The basic steps to the spouse visa process are as follows:
- File I-130 Petition Package with USCIS
- Obtain USCIS approval (or denial) on petition
- Apply for immigrant visa (DS-260)
- Complete required medical exam
- Attend visa interview at the U.S. Embassy
- Receive immigrant visa is passport
- Pay immigrant fee online
- Travel to United States
Full Answer
What are the requirements for a Spouse Visa?
US spouse visa requirements
- US spouse visa requirements. To meet the US spouse visa requirements, the couple must be in a relationship that is legally recognized as a marriage in the jurisdiction where the ...
- Non-US spouse living outside the US. ...
- Fiance visa from outside the US. ...
How do you apply for a Spouse Visa?
- UK visa application form. ...
- Valid passport with at least an empty page in order to be able to affix visa.
- Your previous passports.
- Two passport-sized color photos that are in line with the requirements set by the UK.
- Proof of English language requirement.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of relationship as photos of you two together, etc.
- Your full name.
What documents are needed for a fiance visa?
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Birth certificate
- Police certificates for current country of residence and any country where sponsored fiancé (e) lived for more than 6 months
- Evidence of financial support (the Affidavit of Support may be required)
- Proof of relationship with U.S. ...
- Fee payment
How can I bring my spouse to the USA?
How Can I Bring My Spouse and Family to the USA? To bring your family to the United States you will need to file an I-130, Petition For Alien Relative. This form allows for spouses, children and relatives to legally immigrate to the US.
What is the fastest way to bring my wife to USA?
Historically, family reunification has been the easiest and fastest way of bringing your loved ones to the United States.
How long does it take to get visa for spouse in USA?
Average time -- Around 10.5 months to get the fiancé visa petition (Form I-129F) approved by USCIS as of early 2022; then another several months to get the K-1 visa from a U.S. consulate; then another two years or longer to get the U.S. green card, depending on which USCIS office is handling it.
How can I get my wife a US visa?
If you are a U.S. citizen, once you file Form I-130, your spouse is eligible to apply for a nonimmigrant K-3 visa. This will entitle him or her to come to the United States to live and work while the visa petition is pending. To petition for this benefit, file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e).
How much money do I need to bring my wife to USA?
The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
Which is faster spouse or fiancé visa?
Application Process and Timeline for Fiancé(e) and Spousal Visa. If your main goal is to get to the U.S. as quickly as possible, then the K-1 fiancé(e) visa is likely the fastest option. But if your goal is to get an actual green card as soon as possible, then a marriage-based visa will be quicker.
What documents are required for US spouse visa?
Required DocumentationBirth certificate.Marriage certificate for the marriage to the U.S. citizen spouse.Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouse(s)Police certificates from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for 6 months or more since age 16.
Can I invite my wife to USA?
It is absolutely possible for a foreign spouse to visit their partner in the United States while awaiting their green card application. If you are a foreign spouse, you may apply to enter the United States via a tourist visa if you have a pending I-130 petition, and wish to go back to your home country after the visit.
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?
Spousal Sponsorship I-130 Processing Time 2022 It will usually take anywhere from 7 to 24 months for USCIS to process and approve a spousal sponsorship visa. It can take an additional 6 to 10 months to get an immigrant visa to the US.
What is spouse visa called in USA?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you may bring your fiancé(e) to the United States to marry and live here, with a nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé(e) (K-1). An I-129F fiancé(e) petition is required. Learn more.
How much does it cost to sponsor your wife?
The income in both tables is indexed each year....MNI for Family Sponsorship in Quebec.Size of Family UnitBasic annual income requiredMore than 5 persons, for each additional person add$5,4675 more rows•Apr 28, 2022
How much does spousal visa cost?
The USCIS government filing fee is $535 for the immediate relative petition. There is no USCIS filing fee for the K-3 spouse visa petition. After USCIS approval of the immediate relative petition, you will have to pay a $325 application fee and a $120 affidavit of support fee to the National Visa Center.
How much is the fee to sponsor a spouse?
Spouse, partner or childrenFees$CANSponsor your spouse or partner Sponsorship fee ($75), principal applicant processing fee ($490) and right of permanent residence fee ($515)1,0803 more rows•Jun 13, 2022
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?
Spousal Sponsorship I-130 Processing Time 2022 It will usually take anywhere from 7 to 24 months for USCIS to process and approve a spousal sponsorship visa. It can take an additional 6 to 10 months to get an immigrant visa to the US.
How long does it take to bring fiance to USA 2022?
approximately 9 to 12 monthsAs of March 2022, K-1 visa processing took approximately 9 to 12 months (USCIS time to process Form I-129F). Click here to see exact ranges based on your service center. In addition to that, it takes between three to four weeks to receive notice from the National Visa Center with further instructions.
How can I bring my husband to USA quickly?
You must file an I-130 form (Petition for Alien Relative) along with two passport-time pictures of the spouse and filled-out Form I-130A for the spouse. Once the I-130 form is approved, the case will be transferred to the National Visa Center for further processing.
What percentage of spouse visas are approved?
But considering the USDHS statistics table, experience, and other sources, the spouses' approval rating goes as far as 99%. On the other side, the K-1 visa statistics show a bit less of approval percentage: around 80% of applicants.
Where to send an inquiry for an overseas visa?
If you received the immigrant visa overseas, you may contact the National Visa Center (NVC) for follow-to-join information. Send your inquiry by e-mail to NVCInquiry@state.gov or by writing to the National Visa Center , ATTN: WC, 32 Rochester Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909.
How long do you have to be married to get a permanent resident card?
If you have been married less than 2 years when your spouse is granted permanent resident status, your spouse will receive permanent resident status on a conditional basis. To remove the conditions on residence, you and your spouse must apply together using Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence. (Note that Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is not used for this purpose.)
What happens if I file a denial letter for a visa?
If the visa petition you filed is denied, the denial letter will tell you how to appeal and when you must file the appeal. After your appeal form and the required fee are processed, the appeal will be referred to the Board of Immigration Appeals. For more information, see the How Do I Guides.
Can I file an I-824 with an I-485?
If you are in the United States and have not yet filed to adjust your status to permanent resident, you can file Form I-824 with your Form I-485, in which case no supporting documents are needed other than those submitted with Form I-485.
Can I file for a K-3 visa with my spouse?
If you are a U.S. citizen, once you file Form I-130, your spouse is eligible to apply for a nonimmigrant K-3 visa. This will entitle him or her to come to the United States to live and work while the visa petition is pending. To petition for this benefit, file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e). Note that you are not required to file Form I-129F. Your spouse may wait abroad for immigrant visa processing. However, seeking a K-3 visa can be an additional method for him or her to come to the United States. For more information, see the K-3/K-4 Nonimmigrant Visas page.
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.
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.
How long is an immigrant visa valid?
An immigrant visa is generally valid for six months from the issuance date.
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.
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.
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.
How to create a USCIS account?
Create a USCIS online account to file online and: 1 Submit evidence and pay fees electronically 2 Receive case status updates about your case and see complete case history 3 Communicate with us securely and directly 4 Respond to requests for evidence
How old do you have to be to petition for your spouse's children?
File Online. Eligibility. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can file a petition for your foreign-born spouse and, under certain situations, the children of your spouse. To petition for your spouse’s children, they must be unmarried, under 21 years old, and have been under the age of 18 at the time of your marriage to your spouse.
How long does it take to get a visa for a spouse?
As a result, there is a waiting list. This is a longer process than if your spouse is a US citizen, and can take anywhere up to 4 or 5 years before a visa number becomes available.
How to get a green card through marriage?
To apply for your Green Card through marriage, you will be required to complete and file an immigrant petition with USCIS and attend a visa interview at a US consular post abroad if you are applying from overseas or make an application to adjust your status if within the US.
What happens if you request additional information from USCIS?
If during the adjudication process a USCIS adjudicating officer determines that additional information and/or documentation is needed to render a decision on a case, a request for additional information will be issued. Such requests vary in length depending on the extent of information and documentation requested. Upon receipt of the requested information and documentation, USCIS will resume processing of the application and making a final decision.
What happens when you get a visa number?
When the visa number is issued, you can then apply for a visa or to adjust your status.
How long does it take to get a visa stamp back after an interview?
Your passport with embossed immigrant visa stamp will be returned to you within approximately one week of the interview.
How to enter the US with a passport?
Upon receipt of your passport, you may enter the US by presenting your unexpired immigrant visa and sealed immigrant packet at a US port of entry. Your permanent residency will become effective on the date you are admitted.
Who can help with green card applications?
NNU Immigration’s specialist US immigration attorneys can help with all Green Card applications, including eligibility through marriage.
Where are USCIS visas sent?
After USCIS approves these petitions, they will each be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.
What documents are needed for a K-3 visa?
When attending a K-3 visa interview you will be required to take various documents with you to your interview, including the following: 1 The DS-160 printed confirmation page 2 A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay, unless exempt 3 The original or certified copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce or death certificate (s) of any previous spouse (s), as well as police certificates from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for 6 months or more since age 16 4 Proof of your medical examination 5 Proof of financial support. Here the Consular Officer may request Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, be submitted by your US spouse 6 Two 2×2 photographs 7 Evidence of your relationship with your US spouse.
What are the eligibility criteria for a K-3 visa?
To be eligible for a US marriage visa, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
How to adjust my status to a green card?
As a non-US spouse with lawful status in the US, you should apply to adjust your status to a Green Card, using form I-485 and supporting documents such as evidence of the marriage. At the same time, Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative must be filed by your US spouse with the relevant USCIS post evidencing the marriage is genuine.
How long do you have to live to get a copy of your birth certificate?
The original or certified copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce or death certificate (s) of any previous spouse (s), as well as police certificates from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for 6 months or more since age 16
What to do if you are concerned about your eligibility?
If you are concerned about any circumstances that may impact your eligibility, take professional legal advice but submitting any applications. You may for example be required to apply for a waiver of admissibility.
Where does the NVC send the petition?
Where the marriage took place in the United States, the NVC will send the petition to the US Embassy or Consulate that issues visas in your country of residence.
Where do I send my spouse a visa?
The USCIS will send your spouse the decision and forward the approved immigrant visa petition to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The approval notice is also known as the I-797, Notice of Action.
How much does it cost to get a spouse visa?
The government filing fees (plus a medical examination) for a spouse visa total $1400. If you choose to work with a lawyer, legal fees will range from $2,000 - $3,500.
How much does a spouse visa cost?
Expect the whole spousal visa process to take 11-19 months. Here is a summary of costs, with and without a lawyer’s help.
What is the visa interview notice?
You, the visa applicant, will receive an appointment notice with the time, date and location of your visa interview. The notice will also include other instructions, such as what documents to bring and how to schedule a medical examination / biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment. As soon as you receive your interview notice, schedule the following:
How long does it take for USCIS to process a petition?
Within a couple of weeks, you should receive a notice in the mail from the USCIS, acknowledging receipt of your petition. It generally takes the USCIS 7-11 months to make a decision.
How much does it cost to get a green card?
In order to receive the physical green card, you have to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee ($220). The green card is usually mailed (to your U.S. address) a few weeks after you arrive in the U.S. Consular processing is complex.
How to file DS-261?
To start the form, you will need your case number. Once filed, you’ll need to pay $445 in fees (for the next step in the process ) through the same portal . Simply click on “Fee Payment” here. You will need your case number again to make the payment.
What determines the type of student visa you need?
Your course of study, the school you plan to attend, or the exchange program you will be with will determine the type of student visa you will need.
What is an F-1 visa?
F-1 visa classification is for a full-time international student pursuing academic studies.
What is transit C visa?
Transit C visa classification is for foreign nationals traveling through the U.S. to another country and stopping briefly in the U.S. as part of their travel to the next foreign destination.
What happens if you violate your work visa?
If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.
Do you need an authorization to travel under VWP?
If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization prior to your trip. Authorization approvals are determined using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .
Can an international student apply for a student visa?
An international student can apply for a student or exchange visitor visa only after being accepted by a school certified in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students’ records are kept in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Learn more about SEVP and SEVIS, and about the SEVIS fee.
Who Needs to Apply for a Europe Visa in the US?
The Schengen States have a list of the countries that need a visa to enter any of them, and another for those who do not. There are rules and eligibility criteria regarding to who is permitted to enter visa-free, and who has to obtain a visa prior to their trip in Europe.
Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in the US?
The Schengen member states have established their embassies, consulates and visa application centres in the United States of America. These are responsible for the admission and procession of Schengen visa applications. However, not everyone can file a Schengen visa application while in the US.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
The costs of a Schengen visa application in the United States may vary from $41 for children aged between 6 and 12 to $70 for adults (depending on currency fluctuations).
Why do people fail to get a visa to Europe?
Many people fail to get a visa because of the mistakes made during the visa interview.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
The allowed period to apply for a Schengen visa in the US is as follows: The earliest you can file a visa application: three months before you start your planned trip. The latest you can file a visa application: at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.
Where to apply for more than one Schengen country?
If visiting more than one Schengen country with equal stay duration – you must apply at the Embassy or Consulate representing the Schengen country you will enter first.
Do you need a visa to travel to Europe with a green card?
US Green Card holders, who are also nationals of third countries that have not established a visa-free regime with the EU, will need to obtain a Schengen Visa, in order to be able to travel to Europe.
How to get a spouse visa?
The basic steps to the spouse visa process are as follows: 1 File I-130 Petition Package with USCIS 2 Obtain USCIS approval (or denial) on petition 3 Apply for immigrant visa (DS-260) 4 Complete required medical exam 5 Attend visa interview at the U.S. Embassy 6 Receive immigrant visa is passport 7 Pay immigrant fee online 8 Travel to United States 9 Receive physical green card in the mail (typically within four weeks of entry)
How long does it take to get a spouse visa?
For many spouse visa cases, the process takes less than a year. The entire spouse visa time line can vary for your case. As mentioned, I-130 processing times vary by type of relationship (immediate relative or family preference). Other factors that affect processing time include the workload where your paperwork is processed and how well you prepare the petition.
How old do you have to be to get a visa for a foreigner?
The petitioner must: Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (age 18 or over) Be legally married to the foreign national spouse. After USCIS approves the immigrant petition and a visa is available, the foreign national applies for the actual spouse visa.
What is an I-130 petition?
As mentioned in a previous section, the I-130 petition is a request by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident to make a visa available to a foreign spouse. For spouses of U.S. citizens, a visa is always available. Spouses of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives. On the other hand, spouses of permanent residents are considered family preference immigrants and may experience a bit more of a wait for a visa to become available. However, once USCIS approves the petition, the process is essentially the same for both.
Why do immigration officials scrutinize spouses more than other types of immigrant visa applications?
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), scrutinize spouse relationships more than other types of immigrant visa applications. That’s because there’s been an historically high rate of visa fraud for marriages as compared to other relationships.
What is the code for a spouse who has been married for less than 2 years?
For couples who have been married more than two years, the U.S. Department of State will issue an “IR1” visa. On the other hand, spouses who have been married less than two years get a “CR1” visa. This code indicates that the new permanent resident (green card holder) is a conditional resident. In fact, most spouse visa beneficiaries are approved ...
Why do immigration officials want reassurance that marriage is legitimate?
That’s because there’s been an historically high rate of visa fraud for marriages as compared to other relationships. Therefore, immigration officials want reassurance that the marriage is legitimate and that the foreign spouse is obtaining a green card based on a genuine relationship.
