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 have been working with Mr. Khanna over the past decade to resolve my green card application. It has always been a pleasure to talk to him. He gives his advice in a timely and appropriate manner and has provided free telephonic counsel to me for visa issues concerning my family members - SEVERAL YEARS AFTER MY GREEN CARD WAS OBTAINED. I believe he goes above and beyond his duties to serve his countrymen. We really appreciate his timely advice on several occasions. Best wishes for a very successful practice in years to come.