If my b/f were to come here from Australia on a B2 Visitor Visa, could he represent himself?

Question

And if he could represent himself, does anyone know how much money he would have to have to be allowed to do this? And can you even represent yourself? I have heard on the B2 visitor visa that family or friends can represent you....

Answer 1

I'm sorry - do you mean "represent himself" in a court of law?  Or in applying for citizenship?

If it's the first - I don't really know.

If the second - no one can apply for a green card while on a visitor visa - you have to be here for a few months first.  Because he is Australian, he will have to abide by the rules in place for people from countries that are safe - i.e. he will not be considered a political refugee.  He will have to jump through some hoops.  

First, he will need to be employed.  In applying for a green card, he will need to show why he needs to be here more than 3 months - - either because he is a student (and can be on a student visa) or because he wants "permanent resident" status (a green card).   To be a permanent resident he needs to show he can work in a profession for which he is uniquely qualified, and would not put him in direct competition with an American for that job.  

If he has immediate family who already live here, the rules change a little - and his family members can sponsor him for the green card process.  Friends cannot sponsor him.  Contrary to popular belief btw - marrying an American does not automatically give you citizenship status.

As far as citizenship, he'll need to live here a required amount of time (several years) during which time he can show himself employed gainfully, again in a way that does not compete with Americans, and he will need no criminal record.

You can go to the government sites on immigration/naturalization to find out more.