Visa Expiring While Waiting for Decision

[nbanik1987]

Hello all,

I came to the US with an F1 visa back in Aug 2010. I got married in Aug 2013 to a US citizen. I am in the process of applying for a green card. However, after going over the processing time of I-485 and I-130, it seems like it might take around a year or even more to get a decision. Since my F1 visa expires in July 2014, so I was wondering what should be the best alternative. Since I know I am not allowed to leave the US once I have filed I-485, will it be better to get an extension on my F1 visa? But, since F1 is a non-immigrant visa, it will be immediately rejected.

[llworking]

Hello all,

I came to the US with an F1 visa back in Aug 2010. I got married in Aug 2013 to a US citizen. I am in the process of applying for a green card. However, after going over the processing time of I-485 and I-130, it seems like it might take around a year or even more to get a decision. Since my F1 visa expires in July 2014, so I was wondering what should be the best alternative. Since I know I am not allowed to leave the US once I have filed I-485, will it be better to get an extension on my F1 visa? But, since F1 is a non-immigrant visa, it will be immediately rejected.

Once you file the paperwork to start the green card process you are legally allowed to remain in the US. Your F1 visa expiration date was a date for the marriage to happen. Had you not married by that date you would have had to leave the country.

[nbanik1987]

Once you file the paperwork to start the green card process you are legally allowed to remain in the US.

Oh! really?! Wow! that takes off a whole lot of stress from my shoulder. Thanks

[T53147]

Visa is used for entry at the border it does not affect your legal stay after entry.

[llworking]

Oh! really?! Wow! that takes off a whole lot of stress from my shoulder. Thanks

Yes, really....LOL.