I am a Japanese citizen on a H1B. Once I finish my 3rd year as a Resident Medical Physician in the US, I will be 2 years into my H1B. I will then apply for jobs as a medical physician and have them sponsor me for a green card.
1) How long does the application to green card award process take ?
2) Once I apply for green card status, my British boyfriend (a postdoc) will be 2-3 years into his H1B visa (and therefore have another 3-4 yrs left until the 6yr limit). We very much want to marry. Can we do this immediately after I get my green card? (and in doing so, get him green card status too).
Regrettably, it is not that simple. The process of becoming a lawful permanent resident, even if you're a medical doctor can take a while. In addition, you cannot petition your husband for an immediate visa until you are US citizen. You must be a waffle permanent resident for five years before you can apply for citizenship by naturalization.however, you may apply for him as a green card holder, but he will have to wait until this priority date is current. If his visa runs out, then he will have to return to the United Kingdom and wait for the visa.
I strongly recommend an appointment with a competent and experienced immigration attorney who can take the time to explain to you in detail how this matter will need to process. Also, he or she can explain approximately how much effort and time will need to be undertaken and experienced, respectively. The attorney can also discuss other alternatives, so that he may be able to lawfully immigrate sooner. Good luck.
You can marry your British boyfriend any time you like. However, if you marry him before you get your green card, he will get it with you. If you marry him after you get your green card, it will take a few years, and he needs to maintain lawful status during that time he is waiting.
A spouse can get a green card together with you if you are married at the time you are approved. By contrast, if you choose to wait until you are approved and only then marry your spouse, it could take years before a visa is available for him.
