H1b -> Green Card from spouse who is U.S Citizen

[ndp125]

Hi,
I am in MA and currently on H1b Visa working in the research filed with M.S degree. I will be married in Dec and my spouse is a U.S Citizen. In this scenario what options do I have in terms of Immigration.

Can I continue on H1b as normal
If I have to/wish to change to Green Card what would be the procedure (time/cost)

Any other options ?

-np

 

[dr_lha]

Yes you can continue on H-1B for as long as you can maintain H-1B status, as H-1B is dual intent being married does not affect it.

If you wish to get a green card you will have to file forms I-130 and I-485 (see USCIS website for cost, around $650 total IIRC) and get a medical (whatever your local civil surgeon, for me it cost $250, but it varies a lot from person to person). The process is covered in detail on the USCIS website and elsewhere (e.g. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=i130guide2)

Any other options? Not really. You could file for a Green Card through work, but through marriage is much easier and quicker.

 

[sudhany]

To add to dr_lha's comment: the Boston District Office (which will likely be the office adjudicating your case if you file in Massachusetts) has been processing things very quickly. So you could have your greencard in as few 3 months after you apply. As for costs: the fees for the basic USCIS forms you need to file work out to about $600 altogether; to this add another $200 each if you want to get an employment authorization document and a travel document (though I don't think you would need these two if your H1 continues to be valid). The medical exam varies in cost; I paid $200 for mine in CA. So, all in all, you're looking at about $800 to file for your GC. Of course, if you want to use a lawyer, it will be much more -- say another $2000 to $4000. I didn't use a lawyer, and I must say that everything was pretty straightforward.

All the best!

 

[stbg]

What about I-134, I-131 & I-693 forms??

To add to dr_lha's comment: the Boston District Office (which will likely be the office adjudicating your case if you file in Massachusetts) has been processing things very quickly. So you could have your greencard in as few 3 months after you apply. As for costs: the fees for the basic USCIS forms you need to file work out to about $600 altogether; to this add another $200 each if you want to get an employment authorization document and a travel document (though I don't think you would need these two if your H1 continues to be valid). The medical exam varies in cost; I paid $200 for mine in CA. So, all in all, you're looking at about $800 to file for your GC. Of course, if you want to use a lawyer, it will be much more -- say another $2000 to $4000. I didn't use a lawyer, and I must say that everything was pretty straightforward.

All the best!

Hi,
Are these three forms (I-485, I-130 and I-765) the only forms needed to be submitted for a US citizen husband to sponsor his wife? I understand if there is a need to travel, the form I-131 should be submitted. But what about the Affidavit of Support form - I-134?? Do we need to submit that? Also, don't we have to submit the "Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status" form I-693? For the biographic info, do we wait for the Immigration Department to send us the date and place of getting Fingerprinted???
Any info on whether these other forms should also be submitted is appreciated??

(**Note**: The signature below is the signature for my husband;s timeline to getting citizenship. Still waiting for the Oath Letter there.)

Thanks
stbg