What should I do

IamRN · Jan 5, 2004

Originally posted by germain
One thing you should know is that some students have a special exeption from the overstay limit, but hte only person who will tell you that is a lawyer.

That is true. If you are legally here on a student visa and maintaining your minimum enrollment hours you are still "legal" even though your student visa is expired. Once you leave the country you can't come back in unless you renew the student visa.

However, the poster only has a visitors/tourist visa.

suzanne4, RN · Jan 5, 2004

The reason for the quote of $10,000 is that the going rate for an immigration lawyer for green card processing is $5500.00 and that is for anything uncomplicated. Anything over and above drags all fees out and it can easily be about $10,000. Unfortunately, this has happened to several people that I know.

With an overstay record on a visa WHEN you are applying for a green card, it is just going to run you more money. This student is trying to straighten things out so that she will be able to get a green card when she finishes her studies, which will be in six months. I am just tring to make her aware of because of the overstay AND being a student on a tourist visa, there is going to be alot more involved. It is not a simple two or three day overstay on a visa. The rules have changed quite a bit, and they are getting more strict quite frequently. I deal with immigration lawyers on a frequent basis because of my school, etc.

germain · Jan 5, 2004

suzanne4, you are absolutely right, I think the going advice here is DEAL WITH IT NOW. My husband had a 3 year overstay and other issues, and we didnt pay 10 grand, but rates differ, just saying to shop around

:)