From student visa to Marriage

[Zoldar 0]

I applied for a student visa a month ago to go to a univeristy in the states, but my visa was delayed (Still undergoing administrative processing until now) so I missed the fall semester, I plan on going next semester. Also, I've been with my girl for 2 years now she's an american citizen. and seeing that she is graduating this semester, we thought we'd both get married and go to the united states together where I can finish my studies and she can work so we dont live seperately. My problem now is, Im already undergoing visa processing for (F-1 Student Visa) If I get married here in EGYPT to my girl. Can I file for green card to gain permantn residency or citizen status? Thanks

[Krikit 1,164]

Moving from AOS Process to General Immigration-Related Discussion and closing two other identical threads.

Welcome to VJ.

[Zoldar 0]

Thank you! I just didnt know where to post it. Sorry for the spam!

[Krikit 1,164]

No problem. It happens.

Just for clarification so members are better able to assist you....

- Is your fiancee living in Egypt?

- Does she currently have ties to the US?

[Zoldar 0]

Yes sir, she lives in egypt. she's been living in egypt over 15 mins. But she is native american, and goes back to the US every summer for a month or 2.

[NY_BX 397]

I applied for a student visa a month ago to go to a univeristy in the states, but my visa was delayed (Still undergoing administrative processing until now) so I missed the fall semester, I plan on going next semester. Also, I've been with my girl for 2 years now she's an american citizen. and seeing that she is graduating this semester, we thought we'd both get married and go to the united states together where I can finish my studies and she can work so we dont live seperately. My problem now is, Im already undergoing visa processing for (F-1 Student Visa) If I get married here in EGYPT to my girl. Can I file for green card to gain permantn residency or citizen status? Thanks

I'm not expert but right of the bat I can tell you no, you can't apply for citizenship or a green card from Egypt. If you marry in Egypt, first, you need to know how this will affect your student visa, if in any way. If it does affect your student visa- which I doubt- then this is what will happen:

You get married in Egypt. The USC- your wife, needs to apply for a spouse visa for you. She needs to have a domicile in the US. You go through the entire process which could take 10-12 months aprox. You will get an interview at the US Embassy in Cairo. More than likely you will go through AP, which is what they're doing now with the student visa. AP is a given for virtually all males in the MENA region. Some AP's are compelted in 3 weeks and extreme cases have taken years. So applying a month ago for a student visa was incredibly late. You may have it by next semester. Then, should your spouse visa be approved, you come to the US and will receive a GC. After certain amount of time, you are eligible to apply for citizenship.

Good luck!

[Zoldar 0]

What About if I just get engaged here and get married there, would that make things easier? And i've had friends of mine apply for student visa and literally get it within 3 days.

[NY_BX 397]

What About if I just get engaged here and get married there, would that make things easier? And i've had friends of mine apply for student visa and literally get it within 3 days.

If you're in AP for a month now that means your name may match someone on the national security list (terrorist, pirates, etc.). They are doing more background checks on you. Every case is different. There have been cases where people receive visas in a week after the interview. Again, I'm not an expert nor a lawyer. At first glance, and with the information you've provided, I think it'll be easier.

[Zoldar 0]

So can I get married and still go to the US with student visa, and then get married there legally in town hall?

[Brad and Vika 129]

So can I get married and still go to the US with student visa, and then get married there legally in town hall?

Wouldn't the marital status on your application for the student visa change? I don't know, but I wonder if then being married to a USC would raise questions. Since you were applying to college here already, it sounds simpler to me if you come on the student visa. If your intent is to marry though, and you come on a student visa, that sounds like visa fraud. So when you apply for your green card, and they ask how you met, what do you say?

[NY_BX 397]

So can I get married and still go to the US with student visa, and then get married there legally in town hall?

If you marry in Egypt you will need to go through the spouse visa. If you want to get married, do it in the US. However, becareful with the 'intent to marry for immigration' issue. It will come up in your interview no matter where you are.

Look, if you can postpone marriage to a more suitable time, do it. That's my recommendation.

Wouldn't the marital status on your application for the student visa change? I don't know, but I wonder if then being married to a USC would raise questions. Since you were applying to college here already, it sounds simpler to me if you come on the student visa. If your intent is to marry though, and you come on a student visa, that sounds like visa fraud. So when you apply for your green card, and they ask how you met, what do you say?

Good point. I believe he should just come and study and postpone marriage to a more suitable time.

[Zoldar 0]

I would if I could, but If we dont get married then we cant live together and i'd be seperated from her in different states for a whole year and long distance doesnt exactly work. Also, i've been with her for 2 years.

[NY_BX 397]

I would if I could, but If we dont get married then we cant live together and i'd be seperated from her in different states for a whole year and long distance doesnt exactly work. Also, i've been with her for 2 years.

Well, if that's the case then you need to get married soon and let the US Embassy know asap. Have her apply for a spouse visa for you. MOre than likely you'll be separated for a while, unless she stays with you through the process.

Make sure it doesn't affect your student visa. Call and ask. It is tricky....

[Zoldar 0]

It is pretty damn tricky! I want to call the consulate and see what we can do. Call the customer service at the american embassy in egypt. Or should I send an e-mail directly to the consulate?

[NY_BX 397]

It is pretty damn tricky! I want to call the consulate and see what we can do. Call the customer service at the american embassy in egypt. Or should I send an e-mail directly to the consulate?

It is very tricky and is a mess that, once unleashed- its hard to tame. I think is easier if your girlfriend calls a lawyer here. Once you alert the US Embassy in Cairo your intent to marry, it may affect your student visa. Again, I'm no expert, but remember Egypt is one of the top immigration fraud countries. You already have that against you as it is, unfortunately.

Do you have family in the US? Did you tell them you had a USC girlfriend?