Huntsville Marriage Visa Lawyer

Being separated from your spouse at international borders by the U.S. government is always a frightening experience. Fortunately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes applying for an visa on behalf of a foreign-born spouse relatively straightforward. However, the agency could reject a marriage visa with minor errors, which could happen if you navigate the application process without guidance from a seasoned legal representative.

A capable Huntsville marriage visa lawyer could provide the assistance you need to effectively protect your future plans. After establishing your eligibility for a marital visa, a dedicated family-based immigration attorney could guide you through each stage of the application process and help resolve any complications.

Who Is Eligible to Sponsor Their Partner for a Marriage Visa?

Any current United States citizen or lawful permanent resident can sponsor their spouse for a marriage visa. They can apply on behalf of a partner who is either inside the U.S. following a lawful entry or currently in another country awaiting permission to immigrate. These two specifications require slightly different application procedures.

An individual acting as a sponsor for a marriage visa can also represent their foreign spouse’s children for immigration permits if those children are younger than 21, unmarried, and were younger than 18 at the time of their parent’s wedding. Additionally, U.S. citizens can petition for their fiancé(e) and eligible children to receive immigrant visas. Certain Americans can also bring their spouse and their children to live in the U.S. while waiting for USCIS to approve their marriage visa application.

Finally, there are no strict requirements regarding how long a married couple must wait before they can seek marriage-based immigration permit. A knowledgeable attorney in Huntsville could explain eligibility requirements and help an immigrant decide whether qualify to apply for a marriage visa.

How to Apply for a Marriage Visa

How an individuals may apply for a marriage visa typically depends on their current immigration status. For instance, U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouses for one of the many immediate relative visas that USCIS makes available each year, while permanent residents must wait for a family preference visa slot to open before they can proceed with their spouse’s marriage-based immigration petition.

Either way, the application process begins with the American spouse submitting Form I-130 and, after acquiring a visa number, Form I-485 on their foreign partner’s behalf. The sponsor also generally needs to attach documentation that validates each person’s identity and establishes the validity of their marriage.

Afterward, the spouse who hopes to immigrate to the U.S. typically must complete a biometrics screening and several interviews about their marital visa. A savvy lawyer in Huntsville could analyze a couple’s situation to determine which steps of the marriage visa application process the spouses must navigate.

Consult a Huntsville Marriage Visa Attorney to Learn More

Seeking an immigrant visa based on a marital relationship is generally more streamlined than obtaining one through other family-based or employment-based circumstances. However, that does not mean acquiring a marriage visa is an easy process. Unfortunately, minor mistakes or missing pieces of information could sidetrack your efforts to bring your spouse to the U.S.

A well-versed Huntsville marriage visa lawyer could significantly increase the chances of having your application approved. Reach out today to schedule your initial appointment.