I’m from Guinea and currently living in Alaska. I’ve been here for a little over two years, and I recently got engaged to someone who is a U.S. citizen. We’re planning to get married soon, but I’m unsure about how the family immigration process works after marriage. Will I be able to adjust my status here in the U.S., or do I need to return home first?

Question

Lalita Chakraborty · Accepted Answer

If you entered the U.S. legally, you can usually apply for adjustment of status after marriage without leaving. This process allows you to stay while your green card is being processed.

Nkosinathi Ndlovu · Answer

Your U.S. citizen fiancé can file Form I-130 for you after marriage, and you can submit Form I-485 to adjust status. Make sure your visa status was valid when you entered. Having proof of a genuine relationship is also very important.

Mahboubeh Mahboubeh · Answer

If you entered without proper documentation or overstayed your visa, the situation can get more complex. In some cases, you might need to apply from outside the U.S. through consular processing. However, there are waivers available for certain unlawful presence issues. Consulting an immigration attorney will help you choose the safest route.

Hawa Touré

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