starting the Green Card process

[rai123]

What is the name of your state? PA

Hi,

My wife and I are starting the Green card process and have a few questions. She is a US citizen and I have been in America of and on since 1996, but since 2003 on an F-1 visa and still maintain the f-1 status. We are getting married in a few days and will then be sending the required documents in terms of documentation showing the legitimacy of our marriage we have a lease showing that we live together, and have joint savings account. We do have the marriage license and will be filing that with the courts once the marriage is done. We have been together since 2003 we went to the same college, both of us are of Indian origin and in fact we went to the same high school. We aren't having a religious ceremony for the wedding and were wondering if thats going to be a problem? We do have rings for each other and have photographs with each others family and pictures showing are relationship over the years. Do we need more documentation supporting the wedding? Once the documents are sent when can I quit being enrolled in college? I plan to take a semester or 2 off and have only enrolled in classes this yr to keep my status. Thanks

[evcalyptos]

Originally Posted by rai123

We aren't having a religious ceremony for the wedding and were wondering if thats going to be a problem?

Once the documents are sent when can I quit being enrolled in college? I plan to take a semester or 2 off and have only enrolled in classes this yr to keep my status. Thanks

It's not a problem to not have a religious ceremony.. separation of church and state here.
I know it is the norm in India, but it will be OK here to just have a 'courthouse' civil wedding ceremony.
You will need (as you note) the actual filed copy of your marriage certificate, after it has been recorded by your local government.

Once your Adjustment of Status application is received, you are in a new status; 'pending adjustment'. You do not need to rely on the F status from the point you get your notice of receipt.

[rai123]

Thanks for the reply. I do have one more question regarding this process. My wife is going to file the affidavit of support on my behalf, but even though her current income is more than sufficient to sponser me according to the federal povt guidlines, she started her current job last year and has not filed tax returns and won't be till march comes around. We will be sending in her offer letter and pay stubs to show proof of income. Should she still send in her last 3/recent tax returns even though the amounts on the tax returns won't suffice? Since all her previous employment have been part-time while in college and the same for me.

thanks

[ImmigAttyLana]

She only needs to send in the last ONE (1) year of tax returns according to the current rules. If she does this, along with a letter of employment verification and proof of current employment (paycheck stubs) and that income is sufficient, you should be fine.

[evcalyptos]

Yes, she can include past tax returns that don't meet the current income guidelines. Her current income is the most important. Document her current earnings thoroughly.