Mission, TX Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

Yes, California recognizes same sex marriages and USCIS will accept marriage-based green card applications as long as the marriage took place in a state that recognizes it, and assuming you are otherwise eligible to file.

Best wishes with your upcoming marriage. The focus of your mother's visa application will be upon persuasively showing that she can be expected to return to her home country in compliance with the visitor's visa. Some of the following can be useful in this regard: evidence of home ownership or a residential lease abroad; evidence of a temporary leave of absence from employment for the purpose of the trip; evidence of other family members in the home country; evidence of bank accounts, automobiles, charge cards, etc. in the home country; evidence of a round-trip flight; and evidence of an invitation for her to attend your wedding. After you have become married, and assuming that there are no complications from you entering the U.S. on a J-1 visa with a two-year home residence requirement, you and your spouse may apply for you to adjust status to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (to get a "Green Card"). It would be wise to work with an immigration attorney for that process.