Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > USA
Reload this Page >

visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Wikiposts

visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Thread Tools
 
Old Oct 8th 2006 | 11:48 am
  #1  
Thread Starter
Just Joined
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
nancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to all
Default visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Hi i was hoping i could get some advice, i am at a bit of a loss.
I came here on the general green visa waver form (the one you fill in on the plane) I think it lasts for three months and I have been here longer than that so I imagine i class as being here illegally. (I came here easter this year)
I maybe getting married in January but how i will go about this I do not have a clue, am i best to go home and apply for the fiancee visa and come back? Or is it best to marry him and apply for greencard/whatever straight away.
Also the greencard forms, do they ask for certificates of Education (degree) and all that? because I have lost everything.
I have looked and searched and read so much on the internet and everything is contradicting the thing before, I would really appreciate some advise from people who know about this from personal opinion,

any idea is great as this is causing us both a lot of stress!
 
Old Oct 8th 2006 | 11:54 am
  #2  
dbj1000's Avatar
Arrogant ****
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,323
From: Plano, TX
dbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond reputedbj1000 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Originally Posted by nancypancy
Hi i was hoping i could get some advice, i am at a bit of a loss.
I came here on the general green visa waver form (the one you fill in on the plane) I think it lasts for three months and I have been here longer than that so I imagine i class as being here illegally. (I came here easter this year)
I maybe getting married in January but how i will go about this I do not have a clue, am i best to go home and apply for the fiancee visa and come back? Or is it best to marry him and apply for greencard/whatever straight away.
Also the greencard forms, do they ask for certificates of Education (degree) and all that? because I have lost everything.
I have looked and searched and read so much on the internet and everything is contradicting the thing before, I would really appreciate some advise from people who know about this from personal opinion,

any idea is great as this is causing us both a lot of stress!
There are specific forums on this site for Immigration, Visa and Marriage-Based Visa questions. You'll get more luck there:

Immigration
Visas
Marriage-Based Visas

I'm afraid you have good reason to be worried - you're here illegally and risk being banned from re-entry to the US. Regardless of the replies you get on these boards, you need to seek advice from an experienced Immigration lawyer ASAP.
 
Old Oct 8th 2006 | 12:23 pm
  #3  
Mr. Grumpy
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,100
From: Nashville, TN
BritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond reputeBritGuyTN has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Originally Posted by nancypancy
Hi i was hoping i could get some advice, i am at a bit of a loss.
I came here on the general green visa waver form (the one you fill in on the plane) I think it lasts for three months and I have been here longer than that so I imagine i class as being here illegally. (I came here easter this year)
I maybe getting married in January but how i will go about this I do not have a clue, am i best to go home and apply for the fiancee visa and come back? Or is it best to marry him and apply for greencard/whatever straight away.
Also the greencard forms, do they ask for certificates of Education (degree) and all that? because I have lost everything.
I have looked and searched and read so much on the internet and everything is contradicting the thing before, I would really appreciate some advise from people who know about this from personal opinion,

any idea is great as this is causing us both a lot of stress!

I would personally get married immdieatly and file for adjustmet of status

does your partner have a reasonable job? this may come in useful for the affadavit of suppport and any punitive fines that may come your for was being out of status. I would get married before sending in any forms.

purely my own speculation and not legal advice...
 
Old Oct 8th 2006 | 12:33 pm
  #4  
Rodney you plonker's Avatar
No income tax no V.A.T.
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 548
From: Hookey St. Peckham
Rodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond reputeRodney you plonker has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Originally Posted by nancypancy
Hi i was hoping i could get some advice, i am at a bit of a loss.
I came here on the general green visa waver form (the one you fill in on the plane) I think it lasts for three months and I have been here longer than that so I imagine i class as being here illegally. (I came here easter this year)
I maybe getting married in January but how i will go about this I do not have a clue, am i best to go home and apply for the fiancee visa and come back? Or is it best to marry him and apply for greencard/whatever straight away.
Also the greencard forms, do they ask for certificates of Education (degree) and all that? because I have lost everything.
I have looked and searched and read so much on the internet and everything is contradicting the thing before, I would really appreciate some advise from people who know about this from personal opinion,

any idea is great as this is causing us both a lot of stress!
Do not leave the country, you may not get back in. Get a lawyer ASAP.
 
Old Oct 8th 2006 | 1:01 pm
  #5  
Just Joined
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 25
From: winchester va via Kent, UK
JP24 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

I'm sure a Lawyer is the best option but you can contact www.catholiccharitiesusa.org .They offer immigration help and advice, they helped me and only cost $50 to complete all the forms for us and answer all of our questions. They are a catholic charity but you dont have to be catholic to receive help. Hope this helps
P.S Do not leave the country!
 
Old Oct 8th 2006 | 1:03 pm
  #6  
Thread Starter
Just Joined
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
nancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to all
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

thank you for the link, it sounds very helpful, i definetly wont be leaving the country now!
to think, we were actually planning to go home and then come back because we thought it would be easier that way!
 
Old Oct 8th 2006 | 1:06 pm
  #7  
Just Joined
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 25
From: winchester va via Kent, UK
JP24 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Your welcome. If you do leave they can slap you with up to a 10 year ban on your passport to prevent you from returning.
 
Old Oct 8th 2006 | 4:21 pm
  #8  
Ray's Avatar
Ray
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Ray has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Originally Posted by JP24
Your welcome. If you do leave they can slap you with up to a 10 year ban on your passport to prevent you from returning.
Utter nonsense..she is not even liable for a automatic ban yet
Ignore all the advice you read here ..seek advice from an aila lawyer
find one here....
www.ailalawyer.com ..and act on that advice only ...

Last edited by Ray; Oct 8th 2006 at 4:54 pm.
 
Old Oct 8th 2006 | 11:19 pm
  #9  
anabella's Avatar
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,845
From: Aspen, CO
anabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond reputeanabella has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

I am no expert and I agree with Ray, you should seek advise from a pro.. but it looks like many people enter the US illegally or eventually become illegal like yourself and by marrying a US citizen they are able to stay legally.

Good luck

Originally Posted by nancypancy
Hi i was hoping i could get some advice, i am at a bit of a loss.
I came here on the general green visa waver form (the one you fill in on the plane) I think it lasts for three months and I have been here longer than that so I imagine i class as being here illegally. (I came here easter this year)
I maybe getting married in January but how i will go about this I do not have a clue, am i best to go home and apply for the fiancee visa and come back? Or is it best to marry him and apply for greencard/whatever straight away.
Also the greencard forms, do they ask for certificates of Education (degree) and all that? because I have lost everything.
I have looked and searched and read so much on the internet and everything is contradicting the thing before, I would really appreciate some advise from people who know about this from personal opinion,

any idea is great as this is causing us both a lot of stress!
 
Old Oct 9th 2006 | 3:37 am
  #10  
Manc's Avatar
@matthewb76
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 21,886
From: Missouri
Manc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond reputeManc has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Originally Posted by nancypancy
this is causing us both a lot of stress!
being an illegal immigrant will do that......
 
Old Oct 9th 2006 | 4:02 am
  #11  
Thread Starter
Just Joined
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
nancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to allnancypancy is a name known to all
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Originally Posted by Manc
being an illegal immigrant will do that......
thank you, although i was looking for advice rather than smart ass comments.
 
Old Oct 9th 2006 | 4:35 am
  #12  
Homebody
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 23,190
From: HOME
Elvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond reputeElvira has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Originally Posted by nancypancy
thank you, although i was looking for advice rather than smart ass comments.

Wrong forum!
 
Old Oct 9th 2006 | 4:35 am
  #13  
Account Closed
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
scrubbedexpat099 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Originally Posted by anabella
I am no expert and I agree with Ray, you should seek advise from a pro.. but it looks like many people enter the US illegally or eventually become illegal like yourself and by marrying a US citizen they are able to stay legally.

Good luck
She did not enter illegally.

Generally you can not adjust in the US if you did so.
 
Old Oct 9th 2006 | 4:37 am
  #14  
Account Closed
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
scrubbedexpat099 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Originally Posted by nancypancy
thank you, although i was looking for advice rather than smart ass comments.

You complain about the stress imposed by an action you deliberately took....

A bit like headbutting a brick wall and complaining your head hurts, understandable in a 2 year old, maybe.

Last edited by scrubbedexpat099; Oct 9th 2006 at 6:33 am.
 
Old Oct 9th 2006 | 5:38 am
  #15  
Bob's Avatar
Bob
BE Site Lead
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 92,279
From: MA, USA
Bob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: visa help needed: URGENT and desperate!

Well you got advice on what to do, which is marry and AOS, the bar, that depends on exactly when you entered, the VWP is good for 90 days, not 3 months, and if stayed over 180 days it's a 3 year bar, 10 year for overstay of a year. Also won't be allowed to use the VWP again.

Your spouse to be will sponsor you, and will need to show that has finances to cover your household size, if not, would require a joint sponsor, someone who is either a US citizen or LPR who lives here in the States.

To AOS, you don't need to show your education, but depending on what type of work your looking for, once you get your EAD, you might need to get your degree qualifications transfered, might not, and who by would depend on what the job is, and to do that, you'll need your certs, if you don't have them, give your uni a shout and they should provide copies.

At the mo, you can't work, you can't get an SSN, you can't travel aboard if you want to get back to the US and you face the possibility of being deported.
 


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service - Your Privacy Choices

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.