Bringing Your Foreign National Spouse to the US: A Guide for US Citizens

If you're a US citizen considering marrying a foreign national, the thought of navigating the spousal immigration process may seem daunting. But don't worry, as a US citizen, you do have the ability to petition for your spouse to immigrate to the US. The key is to understand the eligibility requirements and gather all the necessary documentation and forms.

To be eligible, you must be able to prove that your marriage is legitimate and not a sham. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of your citizenship, proof of your marriage and other relevant information about your spouse such as their birth certificate and passport.

The processing time for a spousal immigration petition can vary, and processing times have exploded in recent years due to the pandemic. The time frame can depend on a number of factors, including the workload of the agency processing the petition, and the specific details of your case. You can expect the process to take two to three years given the current immigration backlogs and delays.

It's worth noting that if you have children or step-children from your marriage, they will need to be petitioned for separately. Additionally, there is an age cut-off for immigrant visas for step-children of US citizens; children must be under 18 years of age at the time the petition is filed in order to be eligible for a visa.

In conclusion, as a US citizen, you have the ability to petition for your spouse to immigrate to the United States. The process can take some time, but with the right documentation and a bona fide relationship, you can successfully bring your spouse to the US. Just remember that if you have children or step-children, they will need to be petitioned for separately and that there is an age cut-off for immigrant visas for step-children of US citizens.