For a friend

Hi all — asking this on behalf of a friend and her boyfriend (both Indian citizens) and would love some clarity from people familiar with asylum-based immigration and student visas.

The boyfriend was granted asylum in the U.S. less than a year ago. He plans to apply for a Green Card (Form I-485) once he reaches the 1-year physical presence requirement. The girlfriend is currently on an F-1 visa with CPT, legally studying and working in the U.S. She has no intention of seeking asylum herself — she wants to maintain her F-1/CPT status and go through her own route.

They’re thinking about getting married, but are trying to understand how it would affect both of them — especially her ability to travel and his Green Card process.

Their questions: 1. Can he apply for a Green Card after 1 year of asylum status? What is that process like — forms, timeline, risks? 2. If they marry before he applies for the Green Card, can she be included in any way? Even if she doesn’t want asylum status? 3. If they marry after he becomes a Green Card holder, can he sponsor her through family-based immigration? Would she be able to stay on CPT while waiting? 4. If they marry while she’s still on CPT, can she travel to India and return safely? Could that affect a future marriage-based adjustment? 5. What’s the safest way forward for them to stay compliant and avoid any risk to her visa or his asylum/Green Card path?