F1 for fiancee or wife

[thealchemist]

What is the name of your state? CA

My fiancee is a Russian citizen, she wants to enter a pre-MBA program in August 2005 and then apply for MBA which would start in early 2006 in California, where I am currently studying. I have a Canadian/Russian citizenship and I have an F-1 visa in the US.

I wanted to know what the best strategy would be to make sure she obtains an F-1 visa - a) for her to apply "as is" (I am concerned about possible denial due to insufficient familial ties, since her parents would be the only close family she would have left in Russia), b) for us to get married before she applies for an F-1 visa (so that, perhaps, the concern that she will marry an American citizen to stay in the US is eliminated), c) for us to get married and for her to apply for an F-2 visa, and file for an F2->F1 change of status upon arrival. What are the relative risks associated with the above possibilities? Thanks.

 

[just_plain_dum]

Dear Alchemist: I work with F-1s and I personally have not seen any denials for students for scholars coming from Russia. So first I would have her attempt to come as an F-1, make sure her financial documentation is in order.

Then if she is denied, you can marry and she can come as an F-2 and then request a change of status to F-1. She can not study until she is in F-1 and how long that will take will depend on the time of year submitted and the service center.

good luck