Englishman currently on OPT wanting to marry US Citizen

[Owen White 0]

Hi,

I graduated college at North Carolina in May 2012, and started working with on my OPT in May, which runs out in May 2013.

I have been with my American girlfriend for 3 years, and am planning on getting engaged within a month or so.

My question is, what steps do I need to take to ensure that I can continue to work and stay in the country when my OPT finishes in May, without having to leave the country. Time frames etc, would be very helpful.

Thanks

[LeftCoastLady 441]

You may want to pose your question in this forum: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/142-student-%26-exchange-visitor-visas/

Since you're already in the U.S., the K-1 will not work for your situation seeing as you don't want to leave the country. Good luck!

[Owen White 0]

Thanks for the advice, are you sure the K-1 route is not what I need to do?

[milimelo 4,534]

Yes, you don't want to go K-1 route as you are already in the US on OPT - legal status. File for AOS with all the paperwork. If you get married before Dec 31, you can file taxes as married filing jointly (may even have some refund coming to you). SInce your OPT is expiring in May, I'd calculate at least 90 days before that date and send in the whole package so you can have EAD and won't have to quit your employment -- or can even look for another employer - up to you.

Moving your topic to AOS from tourist, student, work visa.

[Xanax 349]

Thanks for the advice, are you sure the K-1 route is not what I need to do?

Yes. You will be looking at getting married and applying for adjustment of status. Take a look in the guides section above