It’s called a “fiance” visa, and it has specific requirements—the sponsor must be a US citizen with an income higher (125%) than the poverty line and the relationship must be genuine . The latter is the main reason for most green card applications being denied. As a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you’re free to marry a foreign national or non-citizen immigrant – but you’ll need to consider immigration laws to move your new spouse to the U.S. permanently. Most people get U.S. citizenship between nine months and two years after obtaining a green card. Once you successfully obtain a green card, you can live for three years as a permanent resident and apply for United States citizenship. Marriages for the purpose tips for dating a polish woman of evading U.S. immigration law are considered fraudulent. If the real reason you’re getting married is so that your spouse can become a permanent resident of the United States (“green card marriage”), seriously consider the consequences.

• The K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that can be used by the immigrant spouse to come to the U.S. and then adjust status.
• Some couples choose a third option — obtaining the non-immigrant visa to enter the United States as a fiancé and then getting married in the US.
• However, it is worth noting that the road to obtaining citizenship by marriage can be long.
• For instance, if you’ve just met and your partner already wants to get married as soon as possible, it’s a red flag.
• Obtaining a permanent Green Card , giving the right to permanently reside in the United States.

Once married, the foreign spouse must go through a process called “adjustment of status” if he or she wants to obtain a green card. Green card holders and U.S. citizens are at liberty to marry non-U.S.

The minimum age to marry is 18, unless a minor has been emancipated by court order. You must be at least 16 years old to be considered for emancipation. Upon application for a marriage license, an emancipated minor shall provide a certified copy of the order of emancipation. You live in a small town where most of the inhabitants know each other. And the search for a wife has become an interesting activity for you. The fact is that the girls in your city do not meet your requirements. You want to have a charming and interesting bride with a pleasant personality and good looks by your side.

Marriage to a Foreign Spouse

You also need to be accurate and avoid any delay that could prevent you from getting citizenship. Depending upon a state’s regulations, ARAG’s legal insurance plan may be considered an insurance product or a service product.

All immigration and naturalization services provided by Allan S. Lolly & Assoc. Are provided by an active member of the State Bar of California or under the supervision of an active member of the State Bar. Information provided is general in nature, not reliable in particular circumstances and not to be construed as legal advice. Reliable legal advice must be based on the individual case after hire. Still, even when it goes relatively easily, as it did for us, it is an unbelievable strain on your marriage.

If you’re in the United States but your future spouse isn’t

Children of the bride/groom who meet the established criteria receive a K2 visa. After you marry your spouse, you want to ensure they can legally stay in the country.

🎁 VIDEO BONUS: How a US Citizen Can Sponsor a Spouse Abroad

Government officials will usually only do the ceremonies at the government offices during usual business hours, as this is their job. In some states, though not in North Carolina, a Notary Public can perform a marriage. Also a “justice of the peace,” made famous in so many Hollywood films, can perform marriages in some states. Generally the U.S. recognizes any marriage that is recognized in another country, and does not permit polygamy in the U.S. If either of you is already married in the U.S. or in another country, you must terminate that current marriage first. Be sure you have legal documents showing termination of any prior marriage.

Yes, the bride can get a green card and a residence permit for 10 years. The main requirement is that the marriage was registered at least 2 years ago, and the husband is a resident of the United States.