Building Your Future Together in the United States!

Are you a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident hoping to bring your husband or wife to live permanently in the United States?

Family-based immigration allows eligible U.S. citizens and Green Card holders to petition for their foreign spouses to obtain lawful permanent residence.

Understanding the requirements, documentation, and application procedures is an important step toward building your future together.

WHO CAN PETITION FOR A SPOUSE?

1. U.S. CITIZENS

U.S. citizens may petition for their foreign husbands or wives under the Immediate Relative immigration category.

This category is not subject to annual immigrant visa numerical limits. However, application processing times and other immigration requirements still apply.

2. LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS (GREEN CARD HOLDERS)

Lawful permanent residents may also petition for their foreign husbands or wives.

These petitions generally fall under the F2A family preference category, which is subject to visa availability and may involve additional waiting periods.

WHAT DOES THE MARRIAGE-BASED IMMIGRATION PROCESS INVOLVE?

STEP 1 – FILING THE FAMILY PETITION

The process generally begins with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse.

Form I-130A and supporting evidence of a legally valid, genuine marriage are generally required.

Supporting documentation may include:

• Marriage certificate.
• Evidence of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.
• Documentation of any previous marriages and their legal termination.
• Evidence of a genuine marital relationship, such as shared residence, joint financial records, photographs, or other relevant documents.

STEP 2 – DETERMINE WHERE THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS WILL TAKE PLACE

If Your Spouse Lives Outside the United States:

The process generally involves consular processing through the National Visa Center (NVC) and a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Steps may include:

• USCIS review and approval of Form I-130.
• NVC case processing and applicable government fees.
• Completion of Form DS-260.
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and supporting financial documentation.
• Submission of required civil documents.
• Medical examination and consular interview.
• Immigrant visa issuance, if approved, and subsequent travel to the United States.

If Your Spouse Is Already in the United States:

Depending on individual circumstances and applicable immigration requirements, some applicants may qualify to request Adjustment of Status using Form I-485.

Eligibility and approval depend on several factors, including immigration history, manner of entry, visa availability, admissibility, and current USCIS policies.

IMPORTANT: Marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident does not automatically grant immigration status, employment authorization, or permanent residence. Approval of Form I-130 alone does not grant these benefits.

HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOU?

At COLOMBIA USA INMIGRACIÓN LLC, we provide virtual immigration form preparation and document assistance services in English and Spanish.

Our services include:

• Form I-130 and I-130A preparation assistance.
• Organization of marriage and relationship supporting documentation.
• Assistance preparing applicable immigration forms, including Form I-485 when appropriate.
• NVC document preparation and organization.
• Form DS-260 preparation assistance.
• Form I-864 preparation and financial document organization.
• Consular interview preparation and coaching.
• General information about administrative immigration procedures.

YOUR STORY IS UNIQUE. YOUR PROCESS IS TOO!

Because building a future together begins with love, commitment, and preparation.

Every marriage has its own story, and every immigration journey comes with different circumstances.

Our goal is to help you stay informed, organized, and prepared throughout the administrative steps of your immigration application process.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD YOUR FUTURE TOGETHER?

Schedule your personalized virtual consultation today to learn how our immigration document preparation services can help.

COLOMBIA USA INMIGRACIÓN LLC is an independent immigration document preparation service. We are not attorneys or a law firm and do not provide legal advice or legal representation. We are not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. Department of State. Eligibility, processing times, and immigration application outcomes depend on individual circumstances and government decisions. Approval is not guaranteed.