My Polish Girlfriend / Marriage and Status...?

Question

Hello and thanks...

I am an American living in NYC. My Polish girlfriend and I have been talking about marriage for some time now. I am saving money for a ring, etc. She is in the country on a work visa and has been for 10 years. She works for a large troubled financial institution and is very concerned about losing her job. She could be laid off any day now. If she is, she has 10 days to find a new job or leave the country.

I assume we could speed things up and go down to city hall and have a shotgun weddding just for her status and worry about a more formal wedding later. Can anyone tell me the details of a city hall marriage? Will her status change immediately? Do we have to prove our love? Will she have to move back to Poland temporarily? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Dziekuje!

Answer 1

1)http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marria...

2) No. You have to file an I-130 (petition for alien relative), I-485 (adjustment of status), G-325a (biographic data), I-864 (affidavit of support) along with other required paperwork. You might also want to file for an EAD (employment authorization document) and an advanced parole if needed.

During the petition time she will not be allowed to leave the US without an advance parole.

3) the USCIS will check to assure it is not a sham marriage.

4) No.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Seriously, if she is worried about her job why doesn't she start looking for a new job now rather then be laid off and try to marry to stay in the country?