Legal Question in Immigration Law in Maryland

Can a Green Card holder bring his/her spouse to USA within a year?

I am a green card holder and also a permanent employee(an IT professional) in USA. But, my fiance is not living in USA or not a US citizen or does not hold any type of US visa. I want to get married and bring her down to USA ''as soon as possible''. Please let me know what are the available options that I have. I've heard that sponsoring her under ''family based visa'' will take several years to process. Truly appreciate your advice. Thanks.


Asked on 11/25/01, 4:23 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Carolyn Goldfarb Carolyn S. Goldfarb, Esq.

Re: Can a Green Card holder bring his/her spouse to USA within a year?

Because you are only a green card holder rather than a citizen,it will take more than 4 years after you are married to bring your wife to the US because of the quota backlogs. In the meantime, if your wife qualifies for a nonimmigrant visa such as a TN, H-1b, F1 student or any other nonimmigrant visa, she can come to the US in that status. You could also get married and start the green card process over from square one, surrender your green card and reimmigrate. I wouldn't advise taking this drastic measure but some people do it out of desparation.

You really need to seek out an immigration lawyer in your area and have an in person consultation.

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Answered on 11/26/01, 2:39 am
John V A Holmes Immigration Law Center

Re: Can a Green Card holder bring his/her spouse to USA within a year?

How did you get your green card and how long have you had it? This is what I'd ask you if you came me for a consultation. If you got it thru marriage certain restrictive rules would apply. If you've had it long enough to file for naturalization you should do that. If you have an H1 that remains valid there is a possibility if you married she could get an H4>

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Answered on 11/26/01, 8:45 am


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