How to File for an American Visa for a Spouse
If you're a U.S. citizen, your spouse can come to the United States on a non-immigrant visa, also know as a K-3. Your spouse can wait in the country as he completes the immigration process and you can file for an American visa on his behalf.
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Instructions
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File a Form I-130 for your spouse with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Office (USCIS) in your area. This is an Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative.
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Wait for the USCIS to send you a Form I-797. This is a Notice of Action which informs you that the USCIS received your petition.
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Submit the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) for your spouse, also known as form I-129F. Send it, along with a copy of the Form I-797 receipt notice and supporting documents to the Department of Homeland Security USCIS. The address can be found online (see Resources below).
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Know that once the USCIS okays the I-129F, it will send the paperwork to the National Visa Center. The NVC will then send it to the embassy where your marriage took place.
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Submit two copies of the Non-immigrant Visa Application, or form DS-156, along with one copy of the DS-156K, or the Non immigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application form to your embassy or consulate.
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Include both of your birth certificates, your marriage certificate, divorce or death certificates from previous spouses, medical examination and a valid passport.
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Make sure you have two non-immigrant visa photos or your spouse, proof of financial support and fees.
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Tips & Warnings
Your spouse's passport must be valid for travel to the United States for at least six months beyond your spouse's intended period of stay in the country.
Know that you can only apply for a K-3 Visa at an embassy or consulate in the same country in which you got married.
