We have questions and would love some answers.

[PassionateMan 0]

Hello,

My girlfriend is a green card holder and has an appointment to do her citizenship test this month in New York City. And now for the questions.

How soon (in general) does a green card holder get their full citizenship card from the time they take their test?

Once they have full citizenship, is there a waiting period before they can sponsor a canadian? (I'm currently living in New York as a tourist and living off savings.

If we get married at the New York city hall, how long in general am I likely to wait for a work permit providing everything else is in order?

If I have to leave because I'm running low on cash is there any advantage to leaving the country to wait for the processing time to pass on the work permit? And... if I do leave because the work permit is taking a long time do I need to file anything to make sure I can come back to continue the process?

We heard that besides her having to make a certain amount of money in order to sponsor me that there are other things that US immigration looks before they will grant citizenship. What are they?

Thanks

PassionateMan

[AaronM 0]

Hello,

My girlfriend is a green card holder and has an appointment to do her citizenship test this month in New York City. And now for the questions.

How soon (in general) does a green card holder get their full citizenship card from the time they take their test?

Once they have full citizenship, is there a waiting period before they can sponsor a canadian? (I'm currently living in New York as a tourist and living off savings.

If we get married at the New York city hall, how long in general am I likely to wait for a work permit providing everything else is in order?

If I have to leave because I'm running low on cash is there any advantage to leaving the country to wait for the processing time to pass on the work permit? And... if I do leave because the work permit is taking a long time do I need to file anything to make sure I can come back to continue the process?

We heard that besides her having to make a certain amount of money in order to sponsor me that there are other things that US immigration looks before they will grant citizenship. What are they?

Thanks

PassionateMan

You would have too meet the Federal Proverty Guidelines , for your current household size plus 1 for the person you are sponsoring . And you need to be an american citizen first before you can petition him or her . And for the arrival of your Green Card im not sure , maybe contact USCIS ?.

[Beth/ Paris Heart 2]

Hello,

My girlfriend is a green card holder and has an appointment to do her citizenship test this month in New York City. And now for the questions.

How soon (in general) does a green card holder get their full citizenship card from the time they take their test?

Once they have full citizenship, is there a waiting period before they can sponsor a canadian? (I'm currently living in New York as a tourist and living off savings.

If we get married at the New York city hall, how long in general am I likely to wait for a work permit providing everything else is in order?

If I have to leave because I'm running low on cash is there any advantage to leaving the country to wait for the processing time to pass on the work permit? And... if I do leave because the work permit is taking a long time do I need to file anything to make sure I can come back to continue the process?

We heard that besides her having to make a certain amount of money in order to sponsor me that there are other things that US immigration looks before they will grant citizenship. What are they?

Thanks

PassionateMan

Not meaning to put you off, have you look at the guides yet her in VJ ? The guides will answer alot of your questions. It will help you and her make more informative decisions. But there are many knowledge people here on VJ who will also be willing to help. Good Luck.

[trailmix 77]

Hi and welcome to VJ. First of all you really do need to read the guides (link at the top of this page). I will try to answer your questions briefly as they do cover a lot of area and could well be answered in a novel size reply.

Link to guide for Adjustment of Status

How soon (in general) does a green card holder get their full citizenship card from the time they take their test?

I don't know the answer to this one.

Once they have full citizenship, is there a waiting period before they can sponsor a canadian? (I'm currently living in New York as a tourist and living off savings.

No, there is no wait time limit.

If we get married at the New York city hall, how long in general am I likely to wait for a work permit providing everything else is in order?

Since you are living in the U.S. and you will get married there, you will be doing an adjustment of status. I am not overly familiar with AOS - but i'm sure someone can answer this. My BIL did an adjustment of status last year, it took him around 7 months to get his work permit (known as an EAD) - but this varies widely.

If I have to leave because I'm running low on cash is there any advantage to leaving the country to wait for the processing time to pass on the work permit? And... if I do leave because the work permit is taking a long time do I need to file anything to make sure I can come back to continue the process?

You can't leave. If you apply for an adjustment of status you cannot leave the country or it is abandoned. When you apply for adjustment you will also apply for Advance Parole (known as AP) - until you receive your AP - you must stay in the states.

We heard that besides her having to make a certain amount of money in order to sponsor me that there are other things that US immigration looks before they will grant citizenship. What are they?

Before they grant her citizenship or before they issue you a visa?

Good luck

Edited March 11, 2009 by trailmix