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fredfox · May 5, 2010, 07:12 PM

I've heard, mostly on comedy situation, that if an immigrant marries a US Citizen, they can stay in this country. Is this true?. is it also true if the immigrant is Canadian?

Fr_Chuck · May 5, 2010, 07:16 PM

No, it is not true, getting married does not change your status automatically.

You will have to change your type of visa and ask for a change of status due to this.

There are times you may have to even return to your own nation to apply for a new visa to come back

fredfox · May 5, 2010, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

no, it is not true, getting married does not change your status automaticly.

You will have to change your type of visa and ask for a change of status due to this.

There are times you may have to even return to your own nation to apply for a new visa to come back

Thanks... I see your point. Just an FYI, this couple has been married for a great many years. She came here on a visit and,met her husband-to-be. It was not a marriage to keep her from being deported, but from what you're saying it doesn't make any difference. So, are the writers of sitcoms just screwing with us? What about the illegal immigrants that are here now and the government is planning to legalize them? Honestly, I am sincere in these questions... I can't find answers anywhere else.

NYcityboy · May 6, 2010, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by fredfox

Thanks... I see your point. Just an FYI, this couple has been married for a great many years. She came here on a visit and,met her husband-to-be. It was not a marriage to keep her from being deported, but from what you're saying it doesn't make any difference. So, are the writers of sitcoms just screwing with us? What about the illegal immigrants that are here now and the government is planning to legalize them? Honestly, I am sincere in these questions... I can't find answers anywhere else.

Marriage to a US citizen generally makes a foreign national eligible for permanent residence. You still need to apply for it. The USCIS doesn't come looking for you to give you a green card. When you turn 16 does the DMV or DPS come to your house to give you a drivers license? No, but you are eligible to apply.