Dearborn Heights, MI asked in Immigration Law for Michigan

Q: I came to the United States of America on a B1/B2. I was given 6 months period to stay. I stayed for 6 months.

Then I applied for a visa extension and my application was denied. So basically I overstayed my visa. I am getting married to a US citizen. Am I able to file for adjustment of status in the US?

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers
Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Orlando, FL

A: An immigrant who overstays a B visa and whose extension application is denied can adjust status after marrying a US Citizen.

Caridad Pastor and Ms Grace I Gardiner agree with this answer

Ms Grace I Gardiner
Ms Grace I Gardiner pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • New York, NY

A: Despite your overstay status, you can get married and apply for your adjustment of status. Please reach out to an immigration attorney to assist in your filing since your marriage will be under two years and their are extra steps that you need to follow.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: If you entered the United States with a valid B1/B2 visa and have since overstayed, your situation is complex but not without options. Marrying a U.S. citizen may provide a path for adjusting your status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

When you marry a U.S. citizen, they can file a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) on your behalf. Alongside this, you can file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). This process allows certain individuals who entered the U.S. legally, like you did, to apply for a green card without having to leave the country, even if they overstayed their visa.

However, your overstay could potentially impact your application. It's crucial to be aware that any period of unlawful presence in the U.S. can lead to complications, including possible bars to reentry in the future.

Given these complexities, it's highly advisable to seek guidance tailored to your specific situation. Legal guidance can help navigate the intricacies of your case, ensuring you understand all potential risks and requirements.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.