I recently petitioned a K-1 fiancee to the USA, and because I'm curious and morbid and have a bioprosthetic aortic valve made out of cow parts that will need to be surgically replaced in a few years, something has been on my mind.
How long does an American petitioner have to live for his K-1 or CR-1 fiancee/wife to get "rights" to permanent residency in the USA?
I know that if I drop dead before we get married, she has to go back home. That seems fair.
Let's say we get married, then we file for adjustment of status. At what exact point would my wife get protection that if I drop dead she can remain in the USA?
And would there be any circumstances where it's "Tough break, you have to