What happens when a relationship that began in the workplace grows into a lifelong partnership — and a pathway to permanent residency?
That was the reality for our client, who first met his U.S. citizen spouse while working together at Taco Bell. Over the years, their bond deepened, and despite ups and downs, they committed to building a life together. The couple married in August 2024 and began living together in Washington just a few months earlier in June 2024.
Our client from Jamaica entered the U.S. on a J-1 visa in May 2021, after previously coming on J-1 programs. He also experienced a prior tourist visa denial, but importantly, he was not subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement. Before marriage, no immigration filings had ever been made on his behalf, and he had no history of fraud or misrepresentation.
In February 2025, McBean Immigration Law filed his I-130 and I-485 applications based on his marriage to his U.S. citizen spouse. Although only his name appeared on the lease, his spouse’s identification reflected the same address, and they maintained a joint bank account actively used for household expenses. His spouse, employed as a W-2 worker, earned sufficient income to meet the affidavit of support requirement.
Despite this, USCIS mistakenly issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) for the affidavit of support in March 2025. We guided the couple in assembling a thorough response, which was submitted on time in June 2025.
The couple attended their interview on August 12, 2025, and the very next day — August 13, 2025 — his green card was approved.
From a J-1 visa to a prior denial and an unnecessary RFE, his journey shows that the right preparation and persistence can overcome obstacles. Today, he and his spouse are proud to begin their new chapter together in the United States.
📞 Call McBean Law at (914) 898-9488 or click here to schedule a consultation. We’ll meet you where you are—with strategy, clarity, and care.
P.S. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Always consult with a licensed immigration attorney about your specific case.
