what to do... yet another one of these threads

[jirocanada 0]

Hi everyone!

This is my very first post! I want to thank you in advance for taking the time to read my thread and for everyone posting helpful information on this site.

About me:

I'm a Canadian have been living in the states for the past 7 years under a f-1 student visa. I did my masters and now doctorate degree (that's why i've been here so long). My f-1 visa runs out May 2012

I met a girl and we plan on getting married in October....

We have been living together and traveling back and fourth between Canada and the US. I obviously did not have the intentions to come to the US to get married, just to do school but I happened to stumble across the girl I want to marry.

Options (i think):

a) Can I apply for OPT then get married in October while staying in the USA then apply for a green card? This way I can extend my stay after my f-1 visa runs out.

b) get a civil union now and apply for a green card?

c) get married in a court house then apply for a green card?

So in the end....

I would like to not leave the US and get married here and stay legally (of course).

I know that this has probably come up but I don't quite understand.

Thank you again.

Your help is MUCH appreciated.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

If you want OPT you can apply in February (90 days before your F-1 expires). You then have a grace period to find a job directly related to your education, which if you do not in that amount of time, you must return to Canada

Best option, if you ask me, get married now, file your adjustment papers for your PR status and then have a big wedding in October

Good luck, this isn't a K-3 question as you are already in the US legally on an f-1 visa. You should post in the adjustment of status section

Good luck

[pushbrk 12,898]

Hi everyone!

This is my very first post! I want to thank you in advance for taking the time to read my thread and for everyone posting helpful information on this site.

About me:

I'm a Canadian have been living in the states for the past 7 years under a f-1 student visa. I did my masters and now doctorate degree (that's why i've been here so long). My f-1 visa runs out May 2012

I met a girl and we plan on getting married in October....

We have been living together and traveling back and fourth between Canada and the US. I obviously did not have the intentions to come to the US to get married, just to do school but I happened to stumble across the girl I want to marry.

Options (i think):

a) Can I apply for OPT then get married in October while staying in the USA then apply for a green card? This way I can extend my stay after my f-1 visa runs out.

b) get a civil union now and apply for a green card?

c) get married in a court house then apply for a green card?

So in the end....

I would like to not leave the US and get married here and stay legally (of course).

I know that this has probably come up but I don't quite understand.

Thank you again.

Your help is MUCH appreciated.

Provided you are not a same sex couple (civil union?) all three options are available to you. You would be adjusting status to permanent resident. There's a forum for that. A K3 or any other "visa" is not part of adjusting status.