American visa for new couple

Congratulations on your recent engagement or marriage! Applying for an American visa as a new couple can be a bit more complex than applying as an individual, but it's still a manageable process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Types of Visas:

1. K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: This visa is for foreign-born fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens who want to enter the United States to get married. The U.S. citizen must file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and then the fiancé(e) can apply for a K-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
2. CR-1 Spouse Visa: This visa is for foreign-born spouses of U.S. citizens who are already married and want to enter the United States. The U.S. citizen must file a petition with USCIS, and then the spouse can apply for a CR-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa:
   • The U.S. citizen must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
   • The couple must have met in person within the past two years (or within the past 5 years if the U.S. citizen is serving abroad in the military).
   • The couple must intend to get married within 90 days of the fiancé(e)'s entry into the United States.
2. CR-1 Spouse Visa:
   • The U.S. citizen must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
   • The couple must be legally married.
   • The spouse must be eligible for a visa and must not have any grounds for inadmissibility.

Application Process:

1. Step 1: File a Petition with USCIS (K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa):
   • The U.S. citizen must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with USCIS.
   • The petition must include evidence of the couple's relationship, such as photos, letters, and proof of communication.
2. Step 2: Wait for USCIS to Approve the Petition:
   • USCIS will review the petition and may request additional evidence.
   • Once approved, the petition will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.
3. Step 3: Apply for a K-1 Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
   • The fiancé(e) must attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
   • The fiancé(e) must provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, and undergo a medical examination.
4. Step 4: Enter the United States:
   • The fiancé(e) can enter the United States with the K-1 visa and get married to the U.S. citizen within 90 days.

Step 1: File a Petition with USCIS (CR-1 Spouse Visa):

• The U.S. citizen must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.
• The petition must include evidence of the couple's marriage, such as a marriage certificate and proof of cohabitation.

2. Step 2: Wait for USCIS to Approve the Petition:
   • USCIS will review the petition and may request additional evidence.
   • Once approved, the petition will be sent to the NVC for processing.
3. Step 3: Apply for a CR-1 Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
   • The spouse must attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
   • The spouse must provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, and undergo a medical examination.
4. Step 4: Enter the United States:
   • The spouse can enter the United States with the CR-1 visa and live with the U.S. citizen as a lawful permanent resident.

Additional Tips:

• Make sure to gather all required documents and evidence before applying.
• Be prepared for the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Consider hiring an immigration attorney to help with the process.
• Be aware that the processing times for these visas can be lengthy, so plan accordingly.