How to File for Spouse Visa

Immigrant spouse

In order to file for a spouse visa, you must either be a citizen or a green card holder. You can file in two ways. One is through the consular process if your spouse is living outside the U.S, and the second is by way of adjusting status if your spouse is living in the U.S.

Required documents:

  • Two G-325A forms (biometric information), signed and completed, one for you and one for your spouse.
  • A copy of your civil marriage certificate.
  • Copies of documents that prove that you are free from earlier marriages, if any.
  • Evidence of name change of you and your spouse, if any.
  • If you are a U.S citizen, your valid passport, birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization.
  • If you are a permanent resident, a copy of your green card or foreign passport bearing a stamp showing temporary evidence of permanent residence.

Steps to File for Spouse Visa

1If your spouse is outside the U.S:

  1. Complete the I-130 Petition for alien relative, and file it at the at the nearest USCIS center.
  2. The filing fee for the petition would be $420.
  3. If you wish to receive a text message or an email when your petition is accepted, fill the G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance  and clip it to the front of the petition.

2If your spouse is living in the U.S:

  1. Complete the I-130 and the I-485, and file it at the nearest USCIS center.
  2. The filing fee would be $985. (Add $85 biometric fee, if required).
  3. If you wish to receive a text message or an email when your petition is accepted, fill the G-1145,  and clip it to the front of the petition

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