Lakeland, GA Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

Hello Anonymous from Georgia,  It would be faster to obtain your spouse's green card if you became a U.S citizen. However, it is important to see if your spouse is able to file for this in the U.S. before you start the process. Some things you would need to ask yourself are 1) Did he/she enter the U.S. lawfully? That is, they were inspected by an Immigration officer at the border, etc., and you should have proof of this. You should consult with an immigration attorney to discuss your specific case in detail especially if your spouse did not enter legally, or has criminal convictions, before you start the process. Good luck  Notes: This information is of a general nature and is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.   

The processes for obtaining a marriage license and completing a wedding are governed by the laws of the state where the marriage takes place. Usually those processes and rules (including ones about needed documents) are fairly straightforward and can be found in state or county government websites. Becoming married to a U.S. citizen will not, alone, entitle your fiance to remain in or be authorized to work in the U.S., but marriage can create eligibility for a marriage-based adjustment of status application - a process by which your then-husband would become a Lawful Permanent Resident (would get a "Green Card"). Of course, there are many other details that determine eligibility for the adjustment of status application process beyond merely becoming married. It would be wise for you and your fiance to consult with an immigration attorney who, after learning all of the relevant information, could advise about eligibilities, options and strategies to attain your goals, and who then could offer legal representation in the often complex application process.

While it can be complex and challenging to succeed with a marriage-based immigration application when a couple temporarily lives apart, that still may be possible. There is no substitute for working with an immigration attorney who, after learning all of the relevant details about you and your fiancee, could advise you about eligibilities, options and strategies, including advise you about the likelihood of success in a marriage-based case after you become married but while you are temporarily living apart.