Cairo, GA Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

Generally, a U.S. citizen may apply for his wife to adjust status to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (to get a "Green Card") by simultaneously filing a Form I-130 Petition for Relative Alien in the "Immediate Relative" visa category and a Form I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status. Typically applications for an Employment Authorization Document and for Advance Parole also are filed at that time. There are some exceptions, however, such as when the foreign national spouse may have entered the U.S. unlawfully and without inspection. Especially if you and your wife are not thoroughly familiar with immigration processes, it would be wise to work with an immigration attorney who, after learning all of the relevant information, could advise you about eligibility and could provide legal representation in assuring that the applications are properly prepared and fully documented, since errors can cause substantial delays or even more harsh consequences. Some immigration law firms, including mine, offer legal representation upon a "flat fee" basis rather than an hourly charge, and a few firms, including mine, offer an initial consultation free of charge.

Generally, a Permanent Resident may become married in the U.S. regardless of whether his/her name on the "Green Card" differs from the name on the birth certificate. Regarding immigration-related issues, such as sponsoring a relative, applying to become a naturalized citizen, etc., significantly more information is needed in order to assess your situation. That includes, for example, the reason your name upon becoming a Permanent Resident differs from your name on your birth certificate; the basis upon which you became a permanent resident; etc.

There are pros and cons for the options available to you and your boyfriend, which may depend upon such things as whether you wish to become married in the U.S. or in Korea, whether your boyfriend now may be eligible for certain types of non immigrant visas, etc. There really is no substitute for working with an immigration attorney who, after learning all of the relevant information about your boyfriend and your plans, would be able to advise about eligibilities, options and strategies.