Maimone Legal

Family Immigration

Spouse Immigration

Spouse Immigration-

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U.S. immigration law allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor their foreign-born spouses for permanent residency (green cards). This process is one of the most common and fastest family-based immigration paths.

Key Points:

U.S. citizens face no cap or quota
Green card holders face longer wait times due to annual caps
Proof of a real, bona fide marriage is essential (photos, joint accounts, etc.)
Work and travel permits can be applied for during the process (inside U.S.)

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Everything you need to know about Spouse Immigration to the United States

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse?

1. U.S. Citizens

Can sponsor a foreign spouse for a green card
Considered an "immediate relative" — no wait time for a visa number
Typically the fastest and most straightforward path

2. Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents)

Can also sponsor their spouse
Falls under the F2A category — subject to visa bulletin wait times
Processing times are longer than for U.S. citizen sponsors

Steps in the Spousal Immigration Process

If the spouse is inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status):

File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
File Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) — can often be filed together
Attend a biometrics appointment
Attend a marriage-based interview
Receive a conditional or permanent green card

If the spouse is outside the U.S. (Consular Processing):

File Form I-130
Wait for USCIS to approve and forward the case to the National Visa Center (NVC)
Complete DS-260 visa application
Attend a U.S. embassy interview
Enter the U.S. with an immigrant visa and receive green card

Conditional Green Card (CR-1)

If the marriage is less than 2 years old at the time of approval
The green card is conditional and valid for 2 years
Must file Form I-751 to remove conditions and get a 10-year green card

K-1 Visa vs Spousal Visa

K-1 (Fiancé(e)) Visa: For couples who aren’t married yet but plan to marry in the U.S.
CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa: For couples already legally married

Why Choose Maimone Legal

Maimone Legal Is the Right Choice for You

Choose Maimone Legal because we don’t just handle cases — we change lives. With deep expertise in immigration, business law, and estate planning, our team is dedicated to providing strategic, compassionate, and results-driven representation. We pride ourselves on clear communication, personalized attention, and a relentless commitment to protecting your future. When you work with Maimone Legal, you’re not just a client — you’re family.

Proven Expertise - Years of success in immigration, business law, and estate planning
Personalized Strategies - We tailor every case to fit your unique goals and situation.
Clear, Ongoing Communication - You’re always informed, supported, and involved in your case.
Compassionate Representation - We treat every client like family—with respect, empathy, and care.

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Ready to take the next step? Schedule your free 20-minute consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today. It’s your opportunity to ask questions, explore your options, and see how Maimone Legal can help you move forward with confidence.