At Virtual Visa Pros, we understand the importance of keeping families together. One of the ways we assist in this process is by helping individuals navigate the spousal petition process. This blog post will provide an overview of what a spousal petition is and how it can help bring spouses together in the United States.
What is a Spousal Petition?
A spousal petition, also known as a marriage-based visa, is a way for a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident to sponsor their foreign-born spouse to come and live with them in the United States. This process allows couples to be reunited and build a life together in the same country.
To begin the spousal petition process, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form serves as the official request to establish the relationship between the petitioner and the foreign-born spouse.
The Requirements
In order to successfully file a spousal petition, there are certain requirements that must be met. Firstly, the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Secondly, the petitioner and the foreign-born spouse must be legally married, which means the marriage must be recognized as valid under the laws of the country where it took place.
Additionally, the petitioner and the foreign-born spouse must provide evidence of a bona fide marriage, meaning they have a genuine and legitimate marital relationship. This can be demonstrated through various documents such as joint bank accounts, property ownership, or shared responsibilities.
The Process
Once the spousal petition is filed, it will be reviewed by USCIS. If the petition is approved, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC will then send the necessary forms and instructions to the foreign-born spouse, who will need to complete the required paperwork and attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
During the visa interview, the foreign-born spouse will be asked questions about their relationship with the petitioner and their intentions to live in the United States. If the interview goes well and all the necessary documents are in order, the foreign-born spouse will be granted an immigrant visa and can then enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
Conclusion
The spousal petition process can be complex and time-consuming, but with the assistance of a legal services provider like Virtual Visa Pros, it can be made more manageable. We understand the importance of family unity and are dedicated to helping individuals bring their spouses to the United States through the spousal petition process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in reuniting with your loved ones.