I have recently gotten engaged to a green card holder. We are making plans for our wedding, very likely to happen this year. However, the following questions arose:
1. Does the fact that I already hold another Master and a Ph.D. degrees accelerate my green card application? I understand that the backlog is of 5-6 years, but I wonder if my advanced education will assist my application.
2. My H-1B application last year was approved, but I did not use the visa, as I decided to go back to school for (yet!) another degree. Will the approval of the H-1B be looked at favorably, unfavorably, or will it not make a difference?
3. I am currently an F-1 holder. If I marry my fiance' this year, may I simply maintain my Visa independent of his? I am eligible to an OPT after I graduate (to happen this year or in mid-2010) and I am certain I will be able to obtain an H-1B afterwards. Therefore, I do not depend on my fiance' to keep a legal status in the country. Is it legal (or advisable) to keep my Immigration records separate from his?
4. How about when we file for taxes, after the wedding happens? May we file separately, or do we need to declare we are married?
I recommend without reservation, the Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, P.C., to handle your company's immigration processing needs. For over 8 years the Canton Group has relied upon Rajiv and his team to help us navigate the H1-B sponsorship process for new hires and current employees. Mr. Khanna's "expert" advise is always on point and his team is a pleasure to work with. I was particularly impressed with the thorough and timely support we received in preparing our submission. And the results were fantastic. In every case, our application was approved!! Special thanks to Fran for her help on the our recent submission. We look forward to working with you again in the future.