How do I convert my US tourist visa to immigrant visa?

File Form I-485

If you are in the United States and are eligible for adjustment of status, you may file a Form I-485. Go to the Form I-485 instructions and the web page for your immigrant category for instructions on how to complete your application and properly file it with USCIS.

Can I change tourist visa to immigrant visa?

U.S. immigration law allows a temporary visitor to change status to a permanent resident if the individual lawfully entered the United States and meets certain requirements. Adjustment of status is one of two paths for obtaining an immigrant visa (green card) to the United States.

Can I apply for immigration while in USA on a visitor visa?

U.S. immigration law (under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)) allows people to file for a change of status (Adjustment of Status) if they enter the U.S on a visitor visa and meet the requirements to apply for lawful permanent residency (LPR) in the U.S. But the applicant has to meet certain ...

Can you change tourist visa to green card?

U.S. immigration law allows immigrants on tourist visas to petition for an “Adjustment of Status” from their visitor visa to a green card, but the foreign spouse must meet certain eligibility criteria to do so.

Can I apply for green card while on B2 visa?

A B-1/B-2 visa does not grant permanent resident status — it is a temporary visa – but the holder can apply for a green card. The maximum amount of time issued for a B1/B2 visa is 180 days. This visa allows for multiple entries into the United States.

How can I change my Tourist Visa Status : USA Immigration Lawyer ??

Can I change my visa status while in US?

If you want to change your status while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires.

Can I convert my tourist visa to work visa in USA?

The answer is yes, you can, but should you? A change of status means a change in your intention. For example, when you obtain a visa and enter the USA, you would have expressed to the US government your intention of a brief visit. The change in such intention can be construed to be deliberate and preconceived.

Can a U.S. citizen marry someone on a tourist visa?

Can I Marry A US Citizen on A Tourist Visa? The short answer is: yes, you can get married in the US while on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or on a visa waiver program. There is nothing in the regulations that say individuals who are in the US as visitors cannot get married.

Can I apply for PR while on visitor visa?

1) Sure - theoretically it's possible. The processing of a PR application can take anywhere from six months to well over a year. You'll need to keep extending your visitor visa in Canada while waiting to ensure your status remains legal. It's up to CIC if your extension requests are approved or not.

Can I stay in US while waiting for green card?

Some people can stay in the U.S. for the entire period of applying for a U.S. green card. Others must leave the U.S., either while they wait for a visa to become available (which can take years in some cases) or in order to attend their immigrant visa interview, which is the last major step in the immigration process.

Can I apply for I-130 while on a tourist visa?

As long as it was not their intention when they entered on the visitor visa, yes, you could file a one-step I-130/I-485 for each of them.

Can I leave the US while waiting for adjustment of status?

If You Travel While Awaiting an Adjustment Interview

You can travel, but must use great care. If you simply get up and go without getting official permission (called "advance parole," described below), the law says you will have given up (or abandoned, in USCIS terminology) your adjustment of status application.

How long can I stay in US with tourist visa?

The B1/B2 Visa is valid for 10 years, but for each entry, you are allowed to stay in the United States of American only for 180 days or 6 months (at most).

Can I stay in the US while waiting for change of status?

The application process for a Change of Status (COS) will allow you to remain in the US while the decision is pending, provided the application is filed in a timely manner with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Can I visit Canada with US tourist visa?

In case you plan to visit the United States, then you most certainly need to apply for a visa. That is, of course, if you are not visa-exempt or your country of origin is in the US Visa Waiver Program. The most commonly issued visa to travelers is the B1/B2 visa, the Visitor Visa.

Can I travel to the US while my application for an immigrant visa is being processed?

Can I travel to the United States while my application for an immigrant or fiancé(e) visa is being processed. If you intend taking up permanent residence in the United States, you are required to wait until the immigrant or fiancé(e) visa is issued.

What happens if you get married while on a tourist visa?

Legally, there is nothing wrong with getting married while you are in the U.S. as a visitor (on a B-2 visa), if you return home at the end of your permitted stay.

How long do you have to stay married for green card?

When you obtain a green card through marriage, it will either be a permanent renewable green card that is valid for ten years or a conditional two-year green card. The conditional green card is issued to applicants that have been married for less than two years at the time the green card is issued.

What happens if you overstay your visa and get married?

If you overstay your visa for less than 180 days, you may leave the U.S. and apply for a Green Card through consular processing. If your overstay has been more than 180 days, the only option is to wait for your spouse to become a U.S. citizen and then apply for I-485 Adjustment of Status inside the U.S.

Can I have 2 US visas at the same time?

Q. 19 Is is O.K. to have two visas at the same time? Yes, as long as the visas are for different purposes. For example it is OK to have a B1/B2 (tourist/business) and F1 (student) together, but not OK to have two valid F1 visas.

Can you switch visa types?

For most economic routes, it is possible to switch from any visa, other than those listed above, as long as you are able to meet all other requirements for the particular visa you want. However, some categories are stricter.

How long does it take to change visa status in US?

Change of Status Within the United States. Important points to know: Processing with USCIS can take 6 to 12 months plus mailing time or longer depending on USCIS processing times. While the application is pending you may not leave the United States.

How much does it cost to change your visa status?

You can expect a lawyer to charge anywhere between $500 and $1,700 to handle your extension or change of status. Note, however, that the quoted fee will be separate from the Form I-539 filing and biometrics fees, which you will be responsible for paying.

How can I get green card in USA without marriage?

A great way to get a green card without marriage is through an investment-based green card. However, the amount of money needed for the EB-5 Invest Green Card is likely to be prohibitive for most people. A great way to get a green card without marriage is through an investment-based green card (EB-5).