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IR-1 Marriage Visas

"Yes" to Forever in the US: Navigate Your IR-1 Marriage Visa with Confidence

 

MARRIAGE VISAS

Simplifying Marriage Visas for Your Happily Ever After

An IR-1 marriage visa attorney is discussing the case to her clients

Conquer Your IR-1 with a Top Marriage Visa Attorney

Bridging the Distance: Obtain Your IR-1 Marriage Visa with an Expert Marriage Visa Lawyer

At the Immigration Legal Center, we understand the importance of allowing people to be with their partners through immigration. This is why we have a dedicated service with an IR-1 Marriage Visa Lawyer to help you.

We pride ourselves as a veteran Immigration Law firm that focuses on assisting couples in acquiring their IR-1 Marriage Visa. Each case is different and we are here to help you and your spouse achieve your goals with minimal stress and challenges along the way.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Dedicated IR-1 Marriage Visa Attorney: The services of our team are managed by a lawyer with vast knowledge in the area of IR-1 visas to guarantee you of professional assistance.
  • Deep Understanding of Immigration Law: We understand the complexities of U.S immigration laws and procedures and will strive to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your partner.

So distance should not be a hindrance when it comes to finding your own prince or princess. Contact Our IR-1 Marriage Visa Attorney for a consultation today!

A LOOK AT THE PROCESS

To learn more about marriage visas visit our blog by Clicking here!

Immigration office Employee approving a marriage visa

TYPES OF VISAS

K-1

  • Purpose: The K-1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married.
  • Eligibility: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, and both parties must be legally eligible to marry. They must have met in person within the past two years.
  • Process: The U.S. citizen petitioner files Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the foreign fiancé(e) applies for the K-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
  • Requirements: The couple must intend to marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)’s entry into the United States. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

For more information on a K-1 Visa, visit The US Department of State Website

CR-1

  • Purpose: The CR-1 visa, also known as the Conditional Resident Spouse Visa, allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign spouse to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
  • Eligibility: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, and the couple must be legally married.
  • Process: The U.S. citizen petitioner files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. Once approved, the foreign spouse applies for the CR-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
  • Requirements: The couple must have a bona fide marital relationship and intend to live together in the United States permanently. The foreign spouse receives a conditional green card upon entry into the United States, which is valid for two years. Within the 90-day period before the green card expires, the couple must file a joint petition to remove the conditions on residency (Form I-751).

Learn more on CR-1 Visas by Visiting the US State Department Website

IR-1

  • Purpose: The IR-1 visa, also known as the Immediate Relative Spouse Visa, is similar to the CR-1 visa but is issued to spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for more than two years.
  • Eligibility: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, and the couple must be legally married for more than two years.
  • Process: The U.S. citizen petitioner files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. Once approved, the foreign spouse applies for the IR-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
  • Requirements: The requirements for the IR-1 visa are similar to those for the CR-1 visa, except that the couple must have been married for more than two years at the time of filing the petition.
  1. Specialization in Marriage Visas: This concentration on marriage visas means that we do not spread our services thinly, and therefore, can provide the best service possible for your specific immigration situation.
  2. Proven Track Record: As a result of our past cases and successes, we are considered among the best in immigration law. We have many satisfied clients, who can testify that we work to get things done right.
  3. Personalized Approach: We also want to know that each case is different. In this case, we offer you a personalized approach to guarantee you get appropriate solutions for your case.
  4. Transparent Communication: The head marriage visa attorney at The Immigration Legal Center is very straight-forward and does not beat around the bush. Your marriage visa lawyer and support team will ensure that you are informed at every step of the process which will help you to have a stress free experience during this important process.
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ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIMES

FACTORS AFFECTING PROCESSING TIMES:

  1. USCIS Processing:
  2. Consular Processing:
  3. Interview Scheduling: The scheduling of the mandatory interview is another crucial step. While the timing may vary, proper preparation and documentation can help expedite this phase.
  4. Case Complexity:

Our Commitment to Timely Service:

DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR A MARRIAGE VISA

1

Proof of Your U.S. Citizenship:

Certified copy of your birth certificate issued by a vital records office. U.S. passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your spouse's intended arrival in the US). Certificate of Naturalization (if you are a naturalized U.S. citizen)
2

Proof of Your Marriage:

Original marriage certificate issued by the authority that performed the ceremony (with government seal or apostille, if required). Marriage photos depicting the ceremony and your life together (wedding party, celebrations, trips, etc.). Proof of cohabitation (joint bank statements, utility bills, rental agreements with both names)
Tax Returns: Recent tax returns help establish financial stability and the ability to meet sponsorship obligations.
3

Your Supporting Documents:

Evidence of your financial ability to support your spouse (tax returns, employment letters, proof of income)
Your spouse's birth certificate
Your spouse's passport (valid for travel)
Police certificates from your countries of residence for the past three years (if required)
Military records from your countries of residence (if required)
Medical examination results for your spouse completed by a USCIS-approved doctor.

OUR MARRIAGE VISA ATTORNEY WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND INELIGIBILITIES

During the application of the IR-1 Marriage Visa, there are things that one needs to know about ineligibilities. Here is a list:

1. Bona Fide Marriage Requirements Not Met:

USCIS wants the couple to present proof that they have a valid and bona fide marriage which include:

  • Recent Marriage: Recent marriages before the time of applying for a visa may make the immigration authorities suspect that the marriage was merely to obtain a visa.
  • Prior Marriages: If either of the applicants has a history of multiple short marriages, it may be perceived as the current marriage being another.
  • Lack of Evidence: Lack of evidence in the form of joint residency, joint assets, or emotional attachment may raise questions regarding the validity of the marriage.

2. Criminal History:

Either applicant being convicted of a serious criminal offense makes them ineligible. It is recommended that you consult with your IR-1 Marriage Visa Lawyer so that he or she can explain the effects of the criminal record to your application.

3. Health-Related Issues:

Some diseases can be detrimental to the health of an individual and therefore disqualify him or her from participating. Your spouse may need to undergo a medical examination by a doctor who is authorized by the USCIS.

4. Prior Immigration Violations:

Having overstayed in the previous visa, visa fraud, or deportation will make the applicant ineligible for the IR-1 visa. It is recommended that you disclose any past immigration problems that you have had to your attorney because they will advise you on the most appropriate way to handle the situation.

5. Security Concerns:

Sometimes, there may be issues with the approval of visa due to national security reasons. It is always recommended to inform your attorney about anything that may come up and create such questions to avoid any form of concealment.

Important Note: This list is not exhaustive and there may be other specific reasons for being ineligible which may depend on certain conditions.

No need to be discouraged by ineligibilities! Our professional IR-1 Marriage Visa Attorney will be able to evaluate your case, discuss the possibilities, and explain how to proceed to ensure the best possible outcome. Please contact us for a free consultation and start the process of bringing your spouse back to the United States!

ESTABLISHING THE LEGITIMACY OF YOUR MARRIAGE

One of the most important factors regarding the IR-1 Marriage Visa is the proof of the marriage’s bona fide status. This is because USCIS aims to recognize marriages that are based on love and not for the purpose of acquiring legal documents. Here are some ways to strengthen your application:

1. Comprehensive Documentation:

  • Marriage Certificate
  • Wedding Photos
  • Proof of Cohabitation
  • Travel Records
  • Affidavits of Support:

2. Detailed Narrative:

Beyond documents, create a compelling story of your relationship. Include details like:

  • Your love story and the circumstances that led to your meeting.
  • Interests, hobbies, and experiences that show that two people have a lot in common.
  • Achievements that you have been able to achieve together, to depict your love and dedication.

3. Communication Evidence:

Show consistent communication throughout your relationship:

  • Love letters, emails, or social media messages expressing affection.
  • Phone call records or receipts for international calls.

4. Maintaining Contact During Separation:

If you haven’t been living together due to distance, provide evidence of ongoing contact:

  • Flight itineraries documenting visits to see each other.
  • Continued communication through emails, calls, or video chats.

Remember:

  • Be truthful and consistent in all your documentation and communication.
  • Authenticity is key! Don’t fabricate evidence; genuine details resonate best.

Let our IR-1 Marriage Visa Attorney help you understand which documents to use and how to tell your story in the most compelling way. If you need more information about how to build a compelling case for your IR-1 Marriage Visa application, feel free to contact us!

For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-2

ADVICE ON PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Here are some tips from our marriage visa attorney:

Immigration Interview for a marriage visa

Understanding the Process

Our marriage visa lawyer will assist you to understand the marriage visa application process, the forms and documents to fill and submit as well as the time frame within which to submit the forms and documents.

Practice Interview Questions

Practice answering common interview questions that may be asked during the marriage visa interview. These questions may include details about your spouse, your relationship history, and your future plans together.

Review Your Application

Thoroughly review your visa application and supporting documents to ensure accuracy and consistency. Be prepared to explain any discrepancies or provide additional information if needed.

Gather Supporting Evidence

Bring original copies of all required documents to the interview, including marriage certificates, photos of you and your spouse together, communication records, and financial documents.

Know Your Relationship

Be ready to provide detailed information about your relationship with your spouse, including how you met, how your relationship developed, and your plans for the future together. Be honest and genuine in your responses.

Know the Interview Location

Make sure you know the location of the interview and arrive early to allow for any unexpected delays. Dress appropriately and professionally for the interview.

CONTACT OUR MARRIAGE VISA ATTORNEY TODAY!

Don’t let distance stand in the way of your happily ever after. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our IR-1 Marriage Visa Lawyer. Together, let’s build a roadmap to your united future in the United States.

    - IMPORTANT: WE ARE NOT AN EMPLOYMENT/JOB AGENCY -
    We do not provide assistance in securing employment or jobs in the U.S. The Immigration Legal Center is a comprehensive law firm dedicated to helping clients achieve their U.S. immigration objectives. For those interested in obtaining legal representation, please fill out the following form and we will get back to you within 1-2 business hours. Your future in the U.S. starts now!