Once approved, the immigrant will receive permission to legally stay in the U. S. as a permanent resident, along with a conditional green card. After two years, the spouse of the U. S. citizen may file an application to remove the conditions and obtain a permanent green card.
It is important to note that the foreign spouse of the U. S. citizen must be properly documented before they can enter the U. S. with a valid marriage-based visa. Failure to do so can result in removal proceedings.
Can I overstay my visa in USA if I get married?
The answer to this question depends on the type of visa you have. Generally speaking, it is not recommended that you overstay your visa in the US if you get married, even if you plan on applying for marriage-based immigration.
It is important to note that if you overstay your visa in the US, it can have an adverse effect on your potential immigration application, as the US government may see it as an intentional attempt to stay in the country without legal permission.
Additionally, if you overstay your visa and then apply for a change of status in the US, your application may be denied due to the violation of your visa status. Therefore, it is best to make sure your visa is in order and valid before traveling to the US.
If you wish to apply for marriage-based immigration, it is recommended to do so from your home country.
Can you stay in the US while waiting for marriage green card?
Yes, you can stay in the US while waiting for your marriage green card. This is possible because, when you file for a marriage green card, you may also be eligible for a Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
This status allows you to remain in the US until a decision is made on your green card application. During this time, you will be able to work and travel using an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
It is important to note that, while the decision is pending, you are allowed to live and work in the US; however, you must remain married to the U. S. citizen or lawful permanent resident in order to be eligible for this status and potential permanent residency.
Once the application has been approved, you must arrange for a visa interview at a U. S. Embassy or consulate in order to receive your actual green card.
How do you protect yourself when marrying a foreigner?
When marrying a foreigner, the best way to protect yourself is to take the necessary precautions and be aware of any potential financial, cultural, and legal implications. It is important to do some thorough research on the other person, their home country, their culture, and its traditions.
Additionally, it is important to understand the laws and regulations of your own country, as well as the laws and regulations of the other person’s home country, in order to ensure that both parties are protected in the event of a disagreement.
It is also important to consider any financial implications of the marriage. This includes discussing and agreeing upon financial arrangements, property agreements, and any applicable taxes. It is also essential to review any prenuptial agreements and ensure that both parties understand their rights and obligations.
To protect yourself, it is also a good idea to have a third party, such as a lawyer or mediator, to help guide and advise both parties before entering into a marriage contract. This can help resolve any potential issues or disputes while ensuring that both parties enter into the marriage agreement with an understanding of the consequences.
The marriage process is also an important factor to consider. Be aware of any customs and considerations in both countries that might affect the marriage process. It is helpful to consult with a qualified lawyer to understand any potential legal implications of a marriage and to recognize any potential issues that could arise.
In summary, the best way to protect yourself when marrying a foreigner is to do thorough research, consider all financial and legal implications, consult with an experienced professional, and be aware of any cultural or national considerations that may apply.
This will ensure that both parties are protected should any disagreements or issues arise.
Does marrying a U.S. citizen make you legal?
No, marrying a U. S. Citizen does not automatically make you a legal citizen. In order to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States you must obtain permanent resident status through a process known as Adjustment of Status.
This process requires that you meet certain eligibility requirements and undergo a background check. In order to be eligible for Adjustment of Status, you must have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States and be able to prove you have a valid marriage with a U.
S. citizen, have a valid and current visa, and have not violated the immigration laws of the U. S. Additionally, married couples must attend an immigration interview together where they must demonstrate their marriage is real and valid.
If successfully approved, a marriage-based green card will be provided which grants permanent resident status to the foreign spouse. It may also be possible to become a lawful permanent resident through other routes outside of marriage to a U.
S. Citizen. The process and requirements can vary so it is important to contact an experienced immigration attorney if you would like to explore these options.