I wanna petition my boyfriend but I am not yet a citizen

[ltpf]

I came here in USA as an immigrant last 2009. As what I have heard, we need to accumulate 5yrs of stay to apply for US citizenship. Thus, I have to wait until 2014 before I could petition my boyfriend in the Philippines through Fiance visa. I was just thinking, would marrying him in the Philippines may make it possible to get him (then as a husband) even if I am just a green card holder? Would it make a difference? Or the government will just start processing my petition papers after becoming a citizen? I hope you could help me. Thank you.

[barbarajlw]

I came here in USA as an immigrant last 2009. As what I have heard, we need to accumulate 5yrs of stay to apply for US citizenship. Thus, I have to wait until 2014 before I could petition my boyfriend in the Philippines through Fiance visa. I was just thinking, would marrying him in the Philippines may make it possible to get him (then as a husband) even if I am just a green card holder? Would it make a difference? Or the government will just start processing my petition papers after becoming a citizen? I hope you could help me. Thank you.

You have to be a USC to petition for anyone

[nichole]

A permanent resident can petition for a spouse. But there is a wait involved for a visa to be available. A limited number of visas are issued so applying gets him a priority date. When his turn comes up, he can apply. Once you are a USC, then there are unlimited visas available for you spouse so no wait. Every month a visa bulletin is published showing which priority dates are being served. It jumps around because it's dependent on how many apply and how many are available and the country coming from. I think the most recent date for the Phils, spouse of a GC holder, is June 08, meaning they are serving dates before that time. You could marry and apply to see if his date comes up before your citizenship. It could happen.

[ltpf]

Thanks, Nicole! I made more researches about it and yes you're right.

[milingonzales]

same dilemma

Hello,I also have the same concern.Soon, I will leave for the States & I'll be a Green card holder. After getting my green card in the States,and marry my fiance the Philippines,can I get him right away?What is the first step,where can I go to at first place?Please help,I am new here. I've been googling but can't find exact answers. Tnx.

[milingonzales]

A permanent resident can petition for a spouse. But there is a wait involved for a visa to be available. A limited number of visas are issued so applying gets him a priority date. When his turn comes up, he can apply. Once you are a USC, then there are unlimited visas available for you spouse so no wait. Every month a visa bulletin is published showing which priority dates are being served. It jumps around because it's dependent on how many apply and how many are available and the country coming from. I think the most recent date for the Phils, spouse of a GC holder, is June 08, meaning they are serving dates before that time. You could marry and apply to see if his date comes up before your citizenship. It could happen.

Hi. You mean I can only bring with me my fiance if i marry him,then apply right away for his green card too?More or less how long will it take to process?Thanks.

[barbarajlw]

Hi. You mean I can only bring with me my fiance if i marry him,then apply right away for his green card too?More or less how long will it take to process?Thanks.

you can sponsor a spouse if you are an LPR and that can take years. Only USC can sponsor fiance's