F1 to K1 visa?

[piyushchowdri]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Missouri

I'm an Indian citizen who came to US on F1 visa to complete my Masters program. While doing my Master's program, I started dating a US citizen and am currently engaged to her. I plan to marry her 3 months after my graduation (i.e. March 2018) as we are planning to have a proper wedding ceremony. Since my F1 visa is valid only till the end of my program (i.e. till December 2017) and I'm aware that I'm legally allowed to stay 60 days after completion of my program (i.e. till February 2018), do I need to apply for K1 visa in order to continue staying here in US legally? If yes, what is the procedure for someone who is already residing in US to change the status of his visa from F1 to K1?

P.S., I plan to also apply for Green Card after marriage.

 

[FlyingRon]

The big question is whether you intend to leave the US for any reason between the end of your program (not sixty days but the END of your educational program) and when you are ACTUALLY legally married to the US citizen. If the answer is YES, you need to get the K-1 visa in progress NOW. Otherwise, if you leave you may not legally be able to reenter.

If you reenter illegally, you're may be blocked from adjusting status even after you're married.