F-1 visa holder apply for GC through marriage

Z

zhuotwu

New Member
I'm a F-1 visa holder and in my first year of a 5-year PhD program. I married a US citizen last Dec. and want to apply for GC now.

Should I submit all the forms (I-130, G-325A or G-325?, I-864, I-485, I-765, I-131, I-693) to Chicago lockbox together? (I'm in AZ)

I'm a student, do I need to submit I-765 for employment? (I'm a fellowship student)

Should I get any visa number or file number (in G-325A) before I submit the files?

For the I-693, I should make a appointment with a local USCIS Civil Surgeon and have an examination before I turn in the form?

My husband and I bought a car together and on the same insurance policy, should I make copies of this and submit? What other supporting materials should I submit to help in the process? Any photos will help?

Thanks
:confused:
 
1. Yes, all forms go to the Chicago lockbox, but follow the instructions on the forms which have been changing. Here is a step by step guide for how to assemble your packet.

2. Since it's free with your application, it doesn't hurt to apply for I-765. But my understanding is that the GC application doesn't invalidate your F-1 status so you don't have to use the EAD for your on campus employment.

3. If you mean the A#, this will be assigned to you after you submit the forms. If you have a current visa it'll have a number on it that you need to enter on one of the forms. I think it's a number in red but don't trust my memory on that.

4. Yes, you have to submit I-693 with the application as initial evidence. The civil surgeon will fill in I-693 + vaccination supplement and give it to you in a sealed envelope for submission.

5. Submit whatever evidence you have at this point. Insurance is a good idea, joint bank accounts, joint savings bonds. A couple scans of pictures if you like, but you're expected to bring photo albums to your interview later (you'll need a ton of evidence by the time you have your interview).

Good luck!
 
Thanks very much.

I talked to my husband about it tonight, and we both think that I've only been here for half a year and we've been only married for 1 month, is it better to apply for a GC later like after 2 years that I can get a permanent one? (my F-1 visa should allow me to stay here for 5 years for my PhD study)
 
Yes, that's a good idea, if you plan on meeting the requirements of your F-1 visa until then (full time course of study, limited work ability ... you may also want to check on residency requirements for tuition if you have to pay any international tuition). Waiting will give you a permanent GC right away and you can avoid the extra step of removing the condition (I-751) two years later.

However, be careful; the F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa. If you travel and re-enter on your F-1 visa your intent may be questioned if you apply for AOS (shortly) thereafter. Safest would be to avoid situations where you have to reaffirm your nonimmigrant intent until you're ready to file for AOS. If you want to meet the 2 year marriage requirement at the time of I-485 approval, probably don't apply before Oct 2009 time frame.
 
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Is I-693 the Medical Exam a required document that needs to be submitted along with the original I-485 application or can that be submitted later?
 
It's required to be submitted with the I-485. If it's not submitted, an RFE will probably be issued asking for the I-693 some time during the processing of I-485. But there's not much of a point to submit this I-485 application incomplete unless for specific circumstances such as when someone's legal status is about to expire.
 
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