Getting married is a life-changing experience. Moving to a new country (or deciding to stay permanently) is also life-changing. Add those two together, and you're in for an exciting but challenging ride! Read on for five tips for your marriage-based green card filing!
Select the right type of filing:Options for a marriage-based green card filing include filing while here in the U.S. (sometimes called a one-step marriage-based green card filing), starting the process while the foreign national spouse is overseas (sometimes called consular processing), the K-1 fiancée visa and subsequent green card filing, etc. The best option for your situation will depend on a variety of factors, including where the foreign national spouse is physically located, their U.S. immigration history, and whether a waiver is needed, among other considerations.
Submit the correct forms, fees, and supporting documentation:The USCIS and Department of State websites can be a good starting point, but they can also be confusing and unclear. We've helped countless clients who have tried to file on their own re-file cases where they missed key forms, fees, and/or documents.
Pay attention to status updates:Depending on how you submit your filing, and which agency you're working with, the government agency may send updates via mail, via online updates, or a combination. Make sure to keep your mailing address updated with the relevant government agencies, and make sure to check your online account accounts frequently. If you miss a deadline to respond, your case will likely be denied.
Tell the truth and make sure your information is consistent: One of the worst things you can do in U.S. immigration is lie. Are you unsure if an event in your past is a problem for your immigration filing? That's a great time to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to discuss possible outcomes and options! In addition, even if you don't have anything problematic in your past, you want to make sure that the information you are submitting is consistent with information and documents in any previously submitted applications or petitions.
Keep realistic expectations: Government processing times are all over the place right now. While we're seeing that USCIS is generally approving one-step marriage-based green card applications fairly quickly, that's not always the case. Other types of filings are also taking longer than we'd like, including I-130 petitions, waiting for a consular interview to be scheduled, etc. Going into the process with realistic expectations and a big dose of patience and faith will take you a long way as you wait out the process.
Does this sound daunting, or like a whole lot to navigate? It can be, and we are here to help make it less stressful!
If you are not yet a Sumner Immigration Law client and you’re looking for an experienced, empathetic, and efficient team to help you navigate the process with confidence, please contact us today to set up your initiation consultation to get the process started! You can set an appointment online. You can also call us at 804-396-3412 or send us an email at info@sumnerimmigration.com. We are immigration lawyers in Richmond, VA but we serve clients throughout the U.S. and around the world. For more information on our firm visit Who We Are and What Makes Us Different! We look forward to hearing from you!
As always, the above information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Please speak with a qualified immigration lawyer before taking action.
