Atlanta Marriage Visa Lawyer

Federal law provides many options for immigrating to the United States. For the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, a marriage visa might be the best option. This process often allows for a person to come to the U.S. in a much shorter amount of time compared to other options.

Challenges can come up throughout this process, but a dedicated family immigration attorney could help smooth things over. Often, the issues that arise are solvable so long as they are addressed without delay. An Atlanta marriage visa lawyer could help you and your spouse begin your life together in the United States.

Applying for a Marriage Visa

The process begins with either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsoring their spouse for a visa. This approach differs from many other programs where the applicant can petition on their own. An attorney in Atlanta could be helpful even in these early stages by ensuring the marriage visa application is correct and that all legal requirements are met.

If the person seeking the visa currently lives outside of the country, they will go through what is known as the consular process. The law requires that they remain in their country of origin as they wait for their opportunity to be admitted.

There is a different method for a foreign resident who already lives in this country. If they are on a valid visa, they can petition for an adjustment of status. This is often done when a spouse transitions from a temporary visa to a program that could allow them to immigrate to this country. In either scenario, an interview is necessary before a visa is issued.

What is a Fiancé Visa?

One of the key requirements for a marriage visa is that the applicant is already married. That said, there is an option for foreign residents who wish to have their wedding in the United States. This is possible through a K-1 visa.

Also referred to as a fiancé visa, this legal status provides a non-citizen with a short window of time to come to the U.S., get married, and then petition for a marriage visa, which an Atlanta lawyer could explain.

Removing Conditions on a Marriage Visa

Anyone who obtains a visa by having their spouse sponsor them is entitled to permanent resident cards—with one important exception. If the couple is married less than two years on the date of the visa application, the applicant is awarded conditional legal status, which means the green card is only good for two years, unless it is upgraded to full-term visa at a later date.

Conditional status does not prevent a person from living or working in the country, but this visa is not renewable. To remain in the U.S., the applicant and their spouse will need to jointly seek a full-term green card within 90 days of the expiration of the conditional visa. A marriage visa attorney in Atlanta could assist with the unique challenges that come with removing conditions.

Call an Atlanta Marriage Visa Attorney Immediately

When you want to begin your life with your spouse in the United States, the appropriate visa program could make that dream a reality. Pitfalls can come with the application process, which makes it crucial to seek out support.

An Atlanta marriage visa lawyer could guide you through the entire process, check your application to make sure it is ready to submit, and help you prepare for next steps. Call us as soon as possible for a private consultation.