L1 visa married to USC

[uscitizen08 0]

Hi Friends,

I am currently working in California, US on L1-B visa. I am planning to marry my girlfriend who is an US citizen by end of this month in US only.

Most of my questions are answered in this link. But I want to confirm few things.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=91174

1) After marriage, I can apply for AOS, get EAD (approximately 5 months).

2) But I can still continue with my current employer without any issue. Nothing would change as usual I work & travel to India.

3) If I change my job, my L1 status would be changed to "Pending AOS". I have my L1 till 2010 & can be extended for another 3 years. Let’s say in future, if there are any issues getting GC, I would be in trouble to work/stay here.

4) How long does it takes to get confirmed whether you are approved for your GC or not?

5) Should I wait till I get my Green Card confirmation or change job with EAD?

6) When can I start the form procedures?

7) Any link with detailed form procedures?

8) Should I hire an attorney?

Any help would be appreciated.

[payxibka 10,047]

Hi Friends,

I am currently working in California, US on L1-B visa. I am planning to marry my girlfriend who is an US citizen by end of this month in US only.

Most of my questions are answered in this link. But I want to confirm few things.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=91174

1) After marriage, I can apply for AOS, get EAD (approximately 5 months).

2) But I can still continue with my current employer without any issue. Nothing would change as usual I work & travel to India.

3) If I change my job, my L1 status would be changed to "Pending AOS". I have my L1 till 2010 & can be extended for another 3 years. Let’s say in future, if there are any issues getting GC, I would be in trouble to work/stay here.

4) How long does it takes to get confirmed whether you are approved for your GC or not?

5) Should I wait till I get my Green Card confirmation or change job with EAD?

6) When can I start the form procedures?

7) Any link with detailed form procedures?

8) Should I hire an attorney?

Any help would be appreciated.

1) Yes

2) Once you submit an I-485, I have heard your L-1 status ceases, however I am not 100% sure

3) If your L-1 changes to "pending" and you do not have EAD then you are not work authorized

4) EAD can be 60-90 days typical... Green card can be 5 mos to 3 yrs, with about 6 months typical

5) EAD is valid work authorization, change as you desire

6) As soon as you are married and have the required evidence to submit

7) Guides section has some helpful info

8) Personal choice

[Rosie74 0]

Hi Friends,

I am currently working in California, US on L1-B visa. I am planning to marry my girlfriend who is an US citizen by end of this month in US only.

Most of my questions are answered in this link. But I want to confirm few things.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=91174

1) After marriage, I can apply for AOS, get EAD (approximately 5 months).

2) But I can still continue with my current employer without any issue. Nothing would change as usual I work & travel to India.

3) If I change my job, my L1 status would be changed to "Pending AOS". I have my L1 till 2010 & can be extended for another 3 years. Let’s say in future, if there are any issues getting GC, I would be in trouble to work/stay here.

4) How long does it takes to get confirmed whether you are approved for your GC or not?

5) Should I wait till I get my Green Card confirmation or change job with EAD?

6) When can I start the form procedures?

7) Any link with detailed form procedures?

8) Should I hire an attorney?

Any help would be appreciated.

Hello Uscitizen08, I'm in you same exact situation so let me try to help you with your questions:

1) After marriage, I can apply for AOS, get EAD (approximately 5 months). You can apply any time after you get married

2) But I can still continue with my current employer without any issue. Nothing would change as usual I work & travel to India. Correct, nothing will change and you will still be able to work under your L1-B visa

3) If I change my job, my L1 status would be changed to "Pending AOS". I have my L1 till 2010 & can be extended for another 3 years. Let’s say in future, if there are any issues getting GC, I would be in trouble to work/stay here. Your L1 status will still be in effect even after you file for AOS. Unlike most visas, L1 holders can still keep the L1 status and travel as usual while their AOS application is pending.

4) How long does it takes to get confirmed whether you are approved for your GC or not? Anything from 4 months to over a year..

5) Should I wait till I get my Green Card confirmation or change job with EAD? You cannot change jobs on L1 (I'm sure you know that) but you can on EAD, so if you plan to change employer, file your EAD with AOS. Keep in mind though, that if you use the EAD, your L1 status will not be valid any longer and you will not have the benefits of it in case something goes wrong with your application for Adjustment of Status. I would not risk that and wait for the GC before changing employer.

6) When can I start the form procedures? Anytime after the wedding, once you get your marriage certificate copy

7) Any link with detailed form procedures? This forum will have most of your answers, but you can go to USCIS.gov so you can doenload the latest forms available.

8) Should I hire an attorney? If your case is staright forward as I think it is, you don't need to. I'm doing it myself with the help of this forum, and I am in your same situation. I don't think you have to hire a lawyer if you feel confident enough after reading the instructions.

Good luck!

[uscitizen08 0]

Thank you very much Rosie74 & fwaguy for your quick reply with all clarifications .

I am here since early 2007. I have my SSN, Driving License & all other valid documents. So I hope there won't be much hurdle in the GC procedures. I believe while applying for SSN, they did the biometrics (finger print).

1) Will I need to do the biometrics again?

2) Are there any pre-requisites with form submissions such as medical or any other things. So I will get ready to avoid delays.

I believe I don't need to hire any lawyer. This forum with helpful members like you is more than enough for me to go through the GC process. I will keep updating my status time to time.

Rosie74 you are correct; by looking at some of your posts, I found you are exactly in the same situation.

Hi Friends,

I am currently working in California, US on L1-B visa. I am planning to marry my girlfriend who is an US citizen by end of this month in US only.

Most of my questions are answered in this link. But I want to confirm few things.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=91174

1) After marriage, I can apply for AOS, get EAD (approximately 5 months).

2) But I can still continue with my current employer without any issue. Nothing would change as usual I work & travel to India.

3) If I change my job, my L1 status would be changed to "Pending AOS". I have my L1 till 2010 & can be extended for another 3 years. Let’s say in future, if there are any issues getting GC, I would be in trouble to work/stay here.

4) How long does it takes to get confirmed whether you are approved for your GC or not?

5) Should I wait till I get my Green Card confirmation or change job with EAD?

6) When can I start the form procedures?

7) Any link with detailed form procedures?

8) Should I hire an attorney?

Any help would be appreciated.

Hello Uscitizen08, I'm in you same exact situation so let me try to help you with your questions:

1) After marriage, I can apply for AOS, get EAD (approximately 5 months). You can apply any time after you get married

2) But I can still continue with my current employer without any issue. Nothing would change as usual I work & travel to India. Correct, nothing will change and you will still be able to work under your L1-B visa

3) If I change my job, my L1 status would be changed to "Pending AOS". I have my L1 till 2010 & can be extended for another 3 years. Let’s say in future, if there are any issues getting GC, I would be in trouble to work/stay here. Your L1 status will still be in effect even after you file for AOS. Unlike most visas, L1 holders can still keep the L1 status and travel as usual while their AOS application is pending.

4) How long does it takes to get confirmed whether you are approved for your GC or not? Anything from 4 months to over a year..

5) Should I wait till I get my Green Card confirmation or change job with EAD? You cannot change jobs on L1 (I'm sure you know that) but you can on EAD, so if you plan to change employer, file your EAD with AOS. Keep in mind though, that if you use the EAD, your L1 status will not be valid any longer and you will not have the benefits of it in case something goes wrong with your application for Adjustment of Status. I would not risk that and wait for the GC before changing employer.

6) When can I start the form procedures? Anytime after the wedding, once you get your marriage certificate copy

7) Any link with detailed form procedures? This forum will have most of your answers, but you can go to USCIS.gov so you can doenload the latest forms available.

8) Should I hire an attorney? If your case is staright forward as I think it is, you don't need to. I'm doing it myself with the help of this forum, and I am in your same situation. I don't think you have to hire a lawyer if you feel confident enough after reading the instructions.

Good luck!

Thank you very much fwaguy for your quick reply with all clarifications .

Hi Friends,

I am currently working in California, US on L1-B visa. I am planning to marry my girlfriend who is an US citizen by end of this month in US only.

Most of my questions are answered in this link. But I want to confirm few things.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=91174

1) After marriage, I can apply for AOS, get EAD (approximately 5 months).

2) But I can still continue with my current employer without any issue. Nothing would change as usual I work & travel to India.

3) If I change my job, my L1 status would be changed to "Pending AOS". I have my L1 till 2010 & can be extended for another 3 years. Let’s say in future, if there are any issues getting GC, I would be in trouble to work/stay here.

4) How long does it takes to get confirmed whether you are approved for your GC or not?

5) Should I wait till I get my Green Card confirmation or change job with EAD?

6) When can I start the form procedures?

7) Any link with detailed form procedures?

8) Should I hire an attorney?

Any help would be appreciated.

1) Yes

2) Once you submit an I-485, I have heard your L-1 status ceases, however I am not 100% sure

3) If your L-1 changes to "pending" and you do not have EAD then you are not work authorized

4) EAD can be 60-90 days typical... Green card can be 5 mos to 3 yrs, with about 6 months typical

5) EAD is valid work authorization, change as you desire

6) As soon as you are married and have the required evidence to submit

7) Guides section has some helpful info

8) Personal choice

[payxibka 10,047]

Thank you very much Rosie74 & fwaguy for your quick reply with all clarifications .

I am here since early 2007. I have my SSN, Driving License & all other valid documents. So I hope there won't be much hurdle in the GC procedures. I believe while applying for SSN, they did the biometrics (finger print).

1) Will I need to do the biometrics again?

2) Are there any pre-requisites with form submissions such as medical or any other things. So I will get ready to avoid delays.

I believe I don't need to hire any lawyer. This forum with helpful members like you is more than enough for me to go through the GC process. I will keep updating my status time to time.

Rosie74 you are correct; by looking at some of your posts, I found you are exactly in the same situation.

if you had biometrics before it was not for SSN but regardless a big affirmative on the biometrics, you will go again.

the medical can be submitted with the I-485 or later at interview. Highly suggest it is done with the application

[Rosie74 0]

I agree with Fwaguy on all of the above.

I'm certain you will have to go through biometrics again after the AOS packet has been sent and the NOA's received.

You will also need to undergo the whole medical exam like I did, and it's valid for a year. When do you expect to file for AOS?

I will send the package out in October, since I am planning a trip back to my home Country in September

[uscitizen08 0]

Thanks you very much guys I really feel so confident now.

If I am asked for biometrics that not an issue at all.

The marriage is on 27-Aug-08. Once that is done, I will file for AOS.

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/medicalexam.html

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/in...n_the_medical_1

These links put some insight on medical exam to be carried out.

I did the complete physical examination last year. But as you mentioned its valid only for an year. Moreover, I read online, it says all exams should be done by a panel physician. I don't know what all medical exams I should do (listed in link 1) but I believe that will be taken care by the authorized physician.

I am in bay area, California.

Q1) Where can I find the list of panel doctors of bay area?

Q2) Should the medical be done for both my fiance & me?

My first step would be to file I-130. As per the instructions, my fiance would file this for me.

Q3) Can I pay all form filing fees (through check) or it should be paid by my fiance bank account?

This link gives step by step procedure. But based on my situation, how should I proceed.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

Q4) Can I file I-130 & I-485 together or wait for visa number after filing I-130?. If yes, which all forms I can file together?

Q5) There are several forms for Biographic information G-325,G-325(A-C). Which one I should file?

Q6) I am not planning to travel till the application is in being processed. Moreover, I will be using my L1B only until I get my conditional GC. Should I file I-131?

Is this the procedure overview or there are any other additional forms?

1. Petition for Alien Relative (USCIS Form I-130)

2. Application to Register Permanent Residence (USCIS Form I-485)

3. Biographic Information (USCIS Form G-325A)

4. Affidavit of Support (USCIS Form I-864)

5. Permission for Work Authorization (Optional) (USCIS Form I-765)

6. Medical Examination Results (USCIS Form I-693)

7. Request for Travel Documents (Optional) (USCIS Form I-131)

Q7) Should I buy the book Green Card through Marriage?

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/greencard_marriage.html

I want to avoid any mistakes so I am looking closely at every thing. Once you do the things, it feels pretty simple. As you already gained experience & passed through that stage, it easy for you to help me to walk through it.

I agree with Fwaguy on all of the above.

I'm certain you will have to go through biometrics again after the AOS packet has been sent and the NOA's received.

You will also need to undergo the whole medical exam like I did, and it's valid for a year. When do you expect to file for AOS?

I will send the package out in October, since I am planning a trip back to my home Country in September

[payxibka 10,047]

Foreign medicals done by panel physicians... US based immigration physicals performed by Civil Surgeons. The USCIS has a Civil Surgeon locator web page.

Medical is for the intended immigrant ONLY

Fee payment can be done by personal check, MO or third party check... TP Check shoud indicate who the petitioner/applicant is by name

File the I-130/I-485 together in the same envelope

g-325a

I-131 does not cost anything additional (fee is part of the I-485) so a couple of passport photos and why not....

Thanks you very much guys I really feel so confident now.

If I am asked for biometrics that not an issue at all.

The marriage is on 27-Aug-08. Once that is done, I will file for AOS.

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/medicalexam.html

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/in...n_the_medical_1

These links put some insight on medical exam to be carried out.

I did the complete physical examination last year. But as you mentioned its valid only for an year. Moreover, I read online, it says all exams should be done by a panel physician. I don't know what all medical exams I should do (listed in link 1) but I believe that will be taken care by the authorized physician.

I am in bay area, California.

Q1) Where can I find the list of panel doctors of bay area?

Q2) Should the medical be done for both my fiance & me?

My first step would be to file I-130. As per the instructions, my fiance would file this for me.

Q3) Can I pay all form filing fees (through check) or it should be paid by my fiance bank account?

This link gives step by step procedure. But based on my situation, how should I proceed.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

Q4) Can I file I-130 & I-485 together or wait for visa number after filing I-130?. If yes, which all forms I can file together?

Q5) There are several forms for Biographic information G-325,G-325(A-C). Which one I should file?

Q6) I am not planning to travel till the application is in being processed. Moreover, I will be using my L1B only until I get my conditional GC. Should I file I-131?

[Rosie74 0]

Hi there,

read my answers below

I did the complete physical examination last year. But as you mentioned its valid only for an year. Moreover, I read online, it says all exams should be done by a panel physician. I don't know what all medical exams I should do (listed in link 1) but I believe that will be taken care by the authorized physician.

I am in bay area, California.

Where can I find the list of panel doctors of bay area? Check out the USCIS website here: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...office_type=CIV - It will give you all Civil Surgeons available in your area. Shop around a little because the prices vary from $ 100.00 to $ 350.00 and insurance doesn't cover it

Q2) Should the medical be done for both my fiance & me? Nope, just you.

My first step would be to file I-130. As per the instructions, my fiance would file this for me.

Q3) Can I pay all form filing fees (through check) or it should be paid by my fiance bank account? Through personal check will be just fine, and easier to track than money orders, in my personal opinion.

This link gives step by step procedure. But based on my situation, how should I proceed.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

Q4) Can I file I-130 & I-485 together or wait for visa number after filing I-130?. If yes, which all forms I can file together? File together forms I-130, I-485, G325a for you and your fiancee, I-131 (even though you don't really need it, since you're on L1, but it's free), I-693 (medical in brown envelope), I-864, and I-765 (if you decide to change employer during AOS).

Q5) There are several forms for Biographic information G-325,G-325(A-C). Which one I should file? G-325a, one for you, one for your fiancee.

Q6) I am not planning to travel till the application is in being processed. Moreover, I will be using my L1B only until I get my conditional GC. Should I file I-131? No, but it's free, so I threw mine in there as well, just in case. Worst case scenario, you'll never use it.

Is this the procedure overview or there are any other additional forms?

1. Petition for Alien Relative (USCIS Form I-130)

2. Application to Register Permanent Residence (USCIS Form I-485)

3. Biographic Information (USCIS Form G-325A)

4. Affidavit of Support (USCIS Form I-864)

5. Permission for Work Authorization (Optional) (USCIS Form I-765)

6. Medical Examination Results (USCIS Form I-693)

7. Request for Travel Documents (Optional) (USCIS Form I-131)

Q7) Should I buy the book Green Card through Marriage?

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/greencard_marriage.html I never read it, but if you think it might help you, why not?

[uscitizen08 0]

You guys are awesome.

Rosie do you mean I should file all these forms together I-130, I-485, G325a, I-131, I-693, I-864 and I-765.

Let me summarize this. As per the instructions document, first three (I-130, I-485, I-765 & I-131) can be filed together.

(1) I-130 ($355) & I-485 ($930) + biometrics ($80) (Are we filing any form for biometrics or just pay the fees)

(2) I-765 EAD ($340 but as I would be filing I-485, there is no fees for this. Can be filed with I-485)

(3) I-131 AP ($305 but as I would be filing I-485, there is no fees for this. Can be filed with I-485)

(4) G-325a Biographic Information ($0) - uscis.gov says "You file this form only as instructed on another Immigration application or petition". With which form we submit this?

(5) I-693 Medical ($0) (Report from doctor)

(6) I-864 Financial support affidavit ($0) (To be filed by fiance)

There are several tests which are specified in instructions documents. My personal physician would provide some of the immunization copy to the civil surgeon. Rest of tests I think has to be done by civil surgeon. I already scheduled an appointment for medical.

So is that the whole fees (355+930+80) we pay excluding the medical?

I quickly went through all the forms but I may come up with more doubts when I look them closely.

Hi there,

read my answers below

I did the complete physical examination last year. But as you mentioned its valid only for an year. Moreover, I read online, it says all exams should be done by a panel physician. I don't know what all medical exams I should do (listed in link 1) but I believe that will be taken care by the authorized physician.

I am in bay area, California.

Where can I find the list of panel doctors of bay area? Check out the USCIS website here: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...office_type=CIV - It will give you all Civil Surgeons available in your area. Shop around a little because the prices vary from $ 100.00 to $ 350.00 and insurance doesn't cover it

Q2) Should the medical be done for both my fiance & me? Nope, just you.

My first step would be to file I-130. As per the instructions, my fiance would file this for me.

Q3) Can I pay all form filing fees (through check) or it should be paid by my fiance bank account? Through personal check will be just fine, and easier to track than money orders, in my personal opinion.

This link gives step by step procedure. But based on my situation, how should I proceed.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

Q4) Can I file I-130 & I-485 together or wait for visa number after filing I-130?. If yes, which all forms I can file together? File together forms I-130, I-485, G325a for you and your fiancee, I-131 (even though you don't really need it, since you're on L1, but it's free), I-693 (medical in brown envelope), I-864, and I-765 (if you decide to change employer during AOS).

Q5) There are several forms for Biographic information G-325,G-325(A-C). Which one I should file? G-325a, one for you, one for your fiancee.

Q6) I am not planning to travel till the application is in being processed. Moreover, I will be using my L1B only until I get my conditional GC. Should I file I-131? No, but it's free, so I threw mine in there as well, just in case. Worst case scenario, you'll never use it.

Is this the procedure overview or there are any other additional forms?

1. Petition for Alien Relative (USCIS Form I-130)

2. Application to Register Permanent Residence (USCIS Form I-485)

3. Biographic Information (USCIS Form G-325A)

4. Affidavit of Support (USCIS Form I-864)

5. Permission for Work Authorization (Optional) (USCIS Form I-765)

6. Medical Examination Results (USCIS Form I-693)

7. Request for Travel Documents (Optional) (USCIS Form I-131)

Q7) Should I buy the book Green Card through Marriage?

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/greencard_marriage.html I never read it, but if you think it might help you, why not?

[payxibka 10,047]

You have a good handle....

g-325a is submitted as a part of the I-130 (one each (4 part form) for the alien and USC)

g-325a is submitted as a part of the I-485 (alien only)

You assemble each petition/application separately (pay fees separately) but place all inside a big envelope and send together.

[uscitizen08 0]

Thanks fwaguy.

All 4 parts (pages) of G-325a seems to be same. Should we duplicate all of them & sign (one for me & my wife) ?

I-130 would be filed by my wife (USC) along with G-325a. So G-325a would have all details of her.

I-485 would be filed by me along with G-325a. So it would have my details.

Specific questions with G-325a

This form is submitted in connection with an application for: (what should be this for me & my wife)

Be sure to put your name and Alien Registration Number in the box outlined by heavy border below.

(What would be this alien registration number for me & my wife is not alien so what it should be for her)

You have a good handle....

g-325a is submitted as a part of the I-130 (one each (4 part form) for the alien and USC)

g-325a is submitted as a part of the I-485 (alien only)

You assemble each petition/application separately (pay fees separately) but place all inside a big envelope and send together.

[Rosie74 0]

You have a good handle....

g-325a is submitted as a part of the I-130 (one each (4 part form) for the alien and USC)

g-325a is submitted as a part of the I-485 (alien only)

You assemble each petition/application separately (pay fees separately) but place all inside a big envelope and send together.

Ditto.

2 separate packages that go in one big envelope. USCIS will separate and send where they are supposed to go.

[Rosie74 0]

See below:

You guys are awesome.

Rosie do you mean I should file all these forms together I-130, I-485, G325a, I-131, I-693, I-864 and I-765.

Let me summarize this. As per the instructions document, first three (I-130, I-485, I-765 & I-131) can be filed together.

(1) I-130 ($355) & I-485 ($930) + biometrics ($80) (Are we filing any form for biometrics or just pay the fees) Form G-325a will be used for biometrics

(2) I-765 EAD ($340 but as I would be filing I-485, there is no fees for this. Can be filed with I-485) Correct

(3) I-131 AP ($305 but as I would be filing I-485, there is no fees for this. Can be filed with I-485) Correct

(4) G-325a Biographic Information ($0) - uscis.gov says "You file this form only as instructed on another Immigration application or petition". With which form we submit this? I-485 is your immigration application in your case

(5) I-693 Medical ($0) (Report from doctor) Correct

(6) I-864 Financial support affidavit ($0) (To be filed by fiance) Yes, but it goes with your I-485 package

There are several tests which are specified in instructions documents. My personal physician would provide some of the immunization copy to the civil surgeon. Rest of tests I think has to be done by civil surgeon. I already scheduled an appointment for medical.

So is that the whole fees (355+930+80) we pay excluding the medical? That is correct. $ 355 for I-130 and $ 1010 for AOS.

I quickly went through all the forms but I may come up with more doubts when I look them closel

[Rosie74 0]

Thanks fwaguy.

All 4 parts (pages) of G-325a seems to be same. Should we duplicate all of them & sign (one for me & my wife)? Yes, you have to fill out all 4, and they are the same. If you download the PDF file from USCIS and you type in the first page, it will duplicate the info on all 4 pages

I-130 would be filed by my wife (USC) along with G-325a. So G-325a would have all details of her.

I-485 would be filed by me along with G-325a. So it would have my details. You also have to submit your G-325a with your information in the I-130 package. So it will be total 2 G-325a with I-130 (yours and your wife's) and 1 G-325a with the I-485 package (yours only).

Specific questions with G-325a

This form is submitted in connection with an application for: (what should be this for me & my wife) Your I-485 AOS application

Be sure to put your name and Alien Registration Number in the box outlined by heavy border below.

(What would be this alien registration number for me & my wife is not alien so what it should be for her) Put NONE for both. You will receive yours once the I-130 gets approved, your wife doesn't require one being the USC.