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There are few things more difficult than being separated from a loved one across international borders. The good news is that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides a path for a foreign-born spouse of a citizen to become a permanent resident.
A Doraville marriage visa lawyer could assist you with securing your spouse’s legal status. This process can be challenging, and a mistake could cause delays or other problems. The good news is that you have the right to rely on a dedicated family visa attorney throughout this process.
Both United States citizens and lawful permanent residents have the power to sponsor their spouse for a marriage visa. They can do so on behalf of a person who is already living in the United States under a different type of visa, or for a spouse who lives abroad. The process differs slightly depending on where that individual lives.
In certain cases, in addition to sponsoring a spouse, a petition can be filed on behalf of the children. The children must be under 21, unmarried, and younger than 18 when the parents were married.
While this option is not available to permanent residents, citizens are entitled to petition for a visa on behalf of their non-resident fiance. Short-term visas are also available, allowing two people to get married in the United States before petitioning for a more permanent visa program.
Understanding these eligibility issues can be complicated, especially without the support of legal counsel. Working with a Doraville marriage visa attorney could improve the chances of a successful outcome.
There are different paths to securing a marriage visa, and they depend largely on the non-resident spouse’s immigration status. If the person is already living in the U.S.—for example, on a student visa—their application can be considered without first returning to their home nation.
How long this process takes also depends on the status of the sponsor. Citizens are entitled to bring their spouses over through the immediate family visa program, which often takes less than a year. Permanent residents’ loved ones can only rely on the family preference system, which has an annual cap on all visas. This means it could be years before a green card is awarded.
In either case, the first step involves filing a document known as Form I-130. There are also requirements related to supporting documentation that validates the identities of each party and confirms that their marriage is legal.
Navigating the immigration system is a challenge under the best of circumstances. When it comes to dealing with a spouse’s ability to enter the country, the stakes could not be higher. Relying on the support of a Doraville marriage visa attorney could reduce stress and improve the chances of a positive outcome.
If you hope to bring your spouse to the United States, federal law makes this possible. However, not every application will be accepted, especially if mistakes are made during this process. Give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome by speaking with a Doraville marriage visa lawyer about your situation today. Contact us.