Perris, CA Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

Since you entered the US on a F-1 visa, you can apply for a green card on form I-485 at anytime. However, it is best if you apply before your F-1 status expires in 2 years. Plus, it's financially better for you because you won't have to pay the full tuition as a foreign student any longer. The filing fee for I-485 and I-130 forms is $1,490. It takes approximately 4 months for USCIS to process the application before you will be scheduled for an interview at the local USCIS field office.

Petition to Remove the Conditional Residency* While the Green Card has already been received, it is necessary to file what is known as the Petition to Remove the Conditional Residency. If this is not properly filed within 90 days before the expiration of the Conditional Green Card, the status will be automatically terminated. My office can file everything necessary to show that the marriage was bona-fide and that the USCIS should remove the condition in order to issue the permanent lawful permanent residency card. Please note that in some cases, even though the spouse does not want to help file the petition to remove the conditional residency, or there has been a divorce, it is still possible to get the Petition to Remove the Conditional Residency filed. You will then need to also file a divorce waiver.

The time difference between a CR-1 and a K-1 from abroad is not that great. But, applying for a CR-1 after getting married is much simpler and requires less paperwork.