[kxm9228]

I am currently on an F-1 visa planning to attend university this fall. I am engaged to a girl that came to the country 2 years ago as a refugee. We met here in the US after she was granted the refugee status. She applied for her green card after we were engaged and has already had the finger prints taken. We expected that she will get her green card this fall or winter.

Now as a holder of an F-1 Visa, if we marry, will I be able to get a green card and how long will it take. The time it takes is not really a big of a deal. My main concern is, will I be able to legally stay in the country and be given a work authorization with no limitations?

Thank you

[lawanwadee]

If you are married to a green card holder while you are in US, unlike married to US citizen, you cannot obtain EAD during the waiting period, plus it takes approx 5 years for your visa number becomes current.

Your best bet is maintain F-1 status until she becomes US citizen, then she can sponsor immigrant visa for you which will take about 6-8 months only.

On personal note, I strongly oppose the idea of getting married now, apply for immigrant visa and wait for years because it's likely that relationship might end prior to approval of visa number, and you will turn an illegal alien by then. One last word... maintain your F-1.