steps for spouse

[jili_2004]

I got my GC last year and I plan to get married soon. She graduated
from a U and she is in OPT which will expire in coming Sept. Could
someone tell me what exact steps (I485, ead etc.) we should go through? Can she still look for a job after this sept (we will start the application soon)? What is the lawyer cost for this kind of case? THanks a lot in advance.

 

[nkm-oct23]

Originally posted by jili_2004
I got my GC last year and I plan to get married soon. She graduated
from a U and she is in OPT which will expire in coming Sept. Could
someone tell me what exact steps (I485, ead etc.) we should go through? Can she still look for a job after this sept (we will start the application soon)? What is the lawyer cost for this kind of case? Thanks a lot in advance.

After you get married you need to file I-130, immigrant petition for alien relative. Then wait for 5-7 years for your turn in the line (there is an annual quota for spouses of GC holders). If you acquire US citizenship then she will no longer be subject to quotas and the time taken will be just be the processing time ( 1-1½ years).
The only way your wife can continue to stay in US legally is to get into H1 or L1 status.Otherwise she will have to leave US until her immigrant visa is approved.