Getting a visa for my F-1 fiance?

01-23-2004, 01:41 PM

My fiance is an f-1 student who is authorized to work in the states for
a year. Her authorizations ends in May 2004. I was wondering what would
be the best way for me to keep her here. Marrying her now and filing the
I-130 and I-485 or filing for the fiance visa after she goes back to her
country? Also I live in Jacksonville, Florida would I send the paperwork
to the Texas Service Center or would I file this at my local INS office
in Jacksonville? And one more question since We are both recent
graduates from college we don't make enough to qualify for the I-864,
would it be better to file at the Texas Service Center and wait for
their long processing time, then get a job now and hope that I can get a
year or two of work first? Sorry for all the questions

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01-23-2004, 01:45 PM

Your best option is to get married now and adjust status. This avoids
her having to leave the US. Now I am not sure if filing for AOS
changes the F1 status. It may, then she will need an EAD. That is
straightforward. Also, she will not be able to travel without
advanced parole.

You best option on the support is to get a co-sponsor.

Originally posted by hanjin1

My fiance is an f-1 student who is authorized to work in the states for
a year. Her authorizations ends in May 2004. I was wondering what would
be the best way for me to keep her here. Marrying her now and filing the
I-130 and I-485 or filing for the fiance visa after she goes back to her
country? Also I live in Jacksonville, Florida would I send the paperwork
to the Texas Service Center or would I file this at my local INS office
in Jacksonville? And one more question since We are both recent
graduates from college we don't make enough to qualify for the I-864,
would it be better to file at the Texas Service Center and wait for
their long processing time, then get a job now and hope that I can get a
year or two of work first? Sorry for all the questions

__________________
Posted via http://britishexpats.com

01-23-2004, 02:03 PM

In addition to DCMark's comments: You file with the local USCIS office. Do
not be tempted to file an I-130 with TSC because this would not allow your
fiance to remain here legally after her OPT period expires (there's also a
grace travel period if I remember rightly). Get a joint sponsor and,
hopefully, by the time the interview comes around you will be able to drop
the joint sponsor and rely on your own income.

Andy.

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"hanjin1" <member20253@british_expats.com> wrote in message
news:...
    > My fiance is an f-1 student who is authorized to work in the states for
    > a year. Her authorizations ends in May 2004. I was wondering what would
    > be the best way for me to keep her here. Marrying her now and filing the
    > I-130 and I-485 or filing for the fiance visa after she goes back to her
    > country? Also I live in Jacksonville, Florida would I send the paperwork
    > to the Texas Service Center or would I file this at my local INS office
    > in Jacksonville? And one more question since We are both recent
    > graduates from college we don't make enough to qualify for the I-864,
    > would it be better to file at the Texas Service Center and wait for
    > their long processing time, then get a job now and hope that I can get a
    > year or two of work first? Sorry for all the questions
    > --
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com