J-1 visitor marriage question

[samlin 0]

Hello everyone

I have a question regarding my girlfriend's visa status

My girlfriend and I are both New Zealand citizens.

I am a graduate student here with a J-1 visa. The visa is valid for another year (expires in 2014).

My girlfriend is finishing up her degree in Australia this year, and would like to join me here this year.

Because her Australian degree (psychology) is not approved by the American psychology association, she cannot practice in the states.

We are also having a hard time trying to find her a job that will sponsor her a working visa.

So here are my questions: I am planning to proposed to her in a couple of weeks. I realize K visa is for fiance of US citizens. Since I am not a citizen, I doubt the K visa applies to my girlfriend. Can she enter the states on a tourist visa, and change her visa status after we get married in the states to become a spouse to a J-1 visitor (me)?

Any help is much appreciated!

Cheers

Sam

[Póg mo 1,749]

I doubt you can bring a spouse over on a J1 visa. A J1 is just intended for a student or recent grade to live and work in the US for a limited time. Also, even if by some slim chance there was a way to bring your girlfriend over, by the time everything was said and done your visa would have expired. Change of status is not an option either, because you're not a citizen or a proper legal resident of the United States.

Your girlfriend needs to get her own J1 visa if she wishes to come and work in the United States or come on a visa waiver program where she'll need to show that she is capable of supporting herself without having to work.

[Póg mo 1,749]

P.S. your girlfriend might find it easier to find work in Canada with her psychology degree. Not a great option I know, but at least it would be closer than Australia.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Apply J2 visa for spouse of J1 visa holder