Spouse Visa Lawyer Chicago

Are you a U.S. citizen with a foreign-born spouse residing outside the United States? You might think that since they’ve married a United States citizen, they can enter the country without a visa. Unfortunately, a spouse cannot enter the country solely based on marital status. There are several visa options, and with guidance from a Chicago spouse visa lawyer, your partner will be granted entry.

 

Let MyImmigration help your partner get an entry visa, obtain legal U.S. residency, and, eventually, citizenship.

 

Without the proper visa, your spouse may be unable to remain in the country legally. While this restriction may seem unfounded, we can help guide you towards a loving life of living together. Let us help you navigate Chicago’s immigration laws and get your spouse into the country, or, if they’re already here, help them obtain a green card.

Paths to Consider When Seeking a Spouse Visa

Despite being legally married, if your spouse doesn’t have a green card, they won’t be able to stay in the country without some legal work on your end. If they’re not in the country, they’ll need the right kind of visa to enter. There are typically two main scenarios where a spouse visa attorney can help:

Spousal Immigrant Visa

If your foreign-born spouse is outside of the country, you’ll need to petition for a CR-1 or IR-1 visa. For marriages of less than two years, file form CR-1. Marriages over two years require filing form IR-1. Here’s a basic overview of what’s involved:

 

  1. Petition for Alien Relative: The U.S. citizen spouse or green card holder must file form I-130 to establish the marital relationship. Required documents include the marriage license, birth certificates, passports, and proof of relationship.
  2. USCIS Processing: USCIS will review the petition. A Request for Evidence (RFE) may be issued if they require more information.
  3. National Visa Center Processing: The NVC will assign a case number. The foreign-born spouse must file form DS-260 and the U.S. spouse form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).
  4. Medical Exam: The foreign-born spouse must undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
  5. Embassy or Consulate Interview: The foreign-born spouse will have to attend an interview to determine if the marriage is legitimate.
  6. Visa Granted: Once the visa is issued, the foreign-born spouse may enter the United States.

Marriage Green Card

If your foreign-born spouse is already in the United States on a visa, they should be able to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). If the U.S. spouse is a green card holder and not a U.S. citizen, the foreign-born spouse will need to wait for a visa number to become available under the family preference category before filing form I-485. The process goes as follows:

 

  1. File forms I-130 and I-485: Form I-130 is filed by the U.S. resident or citizen, and the foreign-born spouse files form I-485.
  2. Biometrics Appointment: The foreign-born spouse will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, during which photos, fingerprints, and signatures will be taken.
  3. USCIS Interview: Both spouses will attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
  4. Green Card Issued: If approved, the foreign-born spouse will receive a green card.

No matter which category you fall into, working with a spouse visa lawyer can help to eliminate the worries of filing incorrectly. If your situation is complex, our expert team of visa specialists will examine your scenario and determine the best strategy to meet your needs.

How MyImmigration Law Office Can Help You

With twelve years of experience supervising immigrant applications at USCIS, James L. Robertson compiled a team of immigration law experts and founded MyImmigration. He used his behind-the-scene knowledge with one goal in mind: to help individuals meet their immigration goals in a more straightforward and easy-to-understand way.

 

Here’s how MyImmigration works:

 

  • Online interview: Using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, answer some questions about your immigration needs.
  • Application prep: Our cutting-edge technology will determine which USCIS forms you’ll need. They’ll be checked for accuracy and completeness.
  • Translation services: We offer full translation services.
  • Attorney review and consultation: One of our immigration attorneys will double-check your forms to ensure they’ll be accepted and approved. If they foresee any issues, you’ll be notified and given a solution.
  • Application package: Your forms will be mailed to you along with easy-to-follow instructions on where to sign them. Enclose everything, including the USCIS processing fee, in the self-addressed envelope and drop it in the mail. If you have any questions or concerns, we are happy to assist you.

MyImmigration Law Office: Our Strengths

  • Simplified Immigration for Everyone: No matter your immigration goals, MyImmigration can help you achieve them.
  • Expertise at Your Fingertips: Our experienced staff will put together a personalized immigration strategy for you, your family, or your business.
  • Accessible Support at an Affordable Price: You won’t need to visit a law firm or pay an arm and a leg for expert legal advice.

Contact a Chicago Spouse Visa Lawyer Today

Once you’ve married your foreign-born spouse, you’ll want to begin to build a life together. With help from MyImmigration, we can ensure that they obtain the correct visa to enter the country or, if they’re already here, help them obtain permanent lawful residency. They’ll also be eligible to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, and we are happy to help with the process.


Schedule an appointment with a Chicago spouse visa attorney today.