North Baldwin, NY Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

On an F visa, you will not be admitted into the U.S. until 30 days before the beginning of the first term of your enrollment. If you wish to come for a couple of weeks to check out other schools, apply for a B1/B2 visa, show the consular officer your Form I-20 and honestly explain what you are trying to do.

Generally, a foreign national who entered the U.S. lawfully and with inspection, such as with a B1/B2 visa, and who then becomes married to a U.S. citizen, may apply in the United States to adjust status to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (to get a "Green Card") regardless of whether his visitor's visa may have expired. Alternatively, however, the foreign national spouse may travel abroad and apply for "consular processing," but that could become problematic, especially if the foreign national may have become subject to a 3-year bar to re-entering if he/she remained unlawfully present in the U.S. for 180 days or longer (or a 10-year bar if unlawfully present for a year or longer). It would be wise to work with an immigration attorney who, after learning all of the relevant information about you, your immigration-related history, your spouse, etc., would be able to advise you about eligibilities, options and strategies and represent you in the application process.

I strongly recommend before you take any steps, that you consult with a competent attorney.  Knowingly lying to the Federal Government in an immigration application may have severe consequences, including criminal prosecution. I am not discouraging you from coming forward.  I simply am recommending that before you do so, you make sure to be fully informed.