What is the fastest way to get my girlfriend to the US?
I have a green card and recently left my girlfriend, who is a citizen of Switzerland. What is the fastest way to get her here? Do I have to wait to get my citizenship first before I can file for her to come to the US?
Answered By: Law Offices of James C. Bechler, A.P.C.
The best way to get your girlfriend an immigrant visa and green card, is to get your citizenship first, and then petition her for a K-1 fiance visa.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/25/2010
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/25/2010
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Law Office of Jack C. Sung
You can only file for immigrant visa petition for your wife if you are a green card holder. Therefore, you must marry her first. If you do not want to do that just yet, then you must wait until you become a US citizen, then you can apply for a fiancee visa for her (K-1 visa) and she can come into the US on that visa to get married to you.
If you do not want to wait for your naturalization, I suggest that you marry your girlfriend in Switzerland and submit the immigrant visa petition for her. As a green card spouse, the priority date should take about 10 months to become current, judging by current visa bulletin. When the priority date is reached, she will be able to get a spouse visa in Switzerland to come to the United States. The process may take up to 2 years, including processing time.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/25/2010
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
If you do not want to wait for your naturalization, I suggest that you marry your girlfriend in Switzerland and submit the immigrant visa petition for her. As a green card spouse, the priority date should take about 10 months to become current, judging by current visa bulletin. When the priority date is reached, she will be able to get a spouse visa in Switzerland to come to the United States. The process may take up to 2 years, including processing time.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/25/2010
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answered By: Pacifica Legal Services
The short answer is that you have to be engaged, and you need to be a citizen. While you can file for her as a legal resident, if you marry, she would have to wait until her priority date emerges for her to apply for adjustment of status. If you want to discuss it further, you may call or e-mail me.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/25/2010
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/25/2010
Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.
More Questions on Immigration
- When can I apply for visa to the USA if I overstayed 10 months?(1/14/2012)
- What is the quickest way to immigrate from Belgium to the US?(12/8/2011)
- Will it be okay if my dad and another relative file an affidavit of support for my husband?(12/8/2011)
- How do children of immigrants attain citizenship?(12/8/2011)
- How can I get my son's documents done if I become a US naturalized citizen three years ago?(12/8/2011)
- Will the age difference affect petition for permanent residency?(12/8/2011)
- What are my chances to get a green card despite my husband's record?(12/8/2011)
- Where should I marry my fiance for immigration purposes?(11/9/2011)
- What can I do to appeal a denied status change?(11/9/2011)
- Can I submit a petition for my husband after he is deported?(11/9/2011)
- How can I bring my nine year old nephew to the US if his mother died?(11/9/2011)
- What can I do if I want to help fix my husband's papers that is protected under the law 245I?(11/9/2011)
- Can I change my B1/B2 visa so that I can work in the United States?(11/9/2011)
- Can he file for a work permit while his immigration petition is in process?(11/9/2011)
- How can I keep my green card valid?(11/9/2011)
- Can I still work on my immigration to the US even if I was previously deported?(11/9/2011)
- Can my boyfriend become legal without being deported?(11/9/2011)
- Can my parents get a visa when I have F1 visa?(11/9/2011)
- Can we get a fiancé visa so that my boyfriend can come back and get his citizenship?(11/9/2011)
- How long does it take for an immigration process to be completed?(11/9/2011)
