How to Get a USCIS Spouse Visa
A spouse visa (also called a green card) is required for foreign-born spouses who want to live and work in the United States. There are several steps to follow before you can obtain a spouse visa. The first step is to file a petition with USCIS. This requires a thorough background check and provides an opportunity to provide evidence that you and your partner are eligible for marriage-based immigration benefits.
When you complete your I-130 petition, your case will be assigned a priority date. You will need to wait until this priority date becomes current before you can apply for a visa. While the wait time can vary based on where you are applying, you should expect to wait about a year. Once you receive your spouse immigrant visa, you can bring your spouse to the U.S. However, it is important to remember that they cannot travel until they have entered the country.
In addition to the petition, you will also need to prove that your relationship is bona fide. This can be done by showing financial and legal documents. Some examples of documentation include a joint bank account, shared household bills, and apartment leases. If you have children, you will need to provide an affidavit of support.
After the I-130 is approved, your petition will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will process the application and forward it to the U.S. embassy in your spouse's country. Before the visa is issued, the consular officer will review the documents you have provided.
The embassy will then schedule an interview with your spouse. During the interview, the officer will ask questions about your relationship. For example, he or she may ask about your hobbies, religious background, or other personal details. Whether or not you feel comfortable answering these questions is up to you. At the end of the interview, the officer will determine whether or not your marriage is bona fide. He or she will approve the spousal visa if the officer is satisfied that your relationship is legitimate.
After the embassy has approved your immigrant visa petition, your spouse will receive a green card. The card is a form of proof that you are a resident of the U.S., and it is typically valid for ten years. Depending on your circumstances, your spouse may also receive an Adjustment of Status.
An Adjustment of Status is often referred to as a green card, and it can take several months. However, this process also has its own set of requirements. First, you and your spouse must attend a medical exam. Typically, the medical examination is not stressful, and the embassy will provide you with an appointment for the appointment.
The embassy will then issue your spouse a visa. Your spouse must then arrive at the port of entry within six months. If your spouse is not authorized to enter the United States, he or she will be inadmissible for at least three years.
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