Questions relating to marriage in US and travel outside

[chantpleure 0]

I am engaged to a USC. We met in 2005. In January 2008 I came here to study, I have an F-1 student visa. He proposed to me in August. We want to get married here but have a marriage blessing, or ceremony, in my home country later (after AOS). In other words, the civil service here is not going to be that big a deal to us (apart from obviously the importance of being married). We are thinking of having the civil service in October (the anniversary of the day we met) and then the marriage ceremony in July 2009. Do you think that not having a huge ceremony here in the US will be a problem?

If we file papers in October 2008 would it be feasible to imagine that I will have my green card by July 2009? If not, is there a form we can fill out that allows me to travel while pending AOS?

Thank you! Sorry for so many questions.. I'm confused by this whole thing.

[chuckb 0]

I am engaged to a USC. We met in 2005. In January 2008 I came here to study, I have an F-1 student visa. He proposed to me in August. We want to get married here but have a marriage blessing, or ceremony, in my home country later (after AOS). In other words, the civil service here is not going to be that big a deal to us (apart from obviously the importance of being married). We are thinking of having the civil service in October (the anniversary of the day we met) and then the marriage ceremony in July 2009. Do you think that not having a huge ceremony here in the US will be a problem?

If we file papers in October 2008 would it be feasible to imagine that I will have my green card by July 2009? If not, is there a form we can fill out that allows me to travel while pending AOS?

Thank you! Sorry for so many questions.. I'm confused by this whole thing.

It's possible you could have the GC by July 09, I don't know that I would count on it though. There is no requirement for a big wedding in the US. In some states you can even marry yourselves, without a judge. Not sure I would go that far!

The form would be for AP I-131. I believe that if you file at the same time as the I-485, the fee is waived for the I-131.

Good luck...

[reeses16 8]

No need for a big ceremony. Just make sure its legal and verifiable.

Yes, the AP I-131 will allow you to travel. Be sure you also file for a work permit (If I remember correctly, its the I-751, please double check the form number). I'm not sure if your student visa is a type that also allows you to work, but you will need a work permit if it does not. Like the I-131, it is also free if it is filed at the same time as the I-485.

[Abby-Ron 8]

If time is the essence, then just go with a civil ceremony and have a blowout marriage ceremony at your home country when you get your AP from your AOS or GC...