We are Guy and Girl. We met on separate vacations, stayed in contact, began dating and the rest is history. We’re now married with two children and a very needy dog. Our story is real. But (for now) we’re choosing to remain anonymous. The thought of broadcasting our story to the world is pretty intimidating. Maybe this will change - we shall see.

Girl originally came to the United States to visit family on a tourist visa. After vacation, she applied for a student visa and, once approved, returned to study English. During her time as a student we got to know each. After four years Girl’s visa was going to expire; she had to return to her home country. Once back, she applied for a new visa to continue her studies. It was approved shortly thereafter. At this point, Guy had come to the realization that he’d fallen for her, and he wasn’t going to let the visa system break us apart again. Upon return, we moved in together, got engaged, and then got married - all in the span of two months. Yup, two months.

Unconventional - yes; necessary for us - also yes. Why necessary? Simple - we wanted to get started immediately on obtaining Girl's green card. The green card process (which also included the application for travel document and employment authorization) appears (and is) daunting. There are so many different forms, it’s expensive, it can take forever, and there are no guarantees. We officially filed our applications (all 500+ pages) in November 2020, we got our notice for interview in July 2021, and it was approved in August 2021.

After a short break in dealing with USCIS, next up was going to be the removal of conditions on residence. We filed this application in June 2023. They send notice, also known as an extension letter, which extended the expiration date of her temporary green card for 48 months. The waiting continued.

Fast-forward, it is now April 2025. We applied for Girl’s naturalization (citizenship). In June, we received notice that our interview was scheduled for August 2025. After completing the interview, the applications were approved, and Girl is a citizen of the United States.

Our path began in November 2020 and it ended in August 2025. Almost five years. It was long, stressful, at times infuriating, and exhausting. But it was worth it.

This story is the cliff notes - there is much more to share. We’re hoping this website will help others deal with navigating their path.

Thanks for visiting.

Guy & Girl