Love knows no borders, and Olena Manilich understands the importance of uniting with your spouse in the United States. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you navigate the marriage visa process, including the I-130, I-485, K-1 fiancé(e) visa and CR-1/IR-1 spousal visa options. We are committed to providing personalized guidance and support to ensure your marriage visa application is successful.

Start your life together in the United States with the help of Olena Manilich.

Types of Marriage Visas

At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we offer expertise in various types of marriage visas, each designed to cater to different circumstances and needs. Understanding the right visa for your situation is crucial, and we are here to help you make an informed decision.

  • K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: For those who are engaged to a U.S. citizen and plan to marry in the United States, the K-1 visa is an ideal choice. This visa allows the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the U.S. to marry their U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreign citizen can apply for an adjustment of status to a permanent resident (Green Card holder).
  • CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa: If you are already married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the CR-1 (Conditional Resident) or IR-1 (Immediate Relative) visas are the appropriate options. These visas enable the foreign spouse to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident. The CR-1 visa is issued to couples married less than two years and grants conditional permanent residence, while the IR-1 visa is for those married more than two years and provides immediate permanent residency.

Each of these visas has specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and documentation requirements. Our expert team is ready to provide you with detailed guidance and support, ensuring a smooth and successful visa application process.

Marriage Eligibility Criteria

Securing a marriage visa requires meeting certain eligibility criteria set by U.S. immigration law. Key eligibility criteria include:

  • Legal Marriage or Intent to Marry:
    • For a CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa, the couple must be legally married, and the marriage must be recognized by the country where it occurred.
  • Citizenship or Permanent Residency:
    • One partner must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • Proof of a Bona Fide Relationship:
    • Applicants must provide evidence of a genuine, ongoing relationship. This can include photographs, correspondence, joint financial statements, travel itineraries, and affidavits from friends and family.
  • Financial Stability:
    • The U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor must demonstrate the financial ability to support their spouse or fiancé(e), typically through an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864 or Form I-134).
  • Legal Age and Marital Status:
    • Both partners must be of legal age to marry according to U.S. law and must be free to marry. This means any previous marriages must have been legally terminated through divorce, annulment, or death.
  • No Major Criminal or Immigration Violations:
    • Both partners should have no major criminal records or immigration violations that could impact eligibility.
  • Health and Medical Examination:
    • The foreign-citizen spouse or fiancé(e) must undergo a medical examination, including vaccinations, as required by U.S. immigration law.

Understanding and meeting these eligibility criteria are crucial for a successful marriage visa application. At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we provide thorough guidance and support to ensure that our clients’ applications are robust, compliant, and well-prepared.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Marriage Visa

Obtaining a marriage visa involves several key steps. Here’s a simplified overview:

  1. Eligibility Assessment: We begin by evaluating your specific situation to determine your eligibility for a marriage visa and the most appropriate type for your circumstances.
  2. Gathering Documentation: We help you collect all necessary documents, including proof of relationship, financial stability, and legal eligibility.
  3. Filing the Petition: For CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visas, we help with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
  4. Visa Application: Once the petition is approved, the foreign-citizen spouse or fiancé(e) applies for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
  5. Medical Examination and Vaccinations: The applicant undergoes a medical examination and receives required vaccinations.
  6. Visa Interview: We prepare you for the visa interview, discussing potential questions and providing tips for a successful interview.
  7. Adjustment of Status (If Necessary): For K-1 visa holders, after marriage, we assist with filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to obtain a Green Card.
  8. Conditional Residence Removal (If Applicable): For CR-1 visa holders with conditional resident status, we help file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the 90 days before their second anniversary as conditional residents.

Remember, each case is unique and may require additional steps or documentation. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized guidance throughout this entire process.

Why Choose Us for Marriage Visa Services?

  • Expertise in Marriage Visas: Olena Manilich has extensive experience in handling marriage visa cases, including K-1 fiancé(e) visas and CR-1/IR-1 spousal visas. She understands the intricacies of the application process and works diligently to maximize your chances of approval.
  • Personalized Guidance: Olena recognizes that every couple’s situation is unique, which is why she provides tailored advice and representation to address your specific needs and goals.
  • Comprehensive Support: From preparing and submitting your visa application to guiding you through the entire process, Olena Manilich and her team are dedicated to helping you achieve a successful outcome.
  • Transparent Communication: Olena believes in maintaining clear communication throughout your case, keeping you informed and addressing any concerns that may arise.
  • Affordable Rates: Olena Manilich offers competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of service. She also provides flexible payment plans to accommodate your financial needs.

FAQs

The processing time for marriage visas can vary depending on the type of visa, the current workload of the immigration authorities, and the specific circumstances of each case. Generally, K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas may take anywhere from 6 to 9 months, while CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visas can take 12 to 18 months. We provide personalized estimates based on the latest processing times and your unique situation.

For K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas, one of the requirements is that the couple must have met in person at least once within the two years prior to filing the application. There are very limited exceptions to this rule, typically based on extreme hardship or cultural customs.

If your application is denied, we will analyze the reasons for the denial and advise on the best course of action. This may include addressing the issues raised and reapplying, filing an appeal, or exploring alternative visa options.

Yes, same-sex couples are eligible for marriage visas under the same criteria and processes as opposite-sex couples. We are committed to providing equal and respectful assistance to all couples.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa holders can apply for a work permit upon arrival in the U.S., but it may take several months to be approved. Once married and an adjustment of status application is filed, they can work with the temporary work permit received during the process. CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa holders, receive a Green Card upon arrival in the U.S. and are immediately eligible to work.

We offer comprehensive support, including case assessment, document preparation and review, application submission, communication with immigration authorities, interview preparation, and ongoing guidance and advice throughout the entire process.

Proving the legitimacy of your relationship involves providing a variety of evidence, such as photos together, travel records, communication logs, joint financial documents, affidavits from friends and family, and other relevant documentation. We guide you in gathering and presenting the most compelling evidence for your case.

Feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have. We are here to provide clear, accurate, and helpful information to ensure your marriage visa journey is as smooth and successful as possible.

Begin Your Life Together in the U.S. with Olena Manilich’s Marriage Visa Services

Don’t let the complexities of the marriage visa process stand in the way of your love story. Trust Olena Manilich and her team of experienced attorneys to guide you through each step and help you unite with your loved one in the United States.

Take the first step towards a life together in the U.S. by contacting us today for a consultation. Olena Manilich and her team are ready to help you explore marriage visa options and navigate the application process.

Olena Manilich - Best Attorney NYC

Schedule a Consultation with Olena Manilich today and take the first step towards a brighter future.