Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a green card holder married 1 yr now, and wish to apply for my husband. I live in new york, but my husband lives in the caribbean. He has never been to the USA.

I am trying to submit the application on my own , but have encountered some areas where i need help. i went in to seek information at the Federal plaza but the lady there was not helpful at all... someone told me about your website and I would sincerly appreaite your assistance.

1) My green card carried my maiden name, but the I-130 form ask for family name. Should I put my name as it appears on the green card or put new married name?

2) On the Biographical forms it ask for signature of applicant but since my husband is not here with me, do i leave it blank or sign my name since i am the applicant? There are 2 of those forms, one for me and one for him. I am filling in both...

3)His native language is not english, since I don't have him here to fill in this part can I leave it blank?

I have a lot more questions, but i don't want you to get mad, so I will stop here.

Thank you for your help in advance.

Dear Toots:

We will answer your questions in the order in which they were asked. If you have numerous questions, you would best be advised to speak with an immigration law attorney who can assist you in greater detail.

1. Your family name is your current married name if that is the name you use. If you continue to use your maiden name, then put that as your answer. On question number 7, you can list your maiden name.

2. On your husband's biographic form, fill in the information about him. Put "Husband not in USA" on the signature line, and do not sign it. On your biographic form, fill in the information about you, and sign it.

3. The question about language helps the consul to send the information to your husband's residence in his native country. It would help if you can find someone that can enter the information for you. If not, just leave it blank.

Good luck.

I Married agreencard holder from 2 years now and he didnt come for a visit . Ihave a child her age 1 year , he said that he took the GC by the church ,my question is :how many years i should wait .second how can someone take a citizen without marriage?

please respond me quickly

Dear Anonymous:

It is possible to obtain permanent residence on the basis of a petition filed by a religious organization.

If your husband is only a permanent resident, you will have to wait about 5 years before you will be able to join him in the US, unless he becomes a US citizen, which he will be eligible for in about 3 years.

However, if he filed a visa petition for you before 12/21/00, then you will be eligible for a V visa three years after the filing of the petition. Good luck.