If I get married, do I HAVE to apply for a green card?

[paperrev]

Hello. This might be an out-of-the-ordinary question, but my partner (American) and I are thinking about getting married but was wondering if I have to apply for a green card concurrently. The reason being, both my partner and I are not in the most stable place financially, so I might have to return back to my home country to make money and then come back. In terms of the marriage decision, just timing wise personally, we both agree it's kind of a now-or-never situation, but we're wondering if I HAVE to apply for green card - and if not, would that be viewed negatively if I do apply for green card later when I return?? Thank you!

[scientist2016]

Hello. This might be an out-of-the-ordinary question, but my partner (American) and I are thinking about getting married but was wondering if I have to apply for a green card concurrently. The reason being, both my partner and I are not in the most stable place financially, so I might have to return back to my home country to make money and then come back. In terms of the marriage decision, just timing wise personally, we both agree it's kind of a now-or-never situation, but we're wondering if I HAVE to apply for green card - and if not, would that be viewed negatively if I do apply for green card later when I return?? Thank you!

No. You can apply whenever you want/choose.

[krypton9591]

Hello. This might be an out-of-the-ordinary question, but my partner (American) and I are thinking about getting married but was wondering if I have to apply for a green card concurrently. The reason being, both my partner and I are not in the most stable place financially, so I might have to return back to my home country to make money and then come back. In terms of the marriage decision, just timing wise personally, we both agree it's kind of a now-or-never situation, but we're wondering if I HAVE to apply for green card - and if not, would that be viewed negatively if I do apply for green card later when I return?? Thank you!

if that's your situation you might go back to your home country and start the K1 fiance visa process that way you can work while it's going on and when it is approved you come back to the US, Get married within 90 days of Arrival and then at that point you can choose to apply for your GC whenever you would like.