How to Apply for a USA Marriage Visa
A U.S. citizen or a permanent resident that marries a non-U.S. citizen can sponsor a spouse's legal immigration to the U.S. by filing a marriage visa petition. An immediate relative, such as a spouse, is given priority over other non-relative immigrants, and therefore, the waiting period and application process is much shorter. A legal immigrant has the right to reside in the U.S.
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Instructions
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Complete Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). This form documents the relationship of the petitioner with the immigrant relative. A spouse that is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident can file the form for an immigrant spouse. Along with the application, the petitioner must include proof of citizenship or permanent resident status. Acceptable documentation includes a copy of a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship or an unexpired passport.
A petitioner must also submit proof of the spousal relationship. The petitioner must provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) with a copy of the marriage certificate, the petitioner's Form G-325A (Biographic Information), the immigrant spouse's Form G-325A, and other information demonstrating that the relationship is a genuine one, such as financial statements showing the comingling of money, and birth certificates of children born to the petitioner and the spouse.
File Form I-130 with the USCIS. Petitioners living in the U.S. or Canada must file the form at the USCIS Chicago Lockbox facility by mailing it to either of the following addresses:
Regular U.S. mail
USCIS
P.O. Box 804625
Chicago, IL 60680-4107
Express mail or courier deliveries
USCIS
Attn: I-130
131 South Dearborn-3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
Make sure to sign the form. The failure to submit a signed form will result in a rejected petition.
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File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) along with Form I-130 if your spouse resides in the U.S. This form is a request to adjust the applicant's status to that of a permanent resident of the U.S. Mail both forms to either of the following addresses:
Regular U.S. mail:
USCIS
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4107
Express mail or courier deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn-3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
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File Form I-130 at an USCIS office overseas or at a nearby U.S. Embassy or consulate if you reside outside of the U.S. or Canada. It may be necessary to contact the appropriate Embassy or consulate to learn more.
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Pay the filing fee. The filing fee for Form I-130 is $420 (as of 2011). If you are also submitting Form I-485, you must submit an additional fee of $985, plus a biometrics fee of $85 (as of 2011). The fee for an applicant under age 14 is $635 when submitted with a parent's application. The applicant must submit a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Submit the fees with the applications.
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