Los Angeles Marriage and Citizenship Lawyer
Below are some questions and answers regarding citizenship and marriage.
If I am a non-U.S. citizen and I marry a U.S. citizen, do I automatically obtain permanent resident or U.S. citizen status?
No. According to the Los Angeles citizenship lawyers at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC, after you marry a U.S. citizen, your spouse must file a Petition for Alien Relative and you must make an application for adjustment of status in order to be granted permanent residency status.
If I am a non-U.S. citizen and I marry a permanent resident, can I stay in the United States while the Petition for Alien Relative is pending?
No. The filing of a Petition for Alien Relative by your spouse does not preserve your status in the United States. You must maintain some other immigration status in order to legally remain in the United States. After marriage, you must apply to adjust your status to permanent residency through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to receive the full benefits of residency that will allow you to live and work in the United States while retaining citizenship in your home country. For more detailed information, you should consult with a qualified citizenship lawyer in Los Angeles at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC.
If I am a permanent resident and I marry a U.S. citizen, do I automatically become a U.S. citizen?
No. There is no longer automatic citizenship through marriage. You must apply for citizenship in the manner prescribed by U.S. immigration laws.
On what visa can I enter the United States to marry a U.S. citizen?
You need a K-1 fiance visa to enter into the United States in order to marry a U.S. citizen.
Will my K-1 status automatically change to permanent resident status after I marry a U.S. citizen?
No, your K-1 status does not automatically change to legal permanent resident upon marriage. After you marry a U.S. citizen, you need to file for Adjustment of Status to become a legal permanent resident. You should consult with an experienced Los Angeles citizenship lawyer at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC for more detailed information.
Can I apply for legal permanent resident status before marrying a U.S. citizen?
No, you cannot apply for legal permanent resident status (known informally as a "green card") before marrying a U.S. citizen. The USCIS needs proof of your marriage when you file for a green card.
Legal guidance from immigration experts
If you are attempting to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, or have questions about citizenship status for yourself or your spouse, contact a Los Angeles citizenship lawyer at Wilner & O'Reilly for sound professional advice and representation. Our immigration lawyers in Long Beach help set you and your family on the path toward U.S. citizenship.
