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)
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 I enter foreign income for my spouse?
- At the right upper corner, in the search box, type in foreign income and Enter
- Select Jump to foreign income
- Next screen, Did You Make Any Money Outside the United States? answer Yes
- On the screen, What Form (s) Was Foreign Income Reported On ? select A Form 1099-MISC or other self-employment income
- Follow prompts
How early should I apply for the visa?
This is because it can take up to six weeks to get an appointment at the US Embassy for a visa. The answer is - as early as possible. And so it is okay to apply for a visa 4–5 months before the intended day of travel. Most consular officers appreciate this and they may ask you for the reason for applying so early.
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 documents are needed to apply for 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.
How long it takes for spouse visa?
Spouse Visa Processing Time Visa processing usually takes around 3-5 months. If you are a permanent resident, you must wait for a visa to become available for your spouse, based on their priority date. This can vary depending on the spouse's home country, but the typical time is around 24 months.
How do I start a spouse 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 can I apply for spouse visa in UK?
What you'll need to proveyou're in a civil partnership or marriage that's recognised in the UK.you've been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply.you are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving.
How long does spouse visa take 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. Learn more about US Spousal Sponsorship.
What questions are asked in a spouse visa interview?
Questions about personal informationWhat is your spouse's name, date of birth and place of birth? ... How did you meet your spouse? ... What did you do for your first date?When and where did you get married? ... Where did you go on your honeymoon?What are your hobbies and interests?More items...
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.
How much does it cost to file for a spouse?
Estimated marriage-based visa cost: $1,200 The U.S. citizen spouse submits the marriage relationship form (I-130 petition) and other required materials to USCIS, along with the $535 filing fee.
How do I know if my visa is approved?
Check the Status of a Visa Application For nonimmigrant visas, call 1-603-334-0888. Or use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Which form to fill for UK spouse visa?
Use form VAF4A to apply for a visa to join a partner, child or other family member who is settled in the UK. You must also complete the appendix 2 (financial requirements form). The form includes guidance about how to fill it out.
How much is spouse visa fee UK?
The cost of a spouse/partner visa made inside the UK is £1033. The applicant will also need to pay £19.20 biometric enrolment fee as part of the application. From outside the UK the spouse visa (classified as a “settlement visa” for the purpose of entry clearance) the visa cost is £1523.
How much bank balance is required for UK spouse visa?
These rules contain a minimum income requirement of at least £18,600 or a cash savings requirement of at least £62,500 (or a combination of both). The amount required increases if relevant children are to be included on an application.
How long does spouse visa take 2021?
As long as there are no delays or complicating factors: A 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 can I speed up my spouse visa?
You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.
Which is faster spouse or fiance 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 do I pay the spouse visa Home Office fee?
The spouse visa fee can be paid by credit or debit card on the online spouse visa application form.
How do I submit the application form?
The spouse visa application form is submitted by paying the Home Office fees on the online website. You will first have to provide you and your partner’s personal details in order to pay the fee.
What to do if you don't have an immigration lawyer?
However, it is incredibly important that if you do not use an immigration lawyer, you MUST take the time to fully familiarize yourself with the Immigration Rules and the specified documents you must submit in support of your application form.
What to do if you realised there was an error in the information on your application form?
If you realised there was an error in the information on your application form after you submitted the form online, you should explain this in a cover letter and submit this as part of your supporting documents.
What to do if your home office says you did not submit a document?
If you have this, and your application was refused because the Home Office said you did not submit a document, contact the Home Office using this contact form and attach the checklist document confirming that it was originally submitted. In some cases, Home Office will investigate and find the “missing” document.
What is the date of application?
The date of application is the date the online application is submitted and paid on the online application form.
Can the Home Office grant a grant if you don't have a required document?
The Home Office will grant the application despite not receiving a required document.
Who should sign the visa application?
The Visa application form should be completely filled and signed by Visa applicant and not another person. If the visa applicant is a minor (under 18), the application must be signed by a person having parental authority and their relationship should be included in parentheses (father, mother, guardian). If the visa applicant cannot sign, a cross may be used.
How to get a Schengen visa?
Everyone who is looking to obtain a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe, is required to fill in and sign the official application form. The visa form also requires the applicant to glue a photo taken according to the visa photograph specifications and requirements.
What do you write in a parent's name?
Write the full name, address, and nationality of the person holding parental authority or legal guardianship
How many questions are asked on a visa application?
The visa application form has 37 questions that must be filled in by the applicant with relevant information. These questions are outlined below, along with information on how to fill each of them. Bear in mind that any false statements will result in your visa being refused.
How to write your name on passport?
1. Surname (Family Name) Write your name as indicated on your passport (Please do not add the words “married name” and the name of your husband)! 2. Surname at birth (Former Family Name) Write the name you had at your birth if different than the one indicated in section 1. 3.
How to write a hotel invite?
Write the name of the person who invited you , or the contact information for a hotel, specifying all the details (telephone and fax).
Do you add the name of the country on a passport?
Add the name of the country, even if it is not specified on the passport.
How to sponsor your spouse?
There are 4 steps to sponsor your spouse, partner or child: 1. Get the application package. You can now apply online. We’re testing a new online immigration application. You can use it to apply (opens in a new tab) if you’re sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner who lives outside Canada.
How to apply for a sponsor?
How to apply. To apply to sponsor your spouse, partner or child, there are 2 applications: You must apply to become a sponsor. Your spouse, partner or child must apply for permanent residence. Send both the sponsorship and the permanent residence applications together at the same time. If you want to sponsor your adopted child or an orphaned family ...
Do you have to request permission to apply for a job?
You have to request permission and provide the right forms with your application.
Can you sponsor an adopted child?
If you want to sponsor your adopted child or an orphaned family member, follow the instructions to sponsor your adopted child instead.
What form do I need to file for an alien fiancé?
After filing the Form I-130 petition, the US citizen spouse must then file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e). Attached to this form must also be the Form I-797 and other supporting documents proving marriage. The Form I-129F must also include any dependents of the spouse from a foreign country such as children. There is no fee for this form for the purposes of a K3 visa.
Where do I file a K3 visa?
The spouse from a foreign country must apply for a K3 visa at a US Embassy in the country of residence.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the K3 Visa?
There are a few criteria for the spouse from a foreign country to qualify for the K3 visa. The K3 visa applicant must fulfill them, as follows:
What are the K3 visa fees?
The K3 visa fees that your US citizen spouse and you will incur are as follows:
How Long is the K3 Visa Processing Time?
On average USCIS takes 3-5 months to process and the US Embassy in your home country may take 2-3 months. Additionally, the US Embassies in different countries have different working times, which then might speed up or delay the processing of your K3 visa.
How to become a Lawful Permanent Resident after getting a K3 visa?
The next step after you have gotten your K3 visa is to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the US by getting a Marriage Green Card. To change your status from your immigrant visa to an LPR, you must first have an approved petition from USCIS and the visa, as well as live in the US.
How to get a K3 visa?
To fulfill the requirements for the K3 visa, the US citizen must first have filed the Form I-130 to USCIS for their spouse. If after getting the K3 visa, the spouse from a foreign country wants to change status to a CR-1 or IR-1 visa, they can use the same petition for them and there will be no need for a new one. When the form is filed, the US citizen spouse will get Form I-797, Notice of Action from USCIS, which they can use as proof that the Form I-130 is in processing.
