Big dilema! Won GC 2008, but my girlfriend has not! Which possibilities do we have?

[juul]

Hi all,

I have received a NL a couple of months ago and expect having my interview within a couple of months (hopefully...) My girlfriend and I are currently unmarried and, as far as I know right now, the only way for her to move with me to the US, will be for us to marry within the next couple of months. Until now, this has led to some discussions between us. Before we are going to get married we want to have a look at all the other possibilities for her to live and work legally in the US and to stay longer than (at least) 3 months. Would somebody be able to help me please? Would the following be an option?

My girlfriend graduated this year for her Master study (Media & Culture, Master of Arts). Would it be possible for her to do some kind of a trainee ship or an internship with an American company even without being registered with any University (because of her graduation this year) on a J1 visa? If so, would it be possible for her to search for an internship or trainee ship on a tourist visa?

I hope someone can give me useful information! In the meanwhile, I am keeping my fingers crossed for EU case no. to get current. Good luck to all!

Thnx in advance!
Juul

 

[bmchris]

Congratulations!

I don't think so. I was on a J-1 with a University, and immediately took a research position with that University. They switched me to an F-1 visa immediately. She should try and find a position with the University.

Alternatively, a US company could sponsor an H1-B for her. I don't suggest that you marry her just for the green card - divorce is a serious possible consequence.

 

[GotPR?]

Just remember if she took J1 path, she must maintain her status on her own at least next 5 - 6 years, no matter what.
H1 is like applying for lottery nowadays and there is no guarantee that she can get it even though she found a sponsor.

 

[asd22]

just get merried, go to usa togather, devorce there after geting GC, and later when you think it is 'the right time' for merriage get merried again.
just kidding, but sounds logical

 

[Tazmania]

Marry her before the interview or go for a new girlfriend in the US

 

[juul]

Thnx for all the (serious?) answers guys!

just get merried, go to usa togather, devorce there after geting GC, and later when you think it is 'the right time' for merriage get merried again.
just kidding, but sounds logical

To be honoust this sounds logical and I do not even think this would be a stupid idea, but do you think this would be possible? Isn't there a minimumperiod of being married after you have received a GC?

 

[LucyMO]

however, if the consular officer decides that you married her for the purpose of her getting a GC, you and she will be barred from the US forever.

 

[GotPR?]

I have no idea why you have to go through such complication. if you want to marry, then marry. if not, they stay unmarried.
Technically, it's the same type of fraud that Russian woman in LA got arrested for some time ago. Only difference is whether two persons know each other or not.

 

[asd22]

just get merried, go to usa togather, devorce there after geting GC, and later when you think it is 'the right time' for merriage get merried again.
just kidding, but sounds logical

however, if the consular officer decides that you married her for the purpose of her getting a GC, you and she will be barred from the US forever.

It does not sounds so logical anymore, dont you think.

I have no idea why you have to go through such complication. if you want to marry, then marry. if not, they stay unmarried.

This is probably the best answer to your question.

 

[bmchris]

Here's a question probably worth pondering, what if things had been reversed, she had won, and you hadn't. What would she have done?