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What visa options do I have if I want to bring my foreign spouse to live with me in the United States?

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and you want to bring your foreign spouse to live with you in the United States, there are several visa options available:

  • K-1 fiancé(e) visa: If you and your spouse are not yet married, you can apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa. This visa allows your fiancé(e) to come to the U.S. for 90 days to get married and apply for permanent residency (green card) thereafter.
  • CR-1/IR-1 marriage visa: If you are already married, you can apply for a CR-1 (conditional resident) or IR-1 (immediate relative) visa. These visas allow your spouse to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident without any conditions or time restrictions.
  • K-3 visa: If you are a U.S. citizen and your spouse is already outside the U.S., you can also apply for a K-3 visa. This visa allows your spouse to come to the U.S. as a nonimmigrant while his or her immigrant visa petition is pending.

In order to apply for any of these visas, you will need to file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or engagement photos, as well as proof of financial support.

It is important to note that there may be limitations or exceptions to these visa options depending on your specific circumstances. For example, if you or your spouse has a criminal record or a history of immigration violations, this may impact your ability to obtain a visa.

If you are unsure which visa option is best for you or if you have any concerns about your eligibility, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified immigration lawyer.