Hi and thanks in advance for whatever suggestion you might have concerning the best solution for my situation.
I am on OPT until July 15, 2008. I just got a job in a museum, starting soon and my boyfriend (we have been together for many years now and he is US citizen) and we considered getting married in Spring. He will have to finish his studies and we would be able to leave together only for 4 months this year.If we get married in Spring would I be able to stay in the US and legally work? How does the transition between OPT and being married to a US citizen work? Will I have to go back to my country and re-enter with a new visa/status? How long does this process take?
Would you recommend instead to apply for a H1b visa or J1 and wait to get married help me stay in the US and legally work?
Thank you very much for your help.