Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about a K-3 or CR-1 Spouse/marriage Visa

AMERILAWGROUP

Frequently Asked Questions About Spouse/Marriage Visas


  • What is a spouse visa (also called a marriage visa)?

    It is a document issued by the US government which allows the spouse of a citizen or permanent resident of the US to enter the US for the purpose of immigration and permanent residency.

  • Does it matter if I do not live near where my lawyer is located?  
           
            No, visas are issued by the US government.  AmeriLawGroup has obtained visas for people located throughout the US and in foreign countries; we use electronic communications to speed up the process and keep costs low.
  • Who is eligible for a spouse visa?

    A foreign national spouse who has legally married a US citizen or permanent resident while outside of the US and is now outside the U
    S and wishes to come to the US as a permanent resident.  It does not matter what country you were married in as long as it was a marriage legally recognized by the country where the marriage occurred.

  • What are the steps for obtaining a spousal (K-3) visa?

    There are two phases in the K-3 visa process (phase I and Phase II)

    • Phase I: We file Petitions with the USCIS for your spouse to come to the US for the purpose of becoming a permanent resident. 
    • We file supporting documentation with  the Petitions.
    • The Petitions are approved, the National Visa Center (US Department of State) obtains further information sends the forms and documentation to your spouse's consulate in his/her home country.
    • Phase II:  We file additional forms and documents as requested by the consulate in your spouse's home country.
    • Your spouse is requested to attend an interview at the consulate after which the spousal visa is issued.  We prepare your spouse for this interview.
    • Your spouse comes to the US and is issued a green card within 4-6 weeks of arrival. Upon issuance your spouse may work and travel with the green card and his/her passport from their home country.   
  • Is the spouse visa issued at the time of the interview?

    Yes, or within a short time thereafter. 

  • Are there differences in the time it takes the spouse of a US citizen or the spouse of a permanent resident to get a spousal visa?

    Yes, obtaining the K-3 visa for the spouse of a permanent resident takes much longer than for the spouse of a US citizen

  • Once the spouse visa is issued how long does the foreign spouse have to come to the US?

    She has six months to enter the US after issuance of the spouse visa

  • Can a US citizen file for a visa while living outside the US?
            Yes, AmeriLawGroup has obtained visas for many US citizens while they are living outside the US

  • How long does it take to obtain a spouse visa?

    This varies depending on which USCIS Service Center and consulate is involved in the process. A good rule would be 5-6 months although we are seeing shorter times in some cases.  The times required are generally less than shown on the USCIS websites. 

  • OK, I would like to apply for a spouse visa with the assistance of AmeriLawGroup, what do I do now?

    Please click here for our Services and Fees and we will get the process started within 24 hours of hearing from you.