Legal Question in Immigration Law in New York

How long do you have to live in U.S.A. after getting married to a U.S. citizen to get permanent residence and keep it if the couple seperates? I heard it is like 10 years of marriage to be with someone and if they are seperated then what?


Asked on 6/08/14, 7:41 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Rahul Manchanda, Esq. Manchanda Law Office PLLC

This is a complicated question. Please call me at (212) 968-8600 or toll-free at (800) 750-1828 to discuss this matter further. Kind regards, RDM

Read more
Answered on 6/08/14, 9:55 am
Marlene Hemmings Marlene Hemmings, Attorney at Law

Your question is NOT complicated at all. Once you marry a U.S. citizen, the U.S. citizen-spouse can petition you for U.S. Permanent Legal Residency. If you are married for less than two years at the time your immigrant visa is approved, then you will get a two year conditional residency. Within 90 days of the expiration of the conditional residency, you & your spouse will need to file a request to remove the condition (on your residency).

Depending on if/when the couple separates or gets divorced, there may, or may not, be negative consequences for the foreign spouse. However, there is nothing in U.S. Immigration Law requiring a couple to remain married for ten years.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Read more
Answered on 6/08/14, 2:50 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Immigration Law questions and answers in New York