Getting Married?
 

My boyfriend (who is a citizen) definitely suggested that we get married the other day.
Which is great because we're in love and blahblahblah, but I'm curious and scared about what would happen legally? What would the process be like?

He's curious about things like how we would file taxes and such because he is still listed as dependent on his parents. Can someone get married and still file under dependent? Can we just not worry about filing jointly because I don't file taxes?

I entered the US legally when I was 1 1/2 years old and I have a valid SSN. We both are full-time LSU students and neither of us work.

Any advice/tips/insight/CONSTRUCTIVE feedback would be appreciated. :))

Re: Getting Married?
 

Then why the hell are you asking this question there's no problem here..

Re: Getting Married?
 

I suggest you guys find decent jobs if you both ssn. A lot of people work even if they didn't have a chance to get their ssn:)



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Re: Getting Married?
 

You guys have loooong way to go before you can even file the paperwork based upon what you wrote.Simple points in order of importance:

-You must prove EVERYTHING !!!!!

-Saying you entered legally is not enough,you must showcase it.When entering legally one is given a white card upon entry to the US called an I-94.When adjusting through a US citizen immediate relative[[spouse] at the interview stage they require that card or they will direct you to go back to your country to "pick up" the document.In a sense,it is basically self removal because any US embassy will not give such a document considering you have now incurred the immigration bar as it appropriates to the unlawful presence period in the US.

-As Isabel mentioned,you guys should get jobs.The Affidavit of Support is required on his part before filing any application and a source of income showcasing a certain amount every year will be required,not on your part though.Technically,he can ask his parents or friends to add to the Affidavit of support but I think that could cause issues later on considering it is a contract between the Government and the individual[US citizen or Green card holder] that the beneficiary will not resort to public funds and the individuals listed are willing to pay in full for any issue that may arise.College loans I don't believe can be counted as income for the purposes of the Affidavit.This is required and thus if not approved no application can be made.

-You both have to be living in the same residence for the duration of the application process which is 2 years from the start of the application.

-You must prove a *bona fide* relationship with the appropriate evidence and the application will ask for such.It shouldn't be any issue if you've been going out for the time you mentioned.

Re: Getting Married?
 

Does anyone know....if you do get married to a citizen, how long does it take to just get the work authorization? I don't even care about greencard. Just work authorization.

Also, what if you marry a permanent resident? what's the difference?

Re: Getting Married?
 

if married to USC, it will take approximately 3 months from when you file to get work authorization. 3 months on top of that to get greencard (6months total for gc)

i'm not sure about permanent resident though.

Re: Getting Married?
 

Went through the whole process last year with my wife. It's not that much of a headache as you think although it may be if you don't have the money to pay for a lawyer who will guide you through the whole process.

Both my wife and i were students in college at the time we got married, no income whatsoever, and we both lived with our parents. However, for the affidavit of support issue you dont need to be making money as long as you have somebody who can sponser you ( in effect saying that both of you are being sustained by someone else). My wife's father did this for us, he was our sponser. We had no issues whatsoever. We paid around $3500 total in lawer and application fees, so you will definitely need a job if you dont have that kind of money on you now.


Also, it took 3 months for me to get my work authorization card and 6 months for me to get my temporary permanent resident card, all this from the day my application was submitted to USCIS.

The interview was not what i expected it to be as well, it went rather pleasant in all honesty. The fact that both my wife and i had been accepted into a chemistry PhD program brought great respect from the immigration officer so having an education is a plus. He hardly asked us about our relationship, he only asked about 3 questions about us. The rest was just verification of facts on our application, he didnt even read through 20% of the supporting evidence we submitted and he mostly focused on that the application was fillled correctly.

Dont even consider this if you cant even imagine yourself waking up next to your significant other for the next 50-75 yrs lol. Good luck!

Re: Getting Married?
 

Nice, you are the lucky guy. My girlfriend's families don't think i am really love my GF since i am undocumented, and they tho i have my own purpose (gain the Green card), so her families told her don't married with undocumented person because they all not real! but at my side, i love my girlfriend a lot more then she love me!! she still holds the green card and will apply for citizenship next year!! i knew her almost 8 years and families issue affect both of us!!! how sad!! sigh!!!

Re: Getting Married?
 

alright thanks. i would never just get married for papers though. I can't do that.

Another question though. How long does it take to get work authorization/GC if my brother sponsors me when he is 21? He is USC. thanks

Re: Getting Married?
 

Timeline varies on location of the processing applicant.I've seen some mention they have even gotten adjustment interviews before EADs but 3 months is typical right now.

There are big differences based on the family categories as the spouse of a US citizen vs. that of a permanent resident IF you are a visa overstay.The biggest differences:

US citizen spouse:
-Visa numbers being immediately available,hence why they are able to adjust within such a short amount of time.
-Unlawful presence is administratively forgiven when the applicant is simply a visa overstay.

Green card spouse:
-Current visa numbers indicate a 3 1/2 year wait before a visa number becomes available.Approx. an over 4 year wait can be expected.
-Unlawful presence is NOT forgiven on US soil through a Permanent resident applicant thus you cannot gain the benefit here.......unless under 245i.USCIS would request you basically "pick up" the document in your country of citizenship...basically self removal.

That would depend on your country of origin but that can be anywhere from just over 11 years-23 years based on your current nationality.You also cannot gain an adjustment interview on US soil as unlawful presence is not forgiven through sibling petitions......unless covered under 245i.