Will my partner be able to stay in the U.S during processing of visa?

[Internationalpika 0]

Hello! I am planning on proposing to my boyfriend and getting married ASAP. We've been in a long-distance relationship for about 3 years and I think it's about time that we live in the same country. He is here on a tourist visa and I think this is the perfect oppurtunity to take advantage of. Thing is I'm unsure about how the process will look like in getting his citizenship afterwards (I'm seeing different answers all over the web--but assuming I will file for an i130 being that we will be married already). The thing I'm most concerned about is if he will have to leave the country during the process? Or will he be okay? I don't want to break any sort of laws that I'm not actually aware about! If someone can clear this up that would be great!

[newacct 688]

You are a US citizen, right? You will file I-130 and I-485 together. Follow this guide. Not only can he stay, but he cannot leave until he gets either Advance Parole or a green card.

[Internationalpika 0]

Oh great! Yes I am a US citizen! Thanks for the link, I found it prior to asking the queue but the disclaimer at the top of the page talking about being banned from the US/major trouble/etc. freaked me out! Lol

Have you been through this process before? If so, how long did the process take you?

[Joe47 0]

My wife and I are almost at the end of the process. We got married on August 10th last year, and I interview is tomorrow on the 9th of August. For us it took a little bit longer because we had to save up the money for the paperwork, but in general it will take 4-6 months.

[Internationalpika 0]

@joe47 Oh great! Good luck on that! I'd love to know how it goes! How much did you end up paying for the paperwork?

[Joe47 0]

We payed around 1500 for the paperwork itself and another 300 for the doctor visit.

The interview went really well, if you know who you are, and if you are really in a relationship there is nothing to worry about.