Hi there. First off I'm really glad that I've found a discussion group
for immigration issues. BritishExpats.com was referred to me by a co-
worker. Anyway, hopefully I can get clarifications, if not advice on my
current problem.
About me:
I'm a Philippine national but I've been a US
permanent resident enough to be eligible for US citizenship. But I just
earned as much continuous stay enough to finish the second half of my
citizenship eligibility (2.5 years). I just got married to my fiancee
who is also a Philippine national and the wedding was held in the
Philippines. Now that I am back here in the US, I want to start working
on both my citizenship and her petition so we can settle down here in
the US.
Based on our online research and tips from friends, I'm now
looking at two possible ways (as far as I can formulate) to petition her
and have her here the fastest way possible.
1) I submit my N-400 along
with her petition as an alien relative.
or
2) We come up with a way to
get her here, like on a tourist/visitor's visa and then apply an
adjustment of status for her.
Option 2 was just a recent tip from a
friend. Have her here on a tourist/visitor's visa and get her an AOS,
and since being married to a legal resident was her tie to me, an AOS
can get her an immigrant status and will keep her here while it's being
processed. That's what my friend said anyway.
Now I'm not sure what's
the best way, if not, the right way for me to petition her here as fast
as I can. Should I send my N-400 and apply for an alien relative
petition, while still being a legal resident, and while my N-400 is in
process? Should I wait to be naturalized and then apply for the
petition as a US citizen? Should I send my N-400 and if she was able to
enter the US, apply for an AOS as soon as possible so she can stay? I
was told that if she's under an AOS, she can't work. Can she go to
school/college?
I really hope I've stated my problem as clearly as I
can, and not sound to be asking too much. Thanks in advance.