San Jose Marriage Visa Lawyer Helping Married Couples Get their Happily Ever After in the U.S.

A foreign-born spouse married to a U.S. citizen can use a marriage visa to migrate to the United States after marriage and live permanently with their spouse. In other words, a foreign person can become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and, potentially, a U.S. citizen with the help of a marriage visa.

U.S. citizens—also known as sponsors or green card holders—can bring their foreign spouses to the United States after marriage in one of three ways: CR-1 visa, IR-1 visa, or K-3 visa. Sadri Law, PC helps sponsors apply for the appropriate marriage visa and qualify their foreign spouses to achieve their dreams in the United States.

Who Qualifies for a Marriage Visa?

A foreign spouse who lives in another country and marries a U.S. citizen or LPR is eligible for a marriage visa. Couples must qualify for a marriage visa using the following criteria:

• A sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or LPR
• Couples must be married and only file for the marriage visa after marriage
• A sponsor must be able to meet federal poverty guidelines and show proof of financial means
• A foreign spouse must qualify for an immigrant visa

Sadri Law, PC, and our experienced marriage visa lawyer will collect important information from you to complete the necessary forms, collect the filing fee, compile the petition and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for processing.

Is a Fiancé Visa Different than a Marriage Visa?

A fiancé visa, also known as a K-1 visa, is a legal means for a foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States and get married within 90 days of arrival. Fiancé visas are often preferred for international couples as they are easier to obtain, quicker, and less expensive than a marriage visa.

The key difference between a fiancé visa and a marriage visa is that fiancé visas are exclusively for couples not yet married.

Processing time for a fiancé visa also moves more quickly than for a marriage visa. It can take five to seven months to get a fiancé visa, from filing the petition to submitting it to the USCIS. Our attorney can walk you through the process from start to finish.

What is the Spouse Visa Interview?

An interview is often the final stage of the marriage visa process. It is also the most important. An adjudicating officer will interview the U.S. spouse to ensure the relationship is genuine. Questions from an officer will be personal and focus on the history of your relationship, day-to-day activities, and plans. They might include:

• How long have you been married?
• Where did you get married?
• How did you two meet?
• What are your spouse’s favorite hobbies?
• Do you plan on having children?

The spouse visa interview is a test for couples and the validity of their marriage. We can help you prepare for the interview and accompany you to ensure a smooth experience.

How Can a San Jose Marriage Visa Lawyer Help Me?

There are three ways to bring a foreign spouse to the United States. We can help you determine eligibility and the most suitable option. Several steps are involved in the visa process. We ensure you and your spouse “check all boxes” to increase your chances of success and overcome obstacles to avoid denial or rejection.

We can help you pursue any of the following marriage visas:

• A CR-1 visa stands for conditional resident and is appropriate for couples married for less than two years.
• An IR-1 visa stands for immediate relative and applies to couples who have been married for more than two years.
• A K-3 visa is much like a temporary visa that allows a foreign-born spouse after marriage to move to the United States and wait for an immigrant visa to be approved

Contact our firm to help bring you and your married spouse together in the United States. To get started, speak with our immigration attorney, of charge: 408-402-4967.