Marriage to a U.S. citizen alone does not grant you any immigration benefits. It will likely make you eligible for immigration benefits, but you must file the necessary paperwork with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in order to secure the right to remain in the United States.
You have the option of becoming a U.S. permanent resident (getting your "green card"). The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has excellent information on their website. We suggest that you read the following pages:
Read this information, then write down your questions. You should also review all of the instructions for the forms you must submit. The instructions include important information not found elsewhere about how to complete each form as well as the numerous supporting documents you will be required to submit with some of the forms. Be sure to write down any questions you have about the forms or the documents you must submit with the forms.
If you hold J status and are subject to the two-year home residency requirement, you must fulfill that requirement or obtain a waiver before you can file for permanent residence.
We advise you to contact an attorney who practices immigration law, schedule an appointment, and bring your list of questions to the meeting.
Generally any lawyer who specializes in the state of Connecticut in immigration law and who has passed the bar exam should be able to assist you in the process. Another great way to get a feel for a "good lawyer" could be through local friends and family in the U.S. who have experience with specific lawyers in the area.
We can provide information and advising regarding your F-1 or J-1 status, but we cannot assist you in filing any paperwork related to your permanent residence application. If you marry a U.S. citizen, you should seek the advice of an immigration attorney.
We need to know if your immigration status changes.
No. You are not required to apply for permanent residence, unless you plan to reside in the U.S. on a permanent basis.
Yes. However, you should seek the advice from an attorney regarding this procedure, as it is a very long process.
Yes.
It depends. Please contact registrar's office for more information.
You may. We recommend that you seek the advice of your immigration attorney regarding this matter.
Once you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may have difficulties returning to the United States because the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (USCBP) may think you have the intent to immigrate to the United States to be with your U.S. citizen spouse. This is not permitted for individuals in F-1 or J-1 status.
Also, if you chose to file paperwork to become a permanent resident while in the United States (Adjustment of Status), you cannot travel on your F or J visa. Doing so would cause your I-485 Application to Adjust Status to Permanent Resident to be abandoned and denied. Instead, you will need to file an I-131 Application for Advance Parole and wait for it to be approved. You can travel freely during the validity period of your Advance Parole document.
If you have any problems with your F or J status, you should speak with an immigration attorney before filing any applications or before traveling abroad.
Contrary to popular belief, individuals may not enter the country as a "visitor" (B visa or Visa Waiver Program) with the intent to file for permanent residence while in the United States. Doing so may constitute fraud and could create serious consequences for future immigration benefits. If you have let your F or J status lapse or it is close to expiring, you should seek the counsel of an immigration attorney before taking any steps to remedy the situation.
ECSU will keep your SEVIS record in "Active" status until of the following events:
Although we will keep your record in Active status until one of these events occurs, the USCIS may still find that you have violated your status if you take certain steps as part of your Adjustment application. Speak with an immigration attorney if you are concerned that an action may lead to a violation of status.
You should remain a full-time student at ECSU until your attorney advises you otherwise.
Yes, as long as you are maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status you can continue to work on ECSU's campus. If you do not maintain your F-1 or J-1 status, then you should consult with your attorney regarding your eligibility to work.
