How do I change my status after marriage?

Does immigration status change after marriage?

Under U.S. family immigration laws, a foreign national's marriage to a U.S. citizen automatically categorizes them as their spouse's “immediate relative.” In most cases, this means that they are eligible for a green card as soon as they can complete the adjustment of the status process.

How long does it take to change immigration status after marriage?

The status of your fiance or fiancee

The U.S. citizen fiancé or fiancée must file a petition with USCIS. Processing takes approximately four to six months, and includes an interview with the fiancé or fiancée who is abroad.

How do I change my marital status on my green card?

If your marital status changes after USCIS has approved your Form I-600A, Form I-600, Form I-800A, or Form I-800, you cannot submit a request for an updated approval notice. You must instead submit a new form with fee and an updated home study. If you are married, your spouse must also sign the new form.

What documents are needed for change of status?

visa stamp and passport ID pages showing identity and expiration date. documents related to their current status (e.g. I-20 for F-2, DS-2019 for J-2, I-797 approval for H-4) marriage certificate (spouse) birth certificate (child)

Marriage Adjustment of Status Process Overview

How long does a change of status take?

Although the adjustment of status process typically takes longer than consular processing, it has its advantages. The adjustment of status timeline is generally 8 to 14 months for family-based applications (and often longer for other application types).

Who is eligible for change of status?

You must already be eligible for a U.S. green card (lawful permanent or conditional residence), perhaps through a U.S. employer, a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident , or by having received asylum or refugee status at least one year before.

Should I notify USCIS if I get married?

If the sponsoring spouse gains U.S. citizenship while their partner is seeking a marriage-based green card, they can notify USCIS to upgrade the case. Spouses of U.S. citizens can immediately file their complete green card application, along with a work permit application.

Do I need to change my name on my green card after marriage?

You will need to change your name on your green card after marriage legally. If the marriage occurred after getting your green card, the process might be a bit more difficult and take some time, but you can still do it.

How does marriage affect immigration status?

If you marry a U.S, citizen, you won't be eligible for U.S. citizenship right away. But you might become eligible for a U.S. green card, which can lead to U.S. citizenship. By Ilona Bray, J.D. If you marry a U.S, citizen, you won't be eligible for U.S. citizenship right away.

Can I apply for green card immediately after marriage?

When can I apply for a green card? You can start the process to obtain a green card immediately after you have evidence of a bona fide marriage. Yes, you will definitely need a photocopy of your marriage certificate. But you'll also need to prove that you have a genuine marriage.

How much does Adjustment of Status cost?

For an adjustment of status application, you'll typically pay $535 to file your I-130 petition. If you're filing a different petition, check the filing instructions to make sure you pay the correct fee. Once your petition is approved, you'll pay a separate fee to file your I-485 green card application.

How long after getting married can you apply for green card?

USCIS will issue you a conditional Marriage Green Card if you have been married for less than 2 years at the time of your interview. You can apply for a permanent Marriage Green Card after two years of marriage. Check out this article for more information on how to apply for a Marriage Green Card.

What to do after you marry a U.S. citizen?

Once you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residence and remain in the United States while we process the application. If you choose this method, file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Filing instructions and forms are available on our Web site at www. uscis.

How long do you have to be married to get citizenship?

Who Qualifies For Citizenship? All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).

When can I file for adjustment of status?

The alien's immigration petition must have been approved.

For these aliens, they may only file their adjustment of status applications once the cut-off dates published monthly by the State Department pass the priority dates of their initial immigration petition or the immigrant visa number for the category is current.

Can I start using my married name?

When to start using your new last name legally. Legally, obviously you should wait until after the paperwork is filed. This means that if you're talking about stuff like bank paperwork, plane tickets, or even registering for classes, do not start using your last name until all your name change paperwork has been filed.

Does the name on my passport and green card have to match?

Answer: You may travel with your current passport as long as you book tickets in the same name (married name). You will only need to present your green card upon re-entry. As for your vaccination card having a different name, you need to check with your destination country's embassy.

How do I change my wife's surname after marriage?

What forms to file after marrying a U.S. citizen?

Form I-485

if you are applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Do I need to update my naturalization certificate after marriage?

During your swearing-in ceremony, you will be given a certificate proving your name has been legally changed. However, if the USCIS denies this request during your interview, then you will need to request your name change after you receive your naturalization documents.

What happens if change of status is denied?

After a Change of Status Denial by USCIS

There is no appeal from the denial of a Change of Status application to student (or other) status, which you would have made to USCIS if you were already in the U.S. in valid immigration status. However, a lawyer can help you request that your application be reconsidered.

Can spouse of permanent resident adjust status?

When you marry someone who has lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. (a "green card"), you can apply for permanent resident status, too. if you're already in the U.S. and you're eligible under the rules, you can ask USCIS to adjust your status to permanent resident.

Can I travel after change of status?

If the application for a Change of Status is approved, it only changes your status in the U.S. This means that if you travel outside the U.S. during your program of study and wish to re-enter in F-1 student status, you would still need to apply for the F-1 entry visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.