Bay Area Marriage Visa Lawyer
Priya did a phenomenal job on my EB-1A petition. She puts a lot of effort into building a really strong case and curates it to your profile. I was impressed by the final support letter and the way it put me in an immensely positive light. I highly recommend Alagiri Law Firm for immigration needs.
When you’ve found the love of your life, you want nothing more than to build a future together in the same country. But, if your spouse is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the immigration system can put your dreams on hold.
At The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm, we understand the challenges binational couples face, and we’re here to help. Our attorneys will guide you through the process, from filing the initial petition to preparing for your interview.
We know that your marriage is about more than just paperwork – it’s about building a life with the person you love. Trust us to handle the legal details so you can focus on your happily ever after.
Our Marriage-Based Immigration Services
At The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm, we offer comprehensive immigration services tailored to couples navigating marriage-based immigration.
Our focus areas include:
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas
The K-1 visa is the gateway for international couples ready to tie the knot on U.S. soil. This visa allows foreign fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens to enter the country with the intention of marrying within 90 days.
Key aspects of K-1 visas include:
- Typically shorter processing times compared to spousal visas
- Allows entry to the U.S. before marriage
- Provides a path to adjustment of status after marriage
To qualify for a K-1 visa, couples must demonstrate:
- The U.S. citizen sponsor meets income requirements
- A genuine, bona fide relationship
- Intent to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival
- Legal ability to marry
Our team excels at crafting compelling K-1 visa petitions. We gather evidence of your relationship’s authenticity, from digital communications to travel records, creating a vivid portrait of your love story for USCIS officials.
CR-1 and IR-1 Spouse Visas
For couples who have already said “I do,” CR-1 (Conditional Resident) and IR-1 (Immediate Relative) visas provide a direct path to green card status for foreign spouses of U.S. citizens.
Key benefits of spouse visas:
- Enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent residence
- Immediate eligibility for employment upon arrival in the U.S.
- No 90-day marriage requirement upon entry
To qualify for a spouse visa, you must prove:
- A legal and valid marriage
- The U.S. citizen sponsor meets income requirements
- The foreign spouse is admissible to the U.S.
We guide couples through the spouse visa process, from filing the initial petition to preparing for the visa interview. Our approach ensures that every aspect of your relationship is presented in the most favorable light to immigration officials.
Adjustment of Status
For foreign spouses already in the U.S., adjustment of status offers a way to obtain a green card without leaving the country. This process is often preferred by couples who married while the foreign spouse was in the U.S. on a different visa.
Key aspects of adjustment of status:
- Allows applicants to remain in the U.S. during processing
- Provides eligibility for work authorization and travel permits
- Offers a direct path to permanent residence
To qualify for adjustment of status, applicants typically must:
- Have entered the U.S. legally
- Be married to a U.S. citizen
- Must have maintained lawful status
- Be admissible to the U.S.
Our team navigates the complexities of adjustment of status with precision, ensuring all required forms are filed correctly and supporting evidence is compelling. We prepare couples for their interview, where the authenticity of their relationship will be scrutinized.
Removal of Conditions
For those who received a conditional green card through marriage, removing these conditions is a crucial step towards permanent residence. This process typically occurs two years after receiving the conditional green card.
Key points about removal of conditions:
- Must be filed within 90 days of the second anniversary of receiving your conditional green card
- Requires proving the marriage was entered in good faith
- Critical for maintaining lawful permanent resident status
We assist couples in gathering the necessary evidence to prove their marriage remains bona fide, including:
- Joint financial records
- Proof of shared residence
- Birth certificates of children born to the marriage
- Affidavits from friends and family
Our approach to removal of conditions is thorough and personalized, ensuring that each couple’s unique circumstances are presented effectively to USCIS.
The Marriage-Based Immigration Process
Understanding the steps involved in marriage-based immigration is crucial for a successful application. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- Determine Eligibility: We assess whether you qualify for a marriage-based green card based on your relationship and immigration history.
- File the Petition: Submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the qualifying relationship.
- USCIS Processing: USCIS reviews the petition and may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if additional information is needed.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: If the foreign spouse is abroad, the case moves to the NVC for further processing.
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Depending on the foreign spouse’s location, either file Form I-485 for adjustment of status or proceed with consular processing.
- Biometrics and Interview: Attend a biometrics appointment and an interview with USCIS or at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
- Decision and Post-Decision Steps: Receive the decision and proceed accordingly, whether it’s receiving your green card or addressing a denial.
Each step requires careful attention to detail and thorough preparation. At The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm, we guide you through each stage, ensuring you’re fully prepared and your application is as strong as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Green Card?
The timeline for obtaining a marriage-based green card varies depending on your specific circumstances. For spouses of U.S. citizens living in the United States, the timeline is typically 10-20 months.
These timelines can be affected by factors like USCIS workload, the completeness of your application, and any requests for additional evidence. At The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm, we work to ensure your application process is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Why Choose The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm?
At The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm, we believe that love is love, regardless of national borders. Our mission is to reunite couples and build families in the Bay Area, one visa at a time.
Founded by Priya Alagiri, whose own family’s immigrant experience inspired her legal career, our firm brings a unique blend of personal understanding and professional experience to every case we handle.
We measure our success not just in approved visas but in families united, dreams realized, and love stories continued on American soil.
When you work with The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm, you benefit from:
- Attention to Detail: We meticulously prepare your petition, ensuring every aspect of your relationship is presented effectively.
- Clear Communication: We keep you informed throughout the process, explaining complex legal concepts in plain language.
- Proven Track Record: Our history of successful marriage-based petitions speaks to our effectiveness.
Your love has already crossed international borders. Let us help it put down roots in the United States. At The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm, we’re committed to turning your international love story into a shared American life.
Take the First Step Towards Your New Life Together
Your journey to building a life together in the U.S. begins now. At The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.
Our team has helped numerous couples, just like you, navigate marriage-based immigration.
Let’s work together to create a compelling case that showcases the authenticity and strength of your relationship. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s start writing the American chapter of your love story.
Debugging Your EB-1A Visa Journey
Learn such things as:
💡 How to Define a Tech Domain that Resonates with USCIS
💡 How to Prove Eligibility Consistent with how USCIS Evaluates Engineering Applications
💡 How (and how not) to Draft Recommendation Letters to Effectively Showcase Engineering Expertise
My experience working with the Alagiri law firm for my EB1A application was truly exceptional. Priya's expertise and in-depth knowledge of the EB-1A category, especially for individuals employed in the science and research fields, made a significant difference. I wholeheartedly recommend Priya and her team for EB1A applications and any other visa requirements.
Priya possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in Green card processing, particularly for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the technology sector. With her profound understanding of the subject matter, she and her exceptional team excels in crafting applications that effectively highlight the strengths and qualities of the applicants. HIghly recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can same-sex couples apply for marriage-based green cards?
Yes, same-sex marriages are recognized for immigration purposes, provided the marriage was legal in the jurisdiction where it was performed.
Can I work while my green card application is pending?
If you file for adjustment of status in the U.S., you can apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) to work while your green card application is pending.
What happens if we divorce during the process?
Divorce during the immigration process can have serious implications. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney if your marital situation changes.
Do I need a lawyer for a marriage-based green card application?
While it’s possible to file on your own, the process is complex. An experienced immigration attorney can help avoid potential pitfalls, ensure your application is complete and accurate, and represent you in dealings with USCIS.
Ready to Embark on your Journey to Extraordinary?
I cannot express enough gratitude towards The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm for their unparalleled support and guidance throughout my immigration process. Their team’s expertise, attentiveness, and compassion made a complex journey smooth and successful. They were always available to address my concerns, ensuring I felt supported every step of the way. Thanks to their diligent work, I achieved my immigration goals. I highly recommend them for anyone in need of immigration assistance. Truly outstanding!
