i would like to ask a few questions from this forum regarding a nurse (the girlfriend) moving from u.k to the u.s. to live with me (the boyfriend).
while discussing with few agencies, she is consistently told that it takes about 18 months and that she needs to stay in the u.k during the entire time. i am quite surprised that after the green card application is filed, she is still not able to stay in the u.s while waiting for the proper documents.
isn't it possible for her to pass her exam in the u.k and come to the u.s and find a sponsor here and be here while they (agency or the hospital) do the work?
before i make any decision i would really like to feel comfortable that i do have all the facts.
therefore, i would like to have your advice/opinion this: is there any way she can come to the u.s sooner than 18 months?
The agency route actually takes longer in most cases. Is she going to ome over on a fiance visa or the normal route for the green card.
she is still able to travel on her passport while things are pending, not sure where you are getting your information from. Best advice that I can offer to you is to contact an immigration attorney in the US, so that you can get all of the proper information. And none of the rumors that are flooating around, that are quite false.
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
does she have to go through with an agency or recruiter. she can do this on her own and she would have more control over where she lives and works. Aslong as she is truthful when coming over and shows proof on going home she should have no problems coming over on a visa waiver. Like mentioned before why not seek advice from a lawyer who knows/understands US immigration
I need to know if she can come for longer time (than few days) visits to the U.S while waiting out her 18 months.
Thanks.
A British citizen with a full passport can visit the US on a Visa Waiver for up to 90 days at a time. Or there's the B2 visa which allows a stay of 6 months, but only as a visitor, not to do any work. In any one year period, visitors can spend 6 months of the year in the US. Here's a link to the US Embassy in London which may be of help :
We did speak with a lawyer and we were confirmed that indeed while applying for the green card, the applicant may not make any visits to the U.S. even as a visitor!!
Was that an immigration attorney in the US? Not true, it is done all of the time. And by nurses from the UK. You are definitely getting bogus information from that attorney. Also, if you petition for her on a fiancee visa, then things can happen much quicker.
Not sure where you are located, but I can give you the name and number of an immigration attorney that knows what he is talking about.
One attorney told one of my students that they would have to leave the country for 4 years until they got their green card, and they have already had an AOS filed on their behalf by another attorney that is used to dealing with nurses. Notr all immigration attorneys know what they are talking about. Sorry......I am not one, but with some of the information that I keep hearing that people are gettign told, it is just outrageous.
If you want, go to www.visapro.com and you will find the exact same information that I am telling you.:) And get a new attorney.
Just a word of warning here. A UK citizen can visit the US on a Visa Waiver while awaiting a Green Card, however, they must travel with proof of their return visit and also proof of ties to the UK, including rental agreement, car payments, bank statements and a letter from an employer. The reason for this is that a Visa Waiver is only granted if you have no intent to remain...applying for a Green Card shows that you DO indeed have intent to remain so in theory you should not be using it. However, do NOT apply for a B1 visitors visa, as it is often refused, and once it has been refused you can no longer use the Visa Waiver program and will not be able to travel to the US until the Green Card is issued.
Secondly, do NOT let your girlfriend say that she is visiting her boyfriend. Having a partner in the US (especially a US citizen), could also show intent to remain, and is a BIG no no at immigration,. If immigration suspect her of being in a relationship with an American they will not only interview her extensively but will most likely send her back to England. If she is sent back she should go voluntarily because if she does not she will face a 10-year ban from visiting the US. ALWAYS state you are on vacation....nothing else. Trust me, I have researched this topic extensively and maintained a long distance relationship for 3 years. Many people don't know the pitfalls and end up in trouble when they underestimate the strictness of US immigration rules. NEVER lie to immigration officials, but do not volunteer information unless asked.
suzanne4, RN
26,410 Posts
The agency route actually takes longer in most cases. Is she going to ome over on a fiance visa or the normal route for the green card.
she is still able to travel on her passport while things are pending, not sure where you are getting your information from. Best advice that I can offer to you is to contact an immigration attorney in the US, so that you can get all of the proper information. And none of the rumors that are flooating around, that are quite false.