
What are the different types of spouse visas?
They are: 1 Immigrant visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (IR1 or CR1) - An immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 is... 2 Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) - It is important to note that application for the nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3)... More ...
Can a foreign citizen get married on an immigrant visa?
If you have been married for less than two years when your foreign citizen spouse enters the United States on an immigrant visa, his or her permanent resident status is considered “conditional.” The immigrant visa is a conditional resident (CR) visa, not an immediate relative (IR) visa.
When can a spouse travel to the United States after immigration?
After the visa process has been completed, and the visa is issued, the spouse can travel to the United States to wait for the processing of the immigrant visa case.
Do I qualify for a marriage-based visa?
Before you can qualify for a marriage-based visa, you must be the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. According to the U.S. Department of State, “a spouse is a legally wedded wife or husband.” The following explanations further clarify what a spouse is and what it isn’t when it comes to the immigration application process:

Is there an extension for immigration requests during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain flexibilities through July 25, 2022, to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors. We anticipate this may be the final extension of these flexibilities.
Can non-U.S. citizens travel to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
What are the requirements for a noncitizen, nonimmigrant, to travel to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Noncitizens who are nonimmigrants and seeking to enter the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States from a foreign country.
What documents do I need to enter the US if I am a sea crew member with a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa during COVID-19?
What documentation do I need if I am a sea crew member traveling with a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa? You will need to show Your C-1 and D visa; AND An official letter from your employer (paper or digital) indicating your entry to or transit through the United States is required for the purpose of operating a vessel or return travel after disembarking the vessel consistent with your visa and official letter.
Do I need to get a proof of being "fully vaccinated" against COVID-19 before I travel by air to the US from a foreign country?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
Is it mandatory to get a COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the US during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines.
Where can I apply for the humanitarian or emergency exception to travel to the United States?
Individuals who fit the exception criteria described in the Presidential Proclamation and CDCs Amended Order may contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in or nearest the country from which they are departing for the United States. The embassy will then transmit the information to the CDC for consideration.
Do I qualify for an exception or can I apply for an exception to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement?
See full answerCategories of noncitizen, nonimmigrants that meet the criteria for an exception under the proclamation and CDC’s order include: Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel Children under 18 years of age Persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine Participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials Persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception Persons with valid visas [excluding B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas] who are citizens of a foreign country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age). Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa Persons whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or Secretary of Homeland Security (or their designees)
Is Covid here to stay?
“We know that Covid-19 is here to stay,” Greta Massetti, a C.D.C. epidemiologist, said at a news briefing. “High levels of population immunity due to vaccination and previous infection, and the many tools that we have available to protect people from severe illness and death, have put us in a different place.”
Does a non-U.S. citizen need to be vaccinated to enter the US during the COVID-19 pandemic?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
What can I use as proof of COVID-19 vaccine?
You can use your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card or a copy of your vaccination record (digital or paper) as proof of vaccination in the United States.
What is the difference between SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19?
In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China. The virus is now known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease it causes is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
When should I travel during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Do not travel until a full 5 days after your last close contact with the person with COVID-19. It is best to avoid travel for a full 10 days after your last exposure. If you must travel during days 6 through 10 after your last exposure: Get tested at least 5 days after your last close contact.
Where can I apply for the humanitarian or emergency exception to travel to the United States?
Individuals who fit the exception criteria described in the Presidential Proclamation and CDCs Amended Order may contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in or nearest the country from which they are departing for the United States. The embassy will then transmit the information to the CDC for consideration.
Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic?
If both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and sex are more likely to be safe.
Can international travelers come to New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic?
As of November 8, 2021, international travelers may once again enter the country to visit New York City. All travelers over the age of 18 must be fully vaccinated.
How to validate marriage to USCIS?
To validate your marriage to USCIS, you will need to provide various items that demonstrate a husband-wife relationship, chief among them being your marriage certificate recognized by the law of the country where the marriage took place. Other documents such as joint bank account, family pictures, and related evidence will also help prove your case.
How long does it take to marry a foreign national on a K-2 visa?
According to immigration law, someone counts as a fiancé (e) only if the U.S. citizen intends to marry the foreign national within 90 days of his or her entry into the U.S. K-2 visa – this one is for the children of a foreign national fiancé (e) who is under K-1 status.
What is the DOS Definition of a Spouse?
citizen or lawful permanent resident. According to the U.S. Department of State, “a spouse is a legally wedded wife or husband.” The following explanations further clarify what a spouse is and what it isn’t when it comes to the immigration application process:
What is a K-3 visa?
K-3 visa – this visa is meant for the foreign-born spouses of U.S. citizens. If the citizen sponsor has filed an I-130 for a marriage-based green card, the alien spouse can use the K-3 visa to remain in the U.S. while awaiting the decision.
What is the purpose of a marriage petition?
The purpose of this form is to request the agency’s approval to allow your spouse to live in the U.S. as a permanent resident. It also provides you with the opportunity to prove that you have a valid marriage, which is the basis of any marriage-based petition.
What is common law marriage?
Common-law marriage is an agreement between a man and woman to get married without observing a religious or civil ceremony. If you are in a polygamous marriage, only the first spouse may qualify as a spouse eligible for a marriage visa.
What are some examples of bona fide marriages?
Examples for this include joint bank accounts, apartment leases, shared household bills, health or life insurance designations, birth certificates of children born to the marriage, etc.
How to reschedule a USCIS appointment?
To reschedule your appointment, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
How long does it take to get married in the US with a K-1?
The Immigration and Nationality Act requires a K-1 nonimmigrant to enter into a valid marriage with their U.S. citizen fiancé (e) within 90 days of being admitted to the United States in K-1 status. K-2 nonimmigrants are admitted as the minor children of their K-1 parents.
How long before a naturalization appointment can you enter the USCIS?
You may not enter the facility more than 15 minutes before your appointment (30 minutes for naturalization ceremonies). USCIS will provide hand sanitizer at entry points. Everyone 2 years of age or older who has not been fully vaccinated must wear a face covering.
What happens if you don't have an interpreter for USCIS?
In limited circumstances, if a USCIS interpreter is not available, USCIS will either reschedule the interview or, in its discretion, allow you to provide an interpreter. If you are unable to locate a competent interpreter once notified that a contract interpreter is unavailable, the interview will be rescheduled and the delay will be attributed to USCIS.
When will asylum offices conduct interviews?
Effective Nov. 22, 2021 until further notice, and at USCIS’s full discretion, all asylum offices will conduct in-person interviews. All interview participants should expect to be present in-person in one interview office with the interviewing officer separated by a plexiglass barrier.
Why are some visa applications delayed?
Some cases are delayed because applicants do not follow instructions carefully. Sometimes the U.S. sponsor, or petitioner, cannot meet Affidavit of Support requirements. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview by a consular officer.
What are some examples of ineligibilities for a visa?
Examples of these ineligibilities include: drug trafficking; overstaying a previous visa; and submitting fraudulent documents. If you are ineligible for a visa, you will be informed by the consular officer and advised whether there is a waiver of the ineligibility available to you and what the waiver process is. Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas contains the complete list of ineligibilities.
How long is an immigrant visa valid?
An immigrant visa is generally valid for six months from the issuance date.
How old do you have to be to sponsor a spouse?
U.S. Sponsor Minimum Age Requirement. There is no minimum age for a U.S. sponsor (petitioner) to file a petition for a spouse. However, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a residence ( domicile) in the U.S. before you can sign the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864 or I-864EZ). This form is required for an immigrant visa for a spouse ...
How to file an alien relative petition?
The first step is to file a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for your spouse (husband or wife) to immigrate to the United States. For instructions on how to file a petition, including where you should send the petition, see the USCIS website.
Where does the NVC send the visa application?
NVC then sends the file, containing the applicant’s petition and the documents listed above, to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the applicant will be interviewed for a visa. The applicant, petitioner, attorney, and third-party agent, if applicable, will receive appointment emails, or letters (if no email address if available), containing the date and time of the applicant's visa interview along with instructions, including guidance for obtaining a medical examination.
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry and request permission to enter the U.S. Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. The DHS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the U.S. Travelers should review important information about admissions and entry requirements on the CBP website under Travel. Once you have been admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident, your Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551 (formerly called Alien Registration Card, also known as a green card) will be mailed to you.
When did Trump extend the visa ban?
On December 31, 2020 , President Trump extended visa ban which suspended the issuance of many categories of temporary work visas for persons outside the U.S. The visa ban does not affect persons who apply within the United States for extensions of stay, changes of status or adjustment of status. In his original proclamation, President Trump stated:
What is an immigrant visa?
A person seeking an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse or other healthcare professional; to perform research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19; or to perform work essential to combatting, recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Who are green card holders?
Green card holders; Spouses and children of U.S. citizens; Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children; Persons applying for green cards under the EB-5 investor program; Persons who would further important U.S. law enforcement objectives; Persons whose entry would be in the national interest;
Who is eligible for green card in 2020?
Green card holders ; Spouses and unmarried, minor children of U.S. citizens; Foreign nationals present in the US on June 24, 2020; Foreign nationals abroad who have valid visas, advance parole or other U.S. travel permits; Persons with J-1 status who are not in one of the banned categories (See above);
Does restricting immigration lower unemployment?
Foreign workers create demand for other better jobs for U.S. workers elsewhere in the economy. Restricting migration will not lower unemployment, but it will harm American businesses — that are struggling to make it through this period — who employ both Americans and immigrants.”.
When will the SRRV smile visa be suspended?
October 2021 Update - The SRRV Smile Visa, targeting young expats who retired early and digital nomads 35 years old and over, was suspended on October 2020. The SRRV Smile remains suspended until further notice. Read more about the SRRV Smile Visa here.
What is a SRRV visa?
The Special Resident and Retirees Visa (SRRV) is a special non-immigrant visa allowing you to live permanently in the Philippines. This article is a brief overview of the Philippine visa program, benefits, documentary requirements, and visa fees.
How many days can you stay in the Philippines to file taxes?
Do understand your potential taxes. Staying more than 180 days during any calendar year can trigger income tax in the Philippines. Get a FREE consult with an expat tax specialist to understand how taxes in the Philippines can impact you.
