Chicago Marriage Visa Lawyer
Welcome to SimVisa, your trusted Chicago marriage green card attorneys. From uniting loved ones to navigating the intricacies of immigration law, we're here to help. Contact us to start your journey.

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With SimVisa, you have the option of receiving full-service legal support - for every aspect of your case - with immigration lawyers from a top-quality immigration law firm.
Step 1: Initial Consultation with SimVisa
Step 2: SimVisa Fills Out Your Immigration Applications
Step 3: SimVisa Prepares Application Package with Evidence
Step 4: A SimVisa Attorney Reviews Your Application Package
Step 5: SimVisa Submits an Application to USCIS For You
Step 6: SImVisa Handles All Communications with USCIS
Step 7: SimVisa Monitors Your Case From Start To Finish
How It WorksAOS -$3,200Get startedConsular - $2,900Get startedSelf-File
Have you started your application and then gotten confused? Are you worried you might make a mistake or leave out important supporting documents? SimVisa is the solution. We understand you might want to save on lawyer fees and file on your own. You can relax because SimVisa will prepare your application under the supervision of an immigration attorney. You will even get a one hour video conference with an immigration attorney after SimVisa prepares your forms.
Step 1: SimVisa collected information and documents from you through our online portal
Step 2: Simvisa fills out your forms and prepares your supporting documents
Step 3: A SimVisa immigration attorney goes over your filled-out application and supporting documents with you (1-hour video consultation)
Step 4: Simvisa finalizes your packet with attorney approval
Step 5: We deliver your packet to your door
Step 6: You file with USCIS
How It Works
All You Need to Know
Exploring Marriage-Based Visas: Your Pathway to Unity
Marriage-based visas stand as a bridge to unite families in the United States. Several visa types within this category serve distinct purposes, each catering to specific situations and relationships. At SimVisa, we're dedicated to shedding light on these options.
CR-1 Visa — Uniting Spouses

The CR-1 visa, also called the "conditional resident visa," is designed for spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for less than two years.
This visa allows a foreign spouse to enter the United States as a conditional resident for two years, after which they can be granted permanent residency. We'll guide you through the eligibility criteria and the process of applying for a CR-1 visa.
IR-1 Visa — Reuniting Families
The immediate relative visa, or IR-1 visa, is available to spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for at least two years. This visa offers immediate relatives permanent residency status, allowing couples to build their lives together in the U.S. Our team will help you navigate the documentation and requirements for a smooth family reunification.
K-1 Visa — Fiancé(e) Visas

The K-1 visa (the fiancé visa) is meant for foreign nationals engaged to U.S. citizens. It allows the citizen's partner to enter the U.S. for the purpose of getting married within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.
No matter your unique situation, our Chicago immigration attorney is here to provide personalized guidance on which visa to apply for and how. We understand that every love story is unique, and we're committed to tailoring our services to your needs. Let's pave the way for your union and create a foundation for a bright future together.
Start Your Immigration Love Story Today with SimVisa!
Unlock the doors to your shared journey in the U.S. Contact us now to explore the right marriage visa for your unique love story.
Discovering Marriage Visa Eligibility: Your Love Story's Path

Eligibility for a marriage visa revolves around the genuine bonds that bind couples and families. If you're a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you have the privilege of sponsoring your spouse or fiancé(e) for a marriage-based visa. In certain circumstances, you can also support your partner's children for U.S. residency.
Spouses of U.S. Citizens and LPRs
For U.S. citizens and LPRs (green card holders), sponsoring a spouse for a marriage visa is a common pathway to reuniting families. Your marriage to an immigrant spouse must be legally valid in the U.S., and you must intend to establish a life together.
Fiancé(e)s of U.S. Citizens
A U.S. citizen can bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States using a K-1 visa. This visa requires proving a genuine intention to marry within 90 days of arrival.
Children of Marriage Visa Applicants
In certain cases, the children of a foreign spouse or fiancé(e) may also be eligible to immigrate to the U.S. Unmarried children under 21 can follow their parents under a derivative visa, such as the CR-2, IR-2, or K-2 visa.
Obtaining a Marriage-Based Green Card

Obtaining a CR-1 or IR-1 immigrant visa for your spouse is a lengthy process:
- Eligibility verification: If you are a U.S. citizen or a green card holder with a valid, recognized marriage, you may be eligible to sponsor your spouse for a permanent marriage green card.
- I-130 petition submission: As the sponsoring spouse, you will file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This establishes the relationship and initiates the process.
- Approval and visa number availability: After the approval of Form I-130, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. If you are a U.S. citizen, your spouse may proceed to the next step. If you are an LPR, your spouse's application may need to wait for a visa number to become available due to annual quotas.
- Adjustment of status or consular processing: If your spouse is already in the U.S., they may apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident. If abroad, they will follow consular processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Biometrics and interviews: Your spouse will attend biometrics appointments and, if required, an interview. The interview assesses the validity of the marriage and the authenticity of the relationship.
- Conditional permanent residency (if applicable): If the marriage is less than two years old when the green card is granted, your spouse will receive a two-year conditional green card. You can then remove the conditional status by jointly filing Form I-751 within 90 days before the card expires.
- Permanent Residency (Green Card): After USCIS approves the application, your spouse will receive a permanent green card granting them lawful permanent resident status.
Navigating this process requires precision, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of immigration laws. Our Chicago marriage visa lawyers are ready to simplify your journey. Contact us today to embark on the path to obtaining a marriage-based green card with confidence.
Contact an Experienced Immigration Lawyer Today

Contact SimVisa to speak with a marriage green card attorney who understands the daunting, complex process of obtaining a marriage visa — and is ready to guide you through it.

Let's Build Your Love Story Together!
Contact Our Immigration Lawyers for Your Marriage Visa Journey!
Contact usWhy Choose SimVisa for Marriage Immigration?
How can SimVisa help you and your foreign national spouse start your life together in the U.S.?
- Knowledge that matters: Our Chicago-based immigration lawyers work extensively with marriage-based visas. With over 15 years of experience, we understand the intricacies of the process.
- Tailored solutions: Every couple's story is unique. We provide personalized strategies, ensuring your application reflects your specific circumstances.
- Comprehensive support: From documentation to interviews, we guide you at every step, simplifying the complex path of marriage-based immigration.
- Success stories: Our track record speaks for itself. Numerous couples have successfully united with their loved ones under our dedicated guidance.
- Digital tools: By embracing technology, we offer seamless virtual assistance that allows your immigration journey to be convenient and efficient.
Choose SimVisa for a marriage immigration experience defined by experience, personalization, and success. Your love story deserves a law firm dedicated to transforming dreams into reality. Contact us to embark on this journey with confidence.


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FAQs About Marriage Green Card Applications
Our clients have a lot of questions. Here are the answers to some of those most frequently asked.
What is a marriage green card?
A marriage-based green card grants lawful residency in the U.S. to a foreign national married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The green card allows the holder to live and work permanently in the U.S.
What happens if the marriage is less than two years old?
If the marriage is less than two years old, the foreign spouse receives a conditional green card valid for two years. Within the 90-day period before the card's expiration, the couple must file jointly to remove the conditions and obtain a permanent green card.
How do I sponsor my spouse for a marriage green card?
As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to establish the relationship. Once the I-130 is approved, your spouse can proceed with the green card application process.
Is an interview required for a marriage green card?
Yes, most applicants are required to attend a green card interview as part of the green card application process. The interview is conducted to verify the authenticity of the marriage and ensure the eligibility of the foreign spouse.
Can my spouse work while their marriage green card is being processed?
Yes, if the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen, the foreign spouse can apply for a work permit (Form I-765) concurrently with the green card application. This allows them to legally work in the U.S. while the green card application is pending.
How long does it take to get a marriage green card?
The processing time for a marriage green card varies based on factors such as the applicant's country of origin, the specific U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services center handling the case, and the complexity of the application. On average, the process takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months.
How much does a marriage green card cost?
Immigrating to the U.S. through a marriage visa will cost up to several thousand dollars in filing fees and other expenses. Form I-130, for example, has a filing fee of $535, while Form I-485 is currently $1,140. Other related expenses may include translations of required documents, medical examinations, and travel costs to attend your interview.
What is the difference between marriages to U.S. citizens and permanent residents?
Marriage to a U.S. citizen vs. a lawful permanent resident brings distinct immigration pathways. When the sponsoring spouse is a green card holder, you can expect the following:
- Visa number wait: Spouses of green card holders must wait for a visa number to become available;
- Long wait for green card: Due to limited visa numbers, the process can be significantly longer.
If the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen, the process is generally faster and a bit less complex.
How do I prove a bona fide marriage?
Proving the authenticity of your marriage, which is known as demonstrating a bona fide marriage, is crucial in the immigrant visa process. Here's how to approach it:
- Documentation: Gather documents that showcase the genuine nature of your relationship. These may include joint leases or mortgage agreements, shared utility bills, joint bank account statements, and any other documents that display commingled finances or shared responsibilities.
- Photographs: Compile a variety of photographs taken throughout your relationship. These should reflect moments throughout the journey of your relationship, such as family gatherings, holidays, vacations, and daily life snapshots.
- Communication: Present a record of consistent communication, like emails, text messages, phone records, and letters. This record substantiates your ongoing interaction and emotional connection.
- Affidavits: Obtain affidavits from family members, friends, and acquaintances who can vouch for the legitimacy of your marriage. These statements should detail their observations of your relationship.
- Joint activities: Outline joint activities, hobbies, and interests you share. This demonstrates that your bond extends beyond the legal aspects of marriage.
- Social media: Showcase your relationship on social media platforms. Posts, comments, and photos can add an online dimension to your evidence.
- Evidence of co-habitation: If you live together, provide documentation of shared living arrangements. This could include lease agreements, utility bills, or correspondence addressed to both spouses.
- Special circumstances: If you have children together, provide their birth certificates or adoption records. If you've faced challenges together, like medical emergencies, include documentation of those experiences.
- Interview preparation: Be ready for an interview with U.S. citizenship and immigration services. Review your relationship history, as the interviewer may ask questions about your life together.
- Legal guidance: Work with an immigration attorney experienced in marriage-based immigration cases. They can help organize your evidence, prepare affidavits, and guide you through the process.
Remember, the goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of your relationship. Strong evidence that spans various aspects of your life together could significantly strengthen your case.

If you are ready to start your journey toward permanent residency, fill out the following form and call today.