Marriage Visa Attorney in Providence, Rhode Island

Marriage-based visas allow U.S. citizens to secure a visa or obtain a green card for their foreign-born spouses. A statistical summary from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services indicates that about 50,381 fiancée petitions were approved in the fiscal year of 2019. If you are a U.S. citizen looking to bring your foreign spouse (wife or husband) or fiancé to the United States, it is critical that you consult with an experienced Rhode Island immigration law attorney for reliable legal guidance and representation.

Attorney Layne C. Savage is committed to providing comprehensive guidance to clients facing legal issues related to immigration and marriage visas. She is available to discuss your personal situation, explore all of your legal options, and help you determine the best visa to pursue based on the unique needs of your specific circumstances. As your legal counsel, Layne will guide and assist you through every step of the visa application process and help you fight for a resolution that meets your needs.

The Savage law proudly serves clients in Boston, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, and the surrounding communities.

What is a Marriage Visa?

Marriage-based visas allow foreign nationals to migrate to the United States and obtain a green card based on the request of their partner who is a U.S. citizen. If you are a U.S citizen, the available options to bring your spouse or fiancé to the United States include:

• Immigrant visa for a spouse of a U.S. Citizen (IR1 or CR1)

• Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3)

• Nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé(e) (K-1)

How Does a Marriage Visa
Differ from a Fiancé Visa?

The marriage visa is an immigrant visa that allows the spouse of a U.S citizen to enter the United States and grants you permanent residency. The CR-1 spousal visa is usually valid for six months, and no adjustment of status will be required.

In contrast, a nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé(e) is a temporary visa that allows you to visit the United States for a limited period of time with the condition that you will get married to your partner within 90 days. If you wish to continue staying in the U.S. permanently, you’ll have to get married. After that, you can submit another application to adjust your immigrant status.

Eligibility for Marriage Visa

To be eligible for a marriage-based visa, you must show that:

• You are legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

• Your marriage is legitimate and not for immigration benefits

• Both spouses are married to each other alone.

How To Obtain a Marriage Visa

To obtain a CR1 or K-3 visa, the spouse that is a U.S citizen will need to file Form I-130 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative), sign with the required fees, and provide every necessary piece of documentation, including a civil marriage certificate, a passport, and evidence of legal name.

If your petition for a K-3 visa is approved, the spouse that is a U.S. citizen will receive a notification acknowledging that the package was received by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and your application is being processed. Processing your Form I-130 may take between 3 and 5 months.

Upon receiving the acknowledgment notice, the U.S. citizen spouse must file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé) to petition their foreign spouse’s right to maintain permanent residency in the United States. Once the nonimmigrant visa has been processed and issued, the foreign spouse can travel to the United States for an immigrant visa to be processed.

Work With an Experienced
Immigration Attorney

Obtaining a marriage visa or acquiring citizenship through marriage is a decision that requires a lot of complex legal procedures. With a number of different visa categories available, it is imperative that you understand the eligibility requirements, benefits, risks, and limitations of whichever visa you choose to apply for. An experienced Rhode Island immigration attorney can review your situation and determine the best option for you and your spouse or fiancé.

Attorney Layne C. Savage is committed to providing reliable legal guidance to couples facing the complicated procedures involved in obtaining marriage-based visas. As your legal counsel, Layne can review the details of your unique situation, explain all of your legal options, and help you determine the best course of action. She can also help complete all necessary application forms and prepare you and your spouse for the final immigration interview. So don’t wait. Call or reach out today to schedule a free case consultation.