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MARRIAGE-BASED IMMIGRATION PROCESSES

Overview

Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is one of the most common bases for immigration. Depending on where the foreign spouse is located and how they entered the U.S., the case may proceed through adjustment of status (inside the U.S.) or consular processing (abroad), and may involve a fiancé(e) visa (K-1) before marriage.

Key considerations

USCIS closely reviews marriage-based cases to confirm the marriage is bona fide — entered into for a genuine relationship, not solely for an immigration benefit. Couples should be prepared to document their relationship thoroughly. If the marriage is less than two years old at approval, the spouse typically receives conditional residence and must later file to remove conditions.

How Do Law can help

We guide couples through the right process for their situation, help them assemble strong evidence of a genuine relationship, prepare them for interviews (including any fraud-prevention interview), and handle the removal of conditions on residence.