A Spouse visa lawyer is a specialized immigration attorney who focuses on assisting individuals with marriage-based green card applications. They understand the complex immigration process and ensure that all documents are filled out correctly.
They can also help you prepare for your green card interview. They will guide you through the requirements for an Affidavit of Support, which is a critical document in the application process.
Marriage visas
Spousal visas are a great option for US citizens to bring their significant other into the United States. These types of visas come with a lawful permanent resident card (Green Card) and may save you money in government fees than other options such as a K-1 Fiance visa. However, you will still have to pay extra expenses such as vaccines and travel costs.
To apply for a CR-1 or IR-1 marriage visa, the sponsoring US citizen or green card holder must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance(e). The petition must be filed before the couple marries. It can take up to 11 months to process the petition. Once it is approved, the spouse must go through consular processing to obtain an immigrant visa. This type of visa is conditional and lasts for two years. USCIS scrutinizes marriage visa applications more than other forms of immigration because there have been many cases of fraud in this category.
Green card applications
Spouses of US citizens can gain permanent residency in the United States by filing a petition for alien relative (form I-130). However, this process is complex and requires thorough documentation. Even one mistake can cause a delay or denial. An experienced attorney can ensure that your application is complete and submitted correctly.
Immigration officials scrutinize green card applications based on marriages more than other types of immigrant visas. This is because of a history of visa fraud in these cases. At the interview, an officer will ask questions about the couple’s relationship, daily activities, and future plans together.
For those applying through consular processing, the interview is typically held at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the spouse’s home country. For those who have adjusted status in the United States, their interview will be conducted at a local USCIS field office. This can be faster and less expensive, but is still a process that requires the guidance of an experienced attorney.
Consular processing
A spouse visa allows U.S. citizens or green card holders to bring their spouses into the United States. It is a more complex process than a fiance visa, but it can be worth the extra work.
A spousal visa requires a petition filed with USCIS, as well as fees paid to the National Visa Center (NVC) and to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the foreign spouse’s country of origin. The NVC will also provide instructions for a required medical examination and interview at the Embassy.
The interview at the Consulate takes longer than an interview for an adjustment of status green card applicant, but the interviewer is looking for proof that the marriage is genuine. Unlike AOS applicants, consular processing interviews have no appeal process, so it’s important to get everything right the first time. Consular processing can take four to six months, and the process will cost you money. It’s important to budget for this expense.
Employment letters
When a spouse or common-law partner is applying for a visa, they often need to submit an employment verification letter. This is a document that confirms the applicant’s job role and salary. The letter should be written on company letterhead and signed by the employer. It should also include the amount of gross annual income.
It is important to note that the employment verification letter must be dated within six months of the date of the immigration petition. The letter should also be submitted with the correct tax forms. Alternatively, you can provide additional means of support, such as a bank statement, pay stubs, and 1099s.
A Spouse visa lawyer can help with this process by providing professional legal advice and assisting with the required documentation. This will ensure that your application is complete and meets all of the requirements. This can reduce the risk of delays or problems later on in your visa process.
