Friend's visa expired; what should she do?

[Rising_Suns]

Brethren,
I thought I'd pass this on to you, just to see if anyone has any input. My friend's visa expired and she was told that her only option is to marry someone or she will be put in jail and deported. This doesn't sound right to me. Does she have any options here?

Thank you in advance.

Blessings,

-Davide

 

[krstlros]

Go to her country Embassy and see if she will be able to extend her Visa. Or, go to NIS and see what can be done.

Is she on a work VISA or on a student VISA?

 

[Ave Maria]

Praying for your friend.

 

[EllenMoran]

I agree with krstlros. She may have to eave the country for a weekend or something and then come back, but they should be able to extend her visa or issue a new one.

 

[InnerPhyre]

This happened to a British friend of mine and he did have to return back home for a few weeks until he could get things sorted out. He's back here now, though

 

[BillH]

This happened to my advisor last year. He reapplied for his visa, flew to Vancouver, British Columbia for literally about three hours, then flew back and re-entered the country on his new visa.

A legitimate marriage to an American citizen is certainly an option to solve your visa problems permanently, but the INS tends to frown upon marriages of convenience (cf. the movie "Green Card")

 

[krstlros]

Yes, sudden marriages is a definate flag for INS people.

 

[bostonlass]

Yes, sudden marriages is a definate flag for INS people.

Not to mention that staying in a country isn't a great reason to get married.

 

[PeterPaul]

RS,

I work in travel so I would agree with what is posted above. Normally (though it depends on nationality) one has to extend their visa from the country of origin, so they would have to travel home (which they can without problems from the US) and request the extension or reapply with the US consulate or embassy in that country.

She certainly can get deported whether a student or work visa. That is correct. Technically if immigration is current on her status (that the visa has been extended or that she has left the country) they will come and get her.

 

[Rising_Suns]

ok thank you for the replies everyone. She was under the impression that the re-application process can take a few years, but from what people have said here, it may only be a matter of weeks. This is much better news, and i'll be sure to pass it on to her.

And by the way, marriage is of course out of the question for her since, being Catholic, she doesn't believe in divorce.

Thank you everyone.

blessings,

-Davide