If your spouse is a foreign national, you can sponsor their citizenship to the United States so that you can spend the best years of your lives together. The application process for a green card requires filing marriage petitions and documentation of the union's validity. Learning more about the procedures will help streamline their immigration and keep delays to a minimum.

What Are I-130 Marriage Petitions?

Marriage petitions require submitting Form I-130. The immigrating spouse may also need to file a green card application, depending on their resident status. The I-130 is a visa petition form that establishes the identities of both spouses. It also asks for the reasons why your loved one qualifies for residency in this country. While some questions are straightforward, others are vague or may not be pertinent. Consult an immigration attorney before submitting any applications to prevent time-consuming delays.

What Do You Submit With an I-130 Petition?

Fee Payment

As of May 2021, the petition fee is $535. However, given unique immigration situations and submission options, applicants may have different rates. To ensure you aren't under or overpaying, contact an immigration attorney.

Marriage Certificate

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires further documentation. They prefer marriage certificates from a governmental source to ensure validity. If either spouse was previously married, include documentation of its termination. The USCIS accepts certificates of annulment, death, and divorce.

Form I-130A

You'll also have to submit Form I-130A as part of the supplemental documentation. The form is used to gather extra biographical information on both spouses, which also replaces Form G-325A.

Recent Photos

Both spouses must provide clear, in-color photos taken within the last six months. These photos must also reflect their current appearances. Exemptions are granted if the immigrating spouse lives in a cost-prohibitive country.

Status Verification

The immigrating spouse may also have to provide proof of their current citizenship status. The method of acceptable proof depends on how the individual became a citizen. They may need to supply a copy of their birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport. An immigration attorney can guide you on which documentation would be considered valid.

What Should You Expect From a Green Card Interview? 

An officer from the USCIS or the National Visa Center (NVC) will attempt to verify the relationship's authenticity. The questions focus on the couple's shared history, daily routine, and future plans. While many of the questions bring up fond memories, some people may find them very personal. You have the right to decline to answer. Most officers will understand and move on. 

Preparing the documentation for marriage petitions can be time-consuming and complicated. If your spouse is a resident from another country, the Immigration Law Center, Inc., in Atlanta, GA, is here to make the process simpler. Their attorneys have 25 years of experience helping spouses with their immigration filings. They'll carefully compile your submission to minimize the risk of filing mistakes and lengthy delays. Their staff members are also multi-lingual to best serve their diverse clients. For more information on their practice areas, visit their website. To schedule a consultation, call them at (770) 491-1411.