Thomson, GA Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

Generally there are two options under your circumstances: your U.S. citizen fiance could apply for you to receive a fiance visa for the purpose of entering the U.S. and becoming married within the required period of time, and then applying for adjustment of status to become a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (to get a "Green Card"), or you may marry abroad and go through the consular processing steps in the "Immediate Relative" visa category. It would not be an option for you to travel to the U.S. with a visitor's visa while having an intention to become married and apply for adjustment of status, and that approach could be deemed to constitute visa fraud, with the risk of very harsh consequences. Each option has its pros and cons. There really is no substitute for you and your fiance to consult with an immigration attorney who, after learning all of the relevant information, could advise about eligibilities, options and strategies to attain your goals, and who then could offer legal representation in the often complex application process.

The keeper of the record where birth certificates are concerned usually refers to the registrar of births. As long is your foreign birth certificate is one that is recognized by the U.S. under the Foreign Affairs Manual, it is OK as long as the birth was registered within a year of the event. Keeper of the record does not refer to any translation or translator. Anybody who is fluent in both English and the language of your birth certificate can translate the documents and attest to his/her ability to do so accurately before a notary public or similar official. In a typical attestation of translation, the translator identifies himself or herself by name, states that he/she is fluent in the two languages, and certifies that he/she has made the translation from the document in the foreign language to the English language and that the same is a true and correct translation to the best of his or her knowledge, ability and belief.

An adult U.S. Citizen child may apply for a parent to come to the U.S. and become a Permanent Resident (get a "Green Card") through consular processing. Beyond completing forms, consular processing will require certain documentary evidence and an appointment with the consulate's office. If a family is not very familiar with the process, it would be wise to engage an immigration attorney to provide representation to assure that it is handled properly.