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 started my relationship with Rajiv and team from 2000. They were with me all the time from 2000 to 2006 for whole journey of 6 years in my green card processing.
Half way through my company changed its name forced to start all over again and then went with the many hick ups due to my employer ( a start up company) going up and down. Rajiv team was with me to help me to resolve the issues. Finally my green card is approved after 4 EAD extensions. Thanks for the advice and constant help from Rajiv's team. I could have lost this battle long back with out your help. Once again Thanks for making it happen