Being out of status does not always prevent marriage-based immigration, especially if you entered the U.S. legally. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are forgiven certain status violations, including overstays. However, timing matters, and filing without understanding your full immigration history can create risks.

Before filing, it is important to review whether any issues such as misrepresentation or prior removals exist. While marriage can open a legal pathway, it does not fix all immigration problems automatically. Careful preparation and accurate disclosure are essential to avoid delays or denial.