United States citizens with a foreign spouse can work with a Duluth marriage visa lawyer to apply for a Marriage Visa so their spouse can immigrate to the United States and become a legal citizen. A CR1 Marriage Visa and an IR1 Marriage Visa are two options to consider when starting this process and doing so is not something you have to do alone.
Our Duluth immigration lawyers regularly work with Duluth residents on submitting Marriage Visa applications. Walking them through the immigration process is essential because we understand how difficult it can be. Barrios & Virgüez is here to help because we recognize that the only way to attain the American dream is through opportunity.
CR1 and IR1 Marriage Visas
If you are a United States citizen with a spouse in another country, being apart can be emotionally taxing. The good news is that there are options to explore for bringing your spouse to the United States. They can become a legal citizen of the United States and live with you.
Those barriers can be broken down with a CR1 Marriage Visa or an IR1 Marriage Visa. What’s the difference between a CR1 Marriage Visa and an IR1 Marriage Visa? If a couple has been married for less than two years, then the spouse seeking United States citizenship will be issued a CR1 Marriage Visa, which is conditional and lasts for two years. And if the couple has been wed for more than two years, an IR1 Marriage Visa will be issued.
The CR1 Marriage Visa is conditional to prevent people from applying for a marriage visa to sidestep United States immigration laws. Ninety days before the CR1 Marriage Visa expires, married couples can apply for an IR1 Marriage Visa. This provides the foreign spouse with unconditional permanent resident status. Because you do not want to accidentally miss this window of opportunity or make any mistakes along the way, working with a marriage visa lawyer in Duluth is recommended.
For a legal consultation with a marriage visas lawyer serving Duluth, call 678-888-2222
Requirements for a U.S. Sponsor/Petitioner
To apply for a CR1 Marriage Visa or an IR1 Marriage Visa, foreign spouses must be legally married to a citizen of the United States first. Living together, being in a domestic partnership, or having a common-law marriage may not be enough. In some cases, it is, but it is best to be legally married before applying for a CR1 Marriage Visa or an IR1 Marriage Visa. If you take this important and necessary step, your chances of getting your application approved will increase significantly.
Before applying, several requirements need to be accounted for to increase the odds of having a successful application process. For example, the age of the United States citizen, if the foreign spouse can be financially independent once they immigrate to the United States, and whether an Affidavit of Support is needed may all come into play during the application process. A knowledgeable Duluth marriage visa attorney can help make sure that all the appropriate boxes are checked.
Duluth Marriage Visas Lawyer Near Me 678-888-2222
CR1/IR1 Visa Application Process
To attain a CR1 Marriage Visa or an IR1 Marriage VISA, applicants must complete Form I-30. Also known as filing a Petition for Alien Relative, this document must be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
When completing the Form I-30, below are some items that the applicant may be required to include along with the form itself:
- Proof that all fees have been paid
- Petition for Alien Relative
- A copy of the marriage certificate
- A copy of the United States citizen’s birth certificate
- A copy of the United States citizen’s passport
- Documents proving the termination of any prior marriages
- Supporting documentation that proves the legitimacy of the marriage (e.g., joint bank account or joint real estate ownership records)
Being able to prove that the marriage is authentic is critical. Being legally married is not sufficient. Applicants must demonstrate an ongoing relationship to succeed, and some of the best ways of doing so are through documents showing that the couple is linked together for the long run.
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The CR1/IR1 Visa Application Process
How long does it take when applying for a CR1 Marriage Visa or an IR1 Marriage Visa? On average, it takes between eight and ten months. However, applicants must realize that the amount of time required to process an application can be influenced by countless factors.
Every situation is unique, and there is no hard and fast rule about the time it takes for the application process to be complete.
One thing is for sure. If mistakes are made during the application process, it will take longer than it should. Work with a marriage visa attorney in Duluth to avoid hurdles and to keep your application moving along as it should.
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CR1/IR1 Visa Application Documents
If the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services approves the application, then it will be passed on to the National Visa Center, which collects forms and fees for the United States Embassies and Consulates. Once the fees have been paid, the National Visa Center begins processing the application. The following documents may be required during this process:
- A passport in good standing
- A birth certificate
- Court and incarceration records
- Military records
- Police certificates
- Affidavit of Support
- Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application
- Photographs
- Medical examination forms
A Duluth marriage visa lawyer can assist with making sure the necessary documents are collected and submitted on time.
Contact Barrios & Virgüez for Marriage Visa Help
Working with a Duluth marriage visa lawyer can help you secure a CR1 Marriage Visa or an IR1 Marriage Visa, so you and your loved one can be together. We have been impacted by personal circumstances that have marked our lives significantly, so we understand the daily challenges our clients face. The United States immigration system might feel broken, but that does not mean it has to break you.
With our assistance, we can make your and your spouse’s dream a reality. Let us help you with your case. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Case Evaluation form
