I am trying to figure out the process that would take for my girlfriend and I to get married. I am a US citizen and she is not. She is currently on a H-1 visa. She doesn't like her job she is currently on, which means she would loose her visa at the end of this upcoming May. What steps are recommended in taking? We don't plan on getting married for another year or so; however, if it means getting married to her soon by court and then having the church ceremony at the previously thought date, then I will do that.

All in all, what obstacles do I see ahead of me? IS she going to have to move back to her country or can she stay here with me? I know that we can apply for a K1 visa, but that still requires her to move back during the approval process. I would not want her to go back at all.

Thanks for all your help

Man, this is what I suggest you do. It is somewhat simple, but it requires you to step up to the plate.

1. Marry your girl on paper in the U.S.
2. Apply for her green card as as soon as you are married. Use a lawyer!
3. When her status goes out in May next year, she will by then have her green card.
4. Once she does get the green card, which should be way before May, she can quit her job on the spot. But not before.
5. Step up to the plate tonight and ask her to marry you!
6. Tomorrow, go and get the marriage certificate, go through with the ceremony and hope you made the right choice!

Good luck!