Chicago Marriage Visa Lawyer

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.