sophie_il@mailcity.lycos.com (Sophie) wrote in message news:...
>
> 1. If an H1B holder marries a non-US citizen - will he (the
> non-citizen) get some sort of visa to live in US?
The spouse should have no problem getting an H-4 visa.
> 2. How long does it take for the other person to get this visa? Can he
> be in US territory while waiting?
If the spouse is in the US in a status that allows him to change
status, then he can just apply to change status to H-4 and he
don't need a visa at all (unless he wants to travel outside the
USA). Otherwise he needs to take proof that you are an H-1B and
proof that he is your spouse to a US Consulate and apply for an
H-4 visa. Most Consulates have a few weeks of a queue to get an
appointment for an interview, then it typically takes a week or so
to get the visa. If the applicant is unlucky and the Consulate
decide to do a background check on him, it can take anywhere from
a week to 18 months to get the visa, though typically about 3 months
at the moment.
> 3. Does the marriage have to be outside US/inside US
Yes. Inside if the spouse intends to change status, otherwise
anywhere.
> 4. If the other person gets "non-working" visa, can he still search
> for a job and sponsor who will apply for H1B for him
Yes. |