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Music and Art at the Ukrainian Institute of America
Posted by Tatiana B. Durbak on December 25, 2001 at 23:06:26:
In Reply to: going back for the 1st time posted by Larisa on December 21, 2001 at 22:29:37:
: Hello,
: I came here on fiancee visa and we are going to get married pretty soon.
: Maybe somebody knows for sure when I can go to visit my family in Ukraine after I get married here in US. I have been told once that I have to wait for 2 years before I can go to Ukraine but that doesn't seem right. Maybe somebody could tell me for sure... Thank you!
Once you get married (if it's to the same person who filed the fiancee visa petition for you), you will be able to file an application for adjustment of status.
If that application is approved, you will become a permanent resident. You can travel the very same day that you receive the permanent resident stamp in your passport and return as a permanenet resident.
Sometimes it can take quite a long time to get an interview for residence. It all depends on the INS district in which you are living. Some district offices are vey busy and have long waiting times for interviews; others go much faster.
There are limits on how long you can stay out, even as a permanent resident. See my repky to the person whose mother needs to return to Ukraine.
If you need to leave the US before you receive permanent residence, you can apply for advance permission to re-enter. This is OK as long as you have not been present illegally for 180 days or more.
Good luck in your new marriage.
If you need to