Can a J-1 Visa Holder Get Married and Drop Out Program
Hi I am currently on J-1 working in a hotel in VA. (with two-year foreign residency applies) My J-1 is for one year and I've been here for about 6 months.
I met my boyfriend after I came to the States. He's getting relocated to a job in Montana. He wants me to go with him. In order to keep me in the country, we plan to get married.
I applied for waiver last month and looks like it's under process now. My question is, if we get married now, can I drop out from my J-1 program and follow him to Montana? After we get married, during the time i wait for my waiver and then start my application for green card, can i stay legally?
Thank you.
Re: Can a J-1 Visa Holder Get Married and Drop Out Program
You cannot adjust your status unless you obtain a waiver. Once you go out of status, you're out of status and you can neither stay nor work legally in the United States. If you successfully obtain a waiver, you and your spouse can petition to adjust your status. It seems that you would benefit from knowing if you have a waiver before you decide how to proceed.
Re: Can a J-1 Visa Holder Get Married and Drop Out Program
Quote:
Quoting
Mr. Knowitall
You cannot adjust your status unless you obtain a waiver. Once you go out of status, you're out of status and you can neither stay nor work legally in the United States. If you successfully obtain a waiver, you and your spouse can petition to adjust your status. It seems that you would benefit from knowing if you have a waiver before you decide how to proceed.
Thank you so much Mr Knowitall,
So how about we get married and apply for a waiver with the reason of marriage? doesn't it make more sense and give it higher possibility to obtain the waiver?
Thank you.