Who is beneficiary in spousal visa applications?
In the context of spousal visa applications, the beneficiary is the foreign national spouse who is seeking to immigrate to a country in order to join their spouse who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of that country. The beneficiary is the person who will be receiving the immigration benefits if the visa is approved.
For example, if a U.S. citizen is sponsoring their foreign national spouse to come and live in the United States, the foreign spouse is the beneficiary of the spousal visa application. Similarly, if a Canadian citizen is sponsoring their foreign national spouse to come and live in Canada, the foreign spouse is the beneficiary in that case.
The beneficiary is the individual who will be seeking the visa, applying for any necessary waivers, and ultimately going through the immigration process to join their spouse in the host country. The sponsoring spouse, who is typically a citizen or permanent resident of the host country, is responsible for initiating and supporting the visa application process for the beneficiary.
How to apply for a spousal visa if I am married to a US citizen and located abroad?
If you are married to a U.S. citizen and located abroad, and you wish to immigrate to the United States to join your spouse, you will typically need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. This process involves several steps, including filing petitions and attending interviews. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: Your U.S. citizen spouse needs to file Form I-130 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between you and your spouse and starts the process of sponsoring your immigration.
- Wait for I-130 Approval: Once USCIS approves Form I-130, it establishes the qualifying relationship between you and your spouse. You will receive a notice confirming the approval nameviser.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: After I-130 approval, your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). You will need to provide additional documentation and fees to the NVC, including the Affidavit of Support and the Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260). The NVC will provide instructions on how to proceed.
- Pay Fees and Complete Form DS-260: You will need to pay the required fees and complete Form DS-260 online. This form provides detailed information about yourself, your background, and your intended immigration.
- Attend Medical Examination: You will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. This exam ensures that you meet health requirements for immigration.
- Attend Visa Interview: Once all necessary documents are submitted to the NVC and your case is complete, you will be scheduled for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. During the interview, you will be asked about your relationship, background, and other relevant information.
- Receive Visa and Enter the U.S.: If your visa is approved, you will receive your immigrant visa in your passport. This visa allows you to travel to the United States. Upon entry to the U.S., you will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry.
- Receive Green Card: After entering the U.S., you will be considered a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Your actual green card will arrive in the mail at the address you provide during the entry process.
Please note that this is a general overview of the process and the specific steps and requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies. It’s highly recommended to visit the official U.S. Department of State website and the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the spousal visa application process. Consulting with an immigration attorney can also provide valuable guidance throughout the process.
How to apply for a spousal visa if I am married to a green card holder and reside abroad?
If you are married to a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and you wish to immigrate to the United States to join your spouse, you will need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa as the spouse of a green card holder. The process involves several steps, including filing petitions and attending interviews. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: Your U.S. lawful permanent resident spouse needs to file Form I-130 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between you and your spouse and starts the process of sponsoring your immigration.
- Wait for I-130 Approval: Once USCIS approves Form I-130, it establishes the qualifying relationship between you and your spouse. You will receive a notice confirming the approval.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: After I-130 approval, your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). You will need to provide additional documentation and fees to the NVC, including the Affidavit of Support and the Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260). The NVC will provide instructions on how to proceed.
- Pay Fees and Complete Form DS-260: You will need to pay the required fees and complete Form DS-260 online. This form provides detailed information about yourself, your background, and your intended immigration.
- Attend Medical Examination: You will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. This exam ensures that you meet health requirements for immigration.
- Attend Visa Interview: Once all necessary documents are submitted to the NVC and your case is complete, you will be scheduled for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. During the interview, you will be asked about your relationship, background, and other relevant information.
- Receive Visa and Enter the U.S.: If your visa is approved, you will receive your immigrant visa in your passport. This visa allows you to travel to the United States. Upon entry to the U.S., you will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry.
- Receive Green Card: After entering the U.S., you will be considered a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Your actual green card will arrive in the mail at the address you provide during the entry process. Read more “list your business in the” “free and paid submission to the” “add your site” statistics
Please note that this is a general overview of the process, and the specific steps and requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies. It’s highly recommended to visit the official U.S. Department of State website and the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the spousal visa application process. Consulting with an immigration attorney can also provide valuable guidance throughout the process.
