Princess13ga

Hello I have been dating my boyfriend for about a year now and his visa expired about 6 months ago. We want to get married so we can stay together but is it necessary to get a lawyer since his visa expired, or can we still do it on our own?
Also Do we get married first and then file the paperwork , or get a lawyer then file paperwork then get married? This whole thing is very foreign to me and I need any advice you can offer.

Thank you!

Ray

Perhaps a visit to a Lawyer before you do anything ...maybe the right thing to do...perhaps very quickly... it would seem he is at risk at the moment. Get legal advice very quickly...

Princess13ga

Thanks alot!

Guest21

You don't need a lawyer but you do realise that if he gets caught he risks deportation as his visa has expired.
You need to marry then file the paperwork ASAP.

Whiskers

Princess13ga

Is that info pretty valid? Like from a law professional? Because I was thinking that but wasnt sure. We dont have a whole lot of money for a lawyer now so Im trying to do everything we can without a lawyer then bring one in when necessary.

Ray

Unless you know where the foreign citizen is from ..and all the details of his past ..
not the best thing to say ...

meauxna

Let's put it this way: IF you spend about $100 or so NOW, then you can learn enough to save yourself NEEDING a lawyer later.

google Matt Udall in Pasadena; he's in Pasadena, gives phone consultations and asks the right questions.

You don't know wnough to know what you can or can't do right now.

Princess13ga

Ok I didnt understand what you wrote at all. $100 are you referring to getting married or a lawyer?
My boyfriend is from Argentina and has a clean record here and in his country.

Noorah101

The $100 is referring to an attorney consultation. Although your boyfriend has a clean record, the fact that he overstayed his visa could be an issue, and is best to be handled by a competent immigration attorney.

I second the recommendation for Matt Udall.

Rene

USA & Pakistan

His visa type is also an important peice of information.

Good Luck!
Marnee

Princess13ga

It was a tourist visa, he didnt plan to stay but his mother got sick then he met me and well, you know.

DCMark

No we don't. Get an attorney

Princess13ga

You're kinda feisty DC Mark! Alright already Im getting an attorney. I kinda figured I would have to because of his status but wanted to cover all my bases because they're expensive.
Thanks for all the help. If you have any more suggestions Im open.
THanks

ian-mstm

Tell him not to get into any traffic accidents, not to make a left or right turn without a signal, not to jaywalk, not to talk to strange children, and not to do anything else that may result in his being detained and questioned by the police. One thing may lead to another and, before you know it, he's on the next flight to Buenos Aires.

I'll also add here that just because he told you (and you believe) that he didn't have any problems in Argentina, it doesn't necessarily make it true.

Ian

Bob

Also check out www.aila.org for immigration solicitors to get referrals....you mgith also find some that will do a free consult, depends where you live though, might find them listed somewhere on www.uscis.gov as well.

You could always marry and head to his country as well...staying in the US is probably one of the most time consuming countries regarding immigration.