Kn

Just curious if a permanent resident can apply for the family based visa for his wife
and bring her over to the US on a tourist visa. I have heard that they are lenient on
such cases. Ofcourse the tourist visa is only valid for a certain period of time
within which the wife would have to obtain her PR status. This would restrict her
travel to her home country during that period - unless ofcourse she obtains a job
under the H-1 visa.

Any responses/comments on this matter will be appreciated.

Thanks.

KN

James Donovan

"KN" <[email protected]>
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Yes and no. You can petition for a family based green card for your wife if you are a
PR but she may not come to the USA on a tourist visa and adjust status until her
priority date is reached, which can take up to 5 years or more. In any case, she will
be turned back at the border most times if there is a petition for her, if she
attempts to come to the USA on a tourist visa, as she will be an intending immigrant.

On the other hand, you can naturalize 5 years after you become a PR and your wife
becomes immediate relative. She can get a green card very quickly, and even come to
the USA on a K-3 visa and adjust status here.