Q: My wife entered the country with a tourist visa when she was 14 and overstayed. (Please read below for more details)
She went to high school/college and all in the states. I married her last year (us citizen) and had a few questions on the options we have on changing her status. I’m aware I can sponsor her as a relative but the confusion I have is that she has overstayed multiple times. Although Each time she entered back into the country it was done legally (as a tourist) and overstayed. Some instances were close relatives passing away in Mexico.. what are our options? Does the multiple overstay and entrances effect our chances of fixing through a relative (my self), Or because the entrances were doen legally each time does it not matter? Please help.
A: You need to create a complete timeline of every entry and exit. Then you need to gather all of the old passports she still has in her possession. Take the timeline and the passports to an immigration attorney for a consultation. I highly recommend you have an actual attorney review these documents and give you advice. I also recommend investing in the services of an experienced, qualified immigration attorney to file the paperwork on you behalf, and represent you through the interview process. Your chances will be much improved with the help of qualified counsel. It is immensely worth the cost, I cannot over emphasize this.
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