Married to US Citizen

[LiLtw1nGrL]

What is the name of your state? CA

My cousin entered the US legally with a student visa. Her visa expired a couple years ago. She is now married to a US citizen (not for the status; they were together for 6 years prior). Now, what does she need to do to obtain a green card? How long do you think this is going to take before she obtains any legal status? Does she need a lawyer?

Thank you!!!

 

[ImmigAttyLana]

She can choose to work with a lawyer or do everything on her own if she feels confident that she can do this accurately. As long as she can document a lawful entry to the US, even if her visa is now expired, she will be eligible for permanent residence on the basis of a bona fide marriage to a US citizen.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or how I can be of further assistance to you in this matter.

 

[LiLtw1nGrL]

thank you very much for your help

 

[ImmigAttyLana]

You are welcome. If you have additional questions or would like to contact me directly to discuss in greater detail, please do not hesitate to do so.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or how I can be of further assistance to you in this matter.

 

[tgood_ch]

I need help on the same topic

I'm in Arkansas

Hi, I seem to have gotten in on this topic a day late but maybe somone can still help me out. My wife was on a student visa........(expired now).......what is the best and quickest route to go in getting her greencard. Some say a lawyer isnt necessary........but I just called one to try and get a quote on legal fees...........and he said I dont have a choice, I will have to have a lawyer. Can anyone tell me how long it takes to get the greencard with or without a lawyer? Sorry to move in on your thread, but I couldnt believe that someone else needs the exact same advice, and it seems like Lana is willing to help.

 

[ImmigAttyLana]

I don't know what kind of lawyer told you that you have no choice but have to go with a lawyer because that is simply not true. Of course, if you have not ever dealt with these forms before or are not familiar with the process and uncomfortable with filing paperwork that may not be accurate, it is advisable to work with an immigration attorney. I have been handling these types of petitions for many years, and I can certainly assist you in this matter if you like, or at least answer some questions you may have regarding the process.

As long as your wife initially entered the US legally and can prove this with documentation, the fact that she is now married to a US citizen makes her eligible to apply for permanent residence on the basis of the marriage.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or how I can be of further assistance to you in this matter.

 

[evcalyptos]

I'm in Arkansas

Hi, I seem to have gotten in on this topic a day late but maybe somone can still help me out. My wife was on a student visa........(expired now).......what is the best and quickest route to go in getting her greencard. Some say a lawyer isnt necessary........but I just called one to try and get a quote on legal fees...........and he said I dont have a choice, I will have to have a lawyer. Can anyone tell me how long it takes to get the greencard with or without a lawyer? Sorry to move in on your thread, but I couldnt believe that someone else needs the exact same advice, and it seems like Lana is willing to help.

How Do I Become a Lawful Permanent Resident While in the United States?
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/legpermres.htm

Get some context before you speak to the next lawyer; it will help you understand what s/he is saying.