After the Wedding

Making the U.S.A. your home

Even though you are married to a U.S. citizen, you are not a permanent resident until you get your green card. While you wait, there will be forms to fill out, and should your circumstances change, you are at risk of being deported.

What happens after we get married?
After your marriage, you will apply for an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). While most immigrant visas require you apply outside the U.S. , this form allows you to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country.

Now that I'm married to a U.S. citizen, can I leave the U.S. ?
Yes, but until you get your green card, you'll need to apply for an Advance Parole if you want to be able to enter the U.S. again.

When can I work?
In order to legally work in the U.S. , you must first get an Application for Employment Authorization (AEA). This is a temporary permit that allows you to work in the U.S. until you get your green card.

What if I get divorced or widowed?
As long as your marriage was legitimate (not faked so you could live in the U.S.), and you are already a permanent resident, getting divorced won't affect your status. You won't lose your green card and you won't be deported. However, if you divorce before you've been married three years, you won't be eligible for U.S. citizenship for the standard five years.

Also, if you divorced very quickly, you might be questioned at length about your marriage during the citizenship interview. You can be questioned about very intimate issues, such as sleeping habits and daily routines of you and your partner. If you are concerned that your divorce will affect your chances of becoming a U.S. citizen, speak with an immigration lawyer.

What if my American spouse dies?
As long as you are a permanent resident, being widowed won't affect your status.

What if we married outside the U.S. ?
If you are already married, you are no longer a fiancé and cannot enter under a fiancé visa . You must enter the U.S. on a Petition for Relative (Form I-130). This process takes a little longer than a fiancé visa, but is faster than a standard immigrant visa.