How to Bring a Foreign Bride to the USA

Bringing a foreign bride to the United States is a complex process.

It is simple, but not easy, to bring a foreign bride to the United States. All required forms are on the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, along with instructions. Depending on your situation, it might be easier or harder for your bride to immigrate. Luckily, there is no limit to the amount of alien relatives admitted to the U.S. each year, so your wife is guaranteed acceptance as long as documentation is in order. If you are unsure about your ability to completely and accurately file the necessary forms, contact an immigration lawyer to assist you for a fee.

Things You'll Need

• Form I-485
• Form I-130
• Form G-325A
• Form I-864
• Money
• Current valid passports
• Several current passport photos
• Copy of marriage certificate
• Copies of tax returns from the preceding three years

Instructions

1. Fill out the Form I-130 and attach the corresponding Form G-325A for both you and your wife. Be sure to read all instructions and include supporting photos and documentation, including a copy of your marriage certificate. You are the sponsor, and your wife is the alien relative.

2. Your wife should fill out Form I-485, attaching all corresponding documentation and photos. It helps to attach additional G-325As for both of you.

3. Fill out Form I-864, attaching all relevant tax returns and documentation.

4. Read the USCIS Guidelines to determine whether you need to fill out additional forms, including Form I-765 or Form I-131, depending on your wife's situation and current residence status.

5. If filing the Form I-130 and Form I-485 together, no additional fees apply to forms filed concurrently. This includes fees for Form I-131, Form I-765, or other forms filed in the same package. Include personal or certified checks for the relevant amounts (as of 2010, Form I-130 is $355 and Form I-485 is $1010) made out to "US Department of Homeland Security" and send to the following address:

   USCIS

   P.O. Box 805887

   Chicago, IL 60680-4120

6. Wait for USCIS to cash your checks. Within approximately two weeks, you will receive notification for a biometrics appointment. Following the biometrics, you will undergo an interview, to which you should bring all supporting proof of marriage and union (including photos, joint bank statements, etc.). The typical time from filing to issuance of green card is six to eight months.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach extras of Form G-325A (for both you and your wife) to the I-130 and I-485, as well as extra passport photos. These are not necessary, but highly appreciated and eliminate the need for USCIS to delay processing your application.

• Double- and triple-check all forms and required supplemental documentation before sending. Any errors on your part will result in rejection of your application, requiring you to re-file all the documentation and pay all fees again.

References

• United States Customs and Immigration Service: How Do I Help My Relative Become A Permanent Resident?

Resources

• USCIS; Forms