Spouse Green Card: Moving to the US to Join Your American Spouse
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Spousal Sponsorship to the United States
An individual who is married or engaged to a US citizen may be eligible to immigrate to the United States on the basis of that relationship through a Green Card marriage visa. In these cases, however, it is important that the relationship is valid and that the couple can prove it to be valid. Unfortunately, there have been cases in which false relationships are forged for the sole purpose of immigration. For this reason, it can become difficult to get these petitions approved when there is not solid evidence of a true relationship. Therefore, an individual seeking to sponsor a sponsor a spouse, partner, or fiancé(e) to the United States must ensure they are going through the process as effectively as possible by following the right steps . Hiring an immigration lawyer can often be a helpful tool.
How to Sponsor a Spouse to the US through Green Card Marriage Visa
In order for a US citizen to sponsor a foreign spouse to the US, the citizen must prove the validity of the relationship, as well as prove they are financially stable enough to support their spouse in the US. Minor children of the sponsored individual may also accompany their parent.
- filing the IR1 or CR1 Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative (form I-130), or
- Filing the non-immigrant visa for spouse, the K-3
Same-Sex Sponsorship to the US
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is charged with reviewing immigration visa petitions “filed on behalf of a same-sex spouse in the same manner as those filed on behalf of an opposite-sex spouse” (uscis.gov). The same goes for sponsoring a same-sex fiancé(e) to the United States. You will need to file the same forms, provide the same proof of relationship, and be reviewed in the same way an opposite-sex marriage or engagement would.
Sponsoring a Fiancé(e) to the United States
In order to bring a foreign fiancé(e)to the United States to live and marry, the US citizen must sponsor them through the K-1 nonimmigrant fiancé(e)visa. This requires filing the I-129F fiancé(e) petition. Once the foreign fiancé(e) arrives in the US, they must marry their US citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. They will then be eligible to apply for an adjustment of status to a legal permanent resident with USCIS under the Department of Homeland Security. The individual must also meet the typical immigrant visa requirements. Eligible children of the K-1 beneficiary may accompany their parent with the K-2 visa.
In order for this process to be successful, the couple must fit the definition of fiancé(e). They must both have been legally free to marry at the time the petition was filed and remained so until the present. The marriage must be “legally possible according to the laws of the US state in which the marriage will take place” (travel.state.gov). Finally, the foreign fiancé(e) and US citizen sponsor must have met in person within the last two years. Exception to this requirement may be granted by USCIS if extreme hardship or extenuating circumstances prevented the couple from meeting.
Processing Time For Spousal Sponsorship
The wait time for a US spousal visa varies on a case-to-case basis. Due to high demand, an individual could be placed on a waitlist for about 1-4 years. However, it is important to note that this number is variable. Visit our page on US Visa Processing Times for 2024 to learn more.
If you would like to sponsor a foreign spouse or fiancé(e) to the United States, it may be helpful to hire an immigration lawyer. We can ensure the process and application materials are completed as efficiently as possible, and work to guarantee the best chances of success. If you are interested in hiring an immigration lawyer, we encourage you to fill out our online assessment, so that we may better understand your case and schedule a consultation. If you already know you would like to enlist the help of an immigration lawyer, you can book a consultation today!
The first step towards a successful family sponsorship application is getting an assessment of your case. Fill out our immigration assessment form and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.
US Spouse Sponsorship: Common Questions
How long does it take to sponsor my spouse to the USA?
If your spouse is a US citizen, it often takes about a year or more from start to finish. If your spouse has a green card, it usually takes longer because of yearly limits.
What is the fastest way to bring my spouse to the USA?
For most couples, it's a well-prepared spousal petition with no gaps or errors, because delays usually come from missing documents or extra requests. In some cases, the spouse can apply from inside the US. We'll tell you which option fits your situation.
How much income do I need to sponsor my spouse?
The US spouse must show income at or above a set level based on household size. If they don't meet it, assets or a joint sponsor may help.
Can my Canadian spouse visit the US while we wait?
Often, yes, but border officers may ask about your plans. Be honest, and carry proof of your ties to Canada. We can help you prepare.
Can my spouse work in the US while the application is processed?
It depends on how you apply. If your spouse applies from inside the US, they can usually apply for a work permit while they wait.
Where does a Canadian spouse have the green card interview?
If your spouse is living in Canada, the interview is held at the US Consulate in Montreal.
See every route open to you and your spouse. It takes about 3 minutes.
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