AOS for couple temporarily residing in different states due to OPT job

[spiceconiac 0]

Hello every one, I am so happy I found this place!!! The resources and stories posted by fellow VJers have been a tremendous help in understanding this arduous journey I am about to embark on. You guys have given me much clarity and for that I am very grateful.

Guys I need advice, this has been weighing heavy on my mind..so here is my dilemma.

My fiancé (USC) and I met during my last year of college while on vacation. We currently reside in different state. I received my OPT in March 2008 and soon thereafter planned to move closer to him. Unfortunately those plans were quickly vanquished after I received convoluted advice from the multicultural services dept at my school. I was left with the impression that I was not free to move around and had to complete my OPT in the state which I studied.

Of course I recently found out that this is all rubbish while seeking researching VJ. Originally our plan was for me to return home in February 2009 (OPT expires) –Then return under K-1 visa. I’m glad we don’t have to resort to that anymore.

So now here is the kicker, though we are still living in separate states we will go ahead with the wedding in a few weeks. Sadly we won’t be able to resume our lives and live together until January due to my apartment lease and job... I am in the midst of working on my reporters demo reel and do not want to leave my station without it.

Because of the temporary discrepancy in our addresses I am a bit hesitant to start the AOS process soon after we are married this month. Will this pose a problem for us? Since we won’t be together until January 2009 (few weeks before OPT expires), Should we just wait until then to file our petition?

Anyone with similar experience please share.

Thanks !!

[LikeALadybug 2]

I don't see you couldn't file - you have a perfectly valid reason if they were to question it. The only problem I see is that you would have to file for a change of address when you finally can live together again but since I haven't tried it, I wouldn't know how difficult that would be.

As long as you can prove you have an ongoing relationship there really shouldn't be a problem but if you don't feel you can prove or are worried they might question your choices I guess you should wait and file later. But I'm sure there are no rules against it...