I’d like to enter visa-free and immediately pursue a marriage-based green card
My spouse is a U.S. citizen and is currently in the U.S.
I’d like to enter from Korea visa-free and immediately pursue a green card — I’d like to know if I can obtain the green card without issue after arriving in the U.S.
Entering visa-free can create problems due to your intent at entry. Showing an intent to obtain a green card during the entry inspection can raise concerns at that inspection — please keep this in mind.
As long as this part is handled carefully, you can typically file I-130 and I-485 together about 3 months after arriving in the U.S. We recommend deciding on timing through a consultation with an attorney.