If you are a United States citizen or green card holder and you want to bring your spouse here to live with you, you can file for a Spouse Visa (IR1 or CR1). However, you will need to understand the legal requirements. A spouse visa attorney can help you navigate the system so you can have your loved one with you as soon as possible. To be eligible for this type of visa, you will need to meet certain requirements. Here are four spouse visa requirements to know about.
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Proof That the Marriage is Genuine
To bring your spouse to the U.S., you will need to prove not only that you are legally married, but also that your marriage is not fraudulent. Some ways you may prove this are:
- Documentation of joint property ownership
- A shared lease
- Joint bank accounts
- Birth certificates of children you have together
- Affidavits from others that your marriage is genuine
The visa interview will also serve to verify that the marriage is not fraudulent by asking questions about the other person that a spouse would normally know, such as their hobbies and interests and details about your wedding.
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Medical Exam and Vaccinations
To gain entry to the U.S., your spouse will need to complete a medical exam and obtain necessary vaccinations. The U.S. embassy in your spouse’s country will decide where their exam will be performed. The exam should be completed about a week before the interview to ensure the Embassy will have the results in time.
The exam usually consists of a standard physical examination as well as blood work and a chest x-ray to rule out communicable diseases. Your spouse is required to be up to date with their vaccinations as well, including polio, measles, and rubella, among others.
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Income Requirements
In order to sponsor your spouse to legally reside to the U.S., you will need to prove that you can financially support your family. The current requirement is that you make at least 125% of the federal poverty level, which changes yearly. To meet this requirement, you will need to show proof of income, such as tax returns, paycheck stubs, and a letter from your employer.
In some cases, assets such as stocks and cash in the bank, may substitute for income. If you do not meet income requirements, you may be able to have another person act as a joint sponsor for your spouse if they meet the income requirements.
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You Have No Other Marriages
Both you and your spouse must prove that you are not married to anyone except each other. If either of you have been previously married, you will need to show a divorce certificate or a death certificate for the previous spouse.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a visa is often a challenging and time-consuming process. When you are trying to bring your spouse to the U.S. to live with you, you want to avoid any unnecessary delays. Understanding the visa requirements and working with an experienced inbound US visa lawyer los angeles ca will help ensure the process goes smoothly so you can be together as soon as possible.
