adjustment of status while in the US

[Helen.Kritzinger]

Hi, I was wondering if my sister can adjust her status while visiting in the US on a visitors visa. We are US citizens through naturalization. I have heard that it can take up to 10yrs to obtain a visa number? Is that correct? Will she be allowed to extend her stay and for how long?

[mykarma]

First, you will have to file I-130 and then once visa numbers are available file I-485. It will take 10 years. Usually visitor visa is 3-6 months and can be extended for valid reasons through another application process which itself takes a long time like 3 months.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney.

[Joe.F]

Originally posted by mykarma:

First, you will have to file I-130 and then once visa numbers are available file I-485. It will take 10 years. Usually visitor visa is 3-6 months and can be extended for valid reasons through another application process which itself takes a long time like 3 months.

A visitor visa can be extended up to a maximum of one year. Won't help when the delay for an I-485 is 10 years...

[Alexandre]

The only faster way to adjust status before her tourist visa expired is get marriage with citizen.....

[t75]

Marriage for only immigration benefit is against US immigration rules.