What immigration forms do I need to file if I am married to a green card holder and live abroad?
If you are married to a green card holder (permanent resident) and live abroad, and you wish to immigrate to the United States, the primary immigration form you need to file is the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form is used to establish your relationship with your green card holder spouse and begin the process of obtaining a spousal visa through consular processing. Here’s an overview of the main immigration forms you’ll need to file:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: Your green card holder spouse must file Form I-130 on your behalf. This form establishes the qualifying relationship between you and your spouse as a spouse and beneficiary. It is the first step in the process and must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (if applicable): This form is used as a supplement to the Form I-130 and is typically required for beneficiaries applying for a spousal visa.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support: Your green card holder spouse, as the petitioner, will also need to submit Form I-864 to demonstrate their ability to financially support you as the intending immigrant.
- Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application: After USCIS approves the Form I-130, your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), and you will be required to complete Form DS-260 online. This form is used to collect your personal information, address, and background information.
- Other Supporting Documents: In addition to the forms mentioned above, you will also need to provide various supporting documents, such as your marriage certificate, passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificates, medical examination results, and evidence of a genuine marital relationship.
Please note that the specific forms and requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances, country of residence, and the U.S. embassy or consulate where you’ll attend your visa interview. Always check the official USCIS website and the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information and guidance on the required forms and supporting documents.
Additionally, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully, submit accurate information, and provide all required documentation to avoid delays or complications in the visa application process. If you have any doubts or questions, consider consulting with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance.
What documents do I need to submit with USCIS if I am married to a green card holder and live abroad?
If you are married to a green card holder (permanent resident) and live abroad, and you are filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you’ll need to submit a set of supporting documents to establish your relationship and eligibility for the spousal visa. Here are the primary documents you will need to submit with Form I-130:
- Marriage Certificate: Provide a copy of your marriage certificate. It should be legally recognized and issued by the appropriate authority in the country where the marriage took place.
- Passport Photos: Include passport-sized photos adhering to the U.S. visa photo requirements for both you (the beneficiary) and your green card holder spouse (the petitioner).
- Evidence of Genuine Marriage: Include evidence that your marriage is bona fide and not solely for immigration purposes. This evidence may include photographs together, letters, emails, chat logs, and other documentation showing your ongoing relationship and shared life.
- Passport Biographic Page: Submit a copy of the biographic page of your passport, which includes your personal information and photograph.
- Birth Certificate: Provide a copy of your birth certificate to establish your identity.
- Police Clearance Certificates: Obtain police clearance certificates from every country where you’ve lived for a significant period, as required by USCIS.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): Your green card holder spouse (the petitioner) will need to submit Form I-864 to demonstrate their financial ability to support you financially when you immigrate to the United States.
- Proof of U.S. Green Card Status: Your green card holder spouse must provide a copy of their green card or proof of their U.S. permanent resident status.
- Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (if applicable): In some cases, a Form I-130A may be required as a supplement to Form I-130. This form collects additional biographic information about the beneficiary (you).
Remember to follow the USCIS instructions carefully and provide all required documents along with the completed Form I-130 package. Keep in mind that USCIS requirements may change over time, so it’s essential to refer to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date and accurate information before filing your application.
If you have any doubts or questions about the required documents or the filing process, consider consulting with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance and assistance.
What are the costs of a spousal visa if I am married to a green card holder and live abroad?
The costs of obtaining a spousal visa as the spouse of a green card holder and living abroad can vary depending on several factors. As of my last update in September 2021, here are the typical costs associated with the spousal visa process:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: The filing fee for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is $535. This fee must be paid by the U.S. green card holder spouse (the petitioner) when submitting the petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Medical Examination Fee: As part of the visa application process, you will need to undergo a medical examination by a designated physician. The cost of the medical examination can vary depending on the country and healthcare provider.
- Police Clearance Certificates and Document Translation: You may need to obtain police clearance certificates from every country where you’ve lived for a significant period. The fees for obtaining these certificates can vary by country. Additionally, if any of your supporting documents are not in English, you may need to pay for their translation into English by a certified translator.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing Fee: After USCIS approves the Form I-130, the case is sent to the National Visa Center for further processing. As of my last update, the NVC processing fee was $445. This fee is paid online after the NVC notifies you.
- Visa Application Fee: When you attend your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country, you will be required to pay the visa application fee. The fee amount can vary by country and visa type. As of my last update, the visa application fee for an immediate relative (IR) visa was $325.
Please note that these costs are subject to change, and it’s essential to verify the current fees on the official websites of USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, and the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you’ll attend your visa interview. Additionally, there may be other minor costs involved, such as obtaining passport-sized photos, obtaining necessary supporting documents, and possibly fees for document authentication, depending on your country’s requirements.
If you have concerns about the costs or need assistance with the application process, consider consulting with an immigration attorney or an authorized visa processing agency for guidance and support. They can help ensure that you have all the necessary documents and fees ready to complete the visa application successfully.
