Immigration: If I am in USA on F1 visa as a single and later get married can I bring my wife along after 1 yr?

Question

It is possible to put forward dependent with yuor file I know is it doable later on, what if I marry after a year.

2ndly: Visa is given for 5 yrs and courses are for 2 yrs. So can you and how can you stay for your given 3 yrs extra permit? by changing status or what?

THanks.

Answer 1

Instead of asking here and getting just opinions you should phone or write to the Immigration office nearest you and ask them, or make an appointment to talk with an official.

Answer 2

1) If you marry and your wife wishes to come to the U.S. as your dependent on an F2 visa. You simply go to the DSO at your school and request a new I-20 for your circumstances; you will have to show you have the money to continue to support yourself, fund your studies and of course support her financial needs. This information will be updated on the SEVIS system, your wife will pay the $100 SEVIS fee and then schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in her country of residence just as you did.

2) If you wish to stay beyond your graduation then you will need to either further your studies, find an employer to sponsor you or request OPT - speak to the international student adviser to discuss your options.

Answer 3

Your wife can follow you, no prob, but she can not

take up a job.

You can enroll yourself in another course, if want to

prolong your stay. Once there there, keep your

eyes peeled and find your ways.

Answer 4

CPG is right. I'd only add that while your student visa is good for 5 years, your authorized stay is valid while you remain in status as a student. So, if you are out of school in 2 years, then either you need to find some other status, or leave as you'll be considered illegal at that point. If you were to go on to grad school, that would be one way of extending your student status. Also, keep in  mind that while it is possible for your wife to get an F2 visa, there is no guarantee that she'll be approved.