How to Obtain a Marriage Visa?

Reuniting families across borders

The Marriage Visa allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their foreign spouses for legal residency in the United States. It is a critical pathway for couples to live together and build a future in the U.S. Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. is here to guide you through this complex process, ensuring your application is thorough and compliant with immigration laws.

What is a Marriage Visa?

A Marriage Visa is a family-based immigration category designed for individuals married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Depending on the specific circumstances, there are two main types of Marriage Visas:

• CR-1/IR-1 Visa for Spouses of U.S. Citizens:
• This visa is issued to foreign nationals legally married to U.S. citizens. It grants the spouse lawful permanent resident status (a green card) upon arrival in the U.S.
  • CR-1: For marriages under two years.
  • IR-1: For marriages lasting two years or longer.
• K-3 Visa for Spouses of U.S. Citizens:
• The K-3 visa allows a foreign spouse to enter the U.S. while waiting for the approval of their immigrant visa petition. Once approved, the spouse can adjust their status to a lawful permanent resident.

How Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. Can Assist You

Navigating the Marriage Visa process can be overwhelming due to strict documentation requirements and detailed government scrutiny. Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. offers comprehensive support to help you achieve your immigration goals.

Eligibility Assessment

Our attorneys will evaluate your case to determine the most appropriate visa type, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria for a Marriage Visa. This includes verifying the legitimacy of the marriage and preparing evidence to demonstrate it is not solely for immigration benefits.

Petition Preparation

We assist with preparing and submitting the necessary petitions, including:

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their foreign spouse.
• Supporting documents, such as a valid marriage certificate, proof of shared finances, photographs, correspondence, and affidavits from friends or family.

Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

For spouses outside the U.S., we guide you through consular processing, including preparing for the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. If the spouse is already in the U.S., we assist with adjustment of status to secure lawful permanent residency.

Removal of Conditional Status

For CR-1 visa holders, we assist with filing Form I-751 to remove the conditional status after two years of residency, ensuring the foreign spouse becomes a permanent green card holder.

Benefits of the Marriage Visa

1. Path to Permanent Residency
2. A Marriage Visa directly leads to lawful permanent residency (a green card), allowing foreign spouses to live and work in the U.S. without restrictions.
3. Reunification of Families
4. The visa facilitates the reunification of spouses, helping families stay together and build a future in the U.S.
5. Dual Pathways for Spouses Inside and Outside the U.S.
6. Whether your spouse is already in the U.S. or abroad, the Marriage Visa provides clear options for reuniting through adjustment of status or consular processing.
7. Eligibility for Citizenship
8. After three years as a lawful permanent resident, spouses of U.S. citizens may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, providing long-term security and opportunities.

How to Prove a Bona Fide Marriage

One of the key requirements for a Marriage Visa is proving that the marriage is legitimate. Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. will help you compile strong evidence, such as:

• Joint bank accounts or financial statements.
• Shared leases, mortgages, or property ownership.
• Correspondence, travel records, and photographs together.
• Affidavits from family and friends attesting to the marriage’s authenticity.

Get Started with Spiegel & Utrera, P.A.

If you are seeking a Marriage Visa to bring your spouse to the U.S. or adjust their status, Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. is here to help. Our team has extensive experience navigating the complex immigration system, ensuring your application is complete and compelling. Contact us today to begin the process and bring your family together in the United States.