ThomasDER Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 Hi there, I got accepted in the US next year for a 2-year graduate program (MPA Harvard) . I also received a sponsorship from Fulbright that allows me to apply for a J1 visa. My girlfriend wants toi join in the US and work there. We are not married I work in the US under a J2 visa (as I have a J1 visa) only if we get married ? Apparently the US authorities only recognize regular wedding as testimonial ? Is it really the case ? Any idea to avoid an emergency wedding ? Thanks a lot, Thomas
irreducible Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 Sorry to break the bad news: Spouse:Legally married husband or wife. A co-habiting partner does not qualify as a spouse for immigration purposes. A common-law husband or wife may or may not qualify as a spouse for immigration purposes, depending on the laws of the country where the relationship occurs. http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/glossary/glossary_1363.html#S I doubt there is any way around it.
fuzzylogician Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 Marriage is almost unavoidable. The only other way I know of is to get permission for an extended stay on a B1 visa, which can sometimes be available for unmarried partners. But it would mean that your girlfriend would not be able to work, study or do anything else that a tourist is not allowed to do. I would not recommend this option at all.
Strangefox Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 On the other hand, look at the bright side. If you love her - why not? And you can avoid so many expenses if you have a quick wedding
adinutzyc Posted March 26, 2011 Posted March 26, 2011 On the other hand, look at the bright side. If you love her - why not? And you can avoid so many expenses if you have a quick wedding Hahaha! Sorry Thomas, but congrats on your acceptance!
eklavya Posted March 26, 2011 Posted March 26, 2011 (edited) And you can avoid so many expenses if you have a quick wedding unfortunately, wedding and the life after adds more expenses, my friend! however, i do agree with folks above. marrying her is the best option i see. Edited March 26, 2011 by bhikhaari
Kathiza Posted March 26, 2011 Posted March 26, 2011 We talked about this in our Fulbright meeting as well and unfortunately there is no way around a marriage.
ThomasDER Posted March 28, 2011 Author Posted March 28, 2011 Thank you much for your help ! 3 months count-down to get married ! Cheers, Thomas
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