How Do I bring My Spouse To The United States?

Planning to marry someone who lives abroad? If you’re a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to bring your spouse to the United States through the CR-1 or IR-1 visa, commonly called the spousal visa. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process so you know what to expect in 7 easy steps.

Important Note: If your spouse has children, those children may be considered your stepchildren for U.S. immigration purposes. You may file separate immigrant petitions for your stepchildren if both of the following conditions are met: (i) the child was under 16 years old at the time you married their parent; and (ii) the child is unmarried and under 21 years old at the time you file the immigrant petition.  Meeting these criteria allows stepchildren to qualify as immediate relatives in many cases, making them eligible for family-based immigration benefits.

1. Speak with our office to confirm that you qualify to petition for your spouse, and that your spouse is eligible to receive a spousal visa. Based on each of your family, immigration, criminal, and employment histories, there may be factors that could affect eligibility.

2. Gather the necessary documents for your case, such as evidence of relationship, biographical information, and other relevant legal documents.

• At our office, we work to prevent unnecessary delays by providing each client with a personalized checklist tailored to their specific case. These checklists outline all required documentation and are delivered electronically via email and text message alerts for convenience.
• To help clients stay on track, we also send regular reminders until all items are submitted and the file is complete, which ensures a smooth and timely preparation process.

3. File an immigrant petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes that you’re in a genuine and bona fide relationship.

• At our office, we assist couples with the completion of the I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and the submission of all required supporting documents. Our goal is to ensure that every section of the petition is completed thoroughly and accurately, and that all documentation meets current government standards.
• This tailored support significantly reduces the risk of having the petition rejected, denied, or delayed by a Request for Evidence (RFE)—helping couples avoid unnecessary setbacks and improving their chances of a smooth and timely adjudication process.

4. Once the fiancé petition is approved, pay for and submit the DS-260 online visa application with the National Visa Center (NVC). At this stage, your spouse will need to obtain police clearance letters.

• At our office, we assist couples with the completion of the DS-260 online visa application and the submission of all required supporting documents. Our goal is to ensure that every section of the application is completed thoroughly and accurately, and that the correct documents are uploaded in accordance with visa requirements.
• This personalized support allows couples to move forward confidently, knowing that their application is being handled with care and precision—minimizing delays and maximizing their chances for a smooth visa process.

5. Once the application and supporting documents are submitted at the NVC, your spouse will need to undergo an immigration physical/medical exam.

6. Your spouse, along with any children or stepchildren for whom you filed separate petitions, will be scheduled to attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Your spouse should be prepared to answer questions regarding both their and your family background, immigration history, criminal record, and employment information.

• At our office, we provide clients with a mock visa interview to help prepare for the real experience. This allows the foreign national to understand the types of questions typically asked during the interview and the reasons behind them. Mock visa interviews can be conducted by phone or virtually via WebEx, Viber, or WhatsApp, depending on the client’s preference.

7. After your spouse arrives in the United States, their Green Card will be sent directly to our office for safekeeping. Once we receive it, we’ll promptly scan a copy for your records and mail the original to your designated address. This process helps ensure your important documents are handled securely and delivered with care.

For more information on How do I bring my spouse to the United States a consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (281) 777-1236 today!