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
- Receive physical green card in the mail (typically within four weeks of entry)
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.
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.
How to sponsor a spouse to USA?
In order to sponsor your spouse or family member, you need to earn 21 green card documents every year. Assumes that U.S. sponsors – the Department of Veterans Affairs are involved. Citizens or current residents of the USA who do not have active military ...
See 7 key topics from this page & related content
What are the requirements for spouse visa in USA?
Required Documentation A copy of your civil marriage certificate. A copy of all divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees that demonstrate that all previous marriages entered into by you and/or your spouse were terminated.
How long does it take to bring your spouse to us?
Average time - Between five and 14.5 months to get a Form I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) approved by USCIS as of early 2022; another six to 11 months or longer to get an immigrant visa to come to the United States.
What is the fastest way to bring your spouse to USA?
Historically, family reunification has been the easiest and fastest way of bringing your loved ones to the United States.
How much does a spouse visa cost USA?
Fiancé or K-1 visa cost: $2,025 The U.S. citizen partner completes the appropriate government form (I-129F – “petition for a K-1 Visa”), and mails it to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the $535 filing fee.
Which is faster fiancé visa or spouse?
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 percentage of spouse visas are approved?
It's true: most people who apply for a K-1 visa are successful. In fact, according to statistical reports published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), about 74% of fiancé(e) visas were approved in 2020.
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 for a spouse visa to be approved?
The Spouse Visa processing time It usually takes between 2 to 12 weeks for a Spouse Visa case to be processed but this time can vary depending on the documents provided and the country where the application is submitted from.
Can my wife stay in the US while waiting for green card?
Adjustment versus Consular Processing In most cases, spouses who are eligible to adjust status prefer to do so. It allows the foreign spouse to stay in the United States while waiting for the marriage green card. On the other hand, consular processing can often result in quicker processing times.
How long is a US spouse visa valid for?
The I-129F petition is valid for four months from the date of approval by USCIS. A Consular Officer can extend the validity of the petition if it expires before visa processing is completed.
How can I bring my wife to USA?
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.
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 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 long does it take for I-130 to get approved for spouse 2021?
After filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, the approval process can take anywhere from 5 to 12 months for immediate relatives and could take several years for family preference categories. This is an approximation.
How long does it take for a green card holder to sponsor a spouse 2022?
The petitioner (green card holder) has to file the Form I-130 package and Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, and wait for the approval of the green card application, usually about 7-10 months.
How long does it take for a green card holder to bring his spouse?
about 24 to 36 monthsA spouse of a permanent resident's immigration processing time is about 24 to 36 months on average from start to finish. A spouse of a U.S. citizen's Green Card processing time today averages about 12-18 months.
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.)
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 [email protected] or by writing to the National Visa Center , ATTN: WC, 32 Rochester Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909.
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.
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.
How to apply for a visa for a foreigner spouse?
Embassy or Consulate where you, the foreign-citizen spouse, will apply will provide you with specific instructions, including, where to go for the required medical examination. During your interview, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview by a Consular Officer.
What is the form for a foreign spouse?
You must then file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), for your foreign-citizen spouse and stepchildren. See Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e) for information on where to file the petition for a K-3 visa.
Do the Same Income Requirements Apply to Form I-134 as Apply to Form I-864?
No. The 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline minimum income requirement, the most recent year's tax return, and other requirements only apply when a Form I-864 is needed. Applicants using Form I-134 will need to show that their U.S. sponsor's income is 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline.
How Long Will It Take to Get My K Visa?
For Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), you can visit the USCIS website for the status of your petition.
What is a K-3 visa?
The K-3 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen spouse of a United States (U.S.) citizen. This visa category is intended to shorten the physical separation between the foreign-citizen and U.S. citizen spouses by having the option to obtain a nonimmigrant K-3 visa overseas and enter the United States to await approval of the immigrant visa petition. K-3 visa recipients subsequently apply to adjust status to a permanent resident (LPR) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) upon approval of the petition. Because the spouse of a U.S. citizen applying for a nonimmigrant K-3 visa must have a immigrant visa petition filed on his or her behalf by his or her U.S. citizen spouse and pending approval, a K-3 applicant must meet some of the requirements of an immigrant visa. It should be noted that under U.S. immigration law, a foreign citizen who marries a U.S. citizen outside the U.S. must apply for the K-3 visa in the country where the marriage took place. Learn more in the Applying for a Visa section below.
What do you need to present to the consular officer for a visa interview?
During the visa interview, applicants will be required to present evidence to the Consular Officer that they are not likely to become a public charge in the United States. You may present evidence that you are able to financially support yourself or that your U.S. citizen spouse is able to provide support.
Where to send I-129F?
NVC will then send the I-129F petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where the marriage took place. If the marriage took place in the United States, the NVC will send the petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that issues visas in the foreign-citizen spouse’s country of nationality. If the marriage took place in ...
How to file for a spouse visa?
How to File for a U.S. Spouse Visa. If you want to bring your spouse to the U.S. and apply for a spouse visa, then you either need to be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident (Green Card holder). Bringing a spouse to the U.S. is a challenging process, which often includes several steps. Due to the increased rate marriage fraud in ...
What documents are required for a spouse visa?
The following documents are required by the USCIS for spouse visa petition. Passport size photos of you and your spouse (separately, not in the same image). Copy of your marriage certificate. Proof of legal name changes after marriage.
What forms do I need to change my name after marriage?
Evidence that all the previous marriages of you and your spouse are terminated. Two signed and completely filled forms G-325A forms by you and your spouse. If you are a U.S. citi zen: naturalization certificate, copy of your U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or birth certificate.
What is the form for a spouse to file for a green card?
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder) and your spouse is inside the U.S., you can file for Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence) to Adjust Status. This is called concurrent processing.
Can I file an I-130 with my spouse?
This is called concurrent processing. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder) and your spouse is outside the U.S., you can file Form I-130 and then file Form I-485 later. This is called consular processing.
Do I need a copy of my passport if I have a green card?
If you are a Green Card holder or permanent resident: Copy of your Green Card, Form I-551, (front and back) and a copy of your passport with a stamp from when you were admitted as a permanent resident. Once you have petitioned for a spouse visa, you will need to wait until you get a notice from the consular office.
Can a non-US spouse join the US?
A number of immigration routes exist for non-US spouses looking to join their loved one in the US. Importantly, spouses do not attain US immigration rights automatically through marriage. They must follow the relevant spouse visa USA process and file the appropriate petition (s).
Can an E-2 visa be used for spouse?
For example, E-2 visa holders can bring spouses and dependant children as E-2 dependants. This is an extremely attractive route for spouses as they attain authorization to work in the US – which is not limited to the E-2 company.
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.
What form do I need to get married?
If you are a U.S. citizen who wants to bring your foreign fiancé (e) to the United States in order to get married, you will need to file a Form I-129F, Petition For Alien Fiancé (e). This is the first step to obtaining a K-1 nonimmigrant visa for your fiancé (e). The K-1 nonimmigrant visa is also known as a fiancé (e) visa.
Who notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled?
The U.S. Embassy or consulate notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled.
What is the form for alien fiancé?
You file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e) according to the form instructions. This form asks USCIS to recognize the relationship between you and your fiancé (e).
How long is a fiancé's work authorization valid?
In this case, your fiancé (e)’s work authorization is valid for only 90 days after his or her entry into the U.S. Your fiancé (e) may also apply for work authorization at the same time he or she applies for a Green Card. In this case, your fiancé (e) can file Form I-765 together with the Form I-485.
What happens if you marry your fiancé after 90 days?
This may result in removal (deportation) and could affect their future eligibility for U.S. immigration benefits. However, if you marry your fiancé (e) after the 90 day period, you may file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
Where to send I-129F?
The NVC forwards the approved Form I-129F to the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé (e) will apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa. This is generally the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé (e) lives. The U.S. Embassy or consulate notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled.
How long does it take to get a green card if you are married?
If your fiancé (e) marries you within 90 days of being admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant, he or she may apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States (a Green Card). If you have already married, plan to marry outside the United States, or your fiancé (e) is already residing legally in the United States, ...
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.
