Bringing your spouse to the U.S. for reunion is truly not an easy journey. There are numerous complex procedures and paperwork required for sponsorship, which can leave many of us feeling confused when we first start to learn about it. But don’t worry, we’re here to help make everything easier.
In this article, we will provide a detailed guide to help you prepare an accurate sponsorship package for your spouse, saving you time and increasing the likelihood of approval. Let’s explore this useful information with Immigration Global so you and your partner can reunite soon!
Main Content
- Introduction to spousal sponsorship.
- Procedures and necessary documents for spousal sponsorship.
- Important notes on procedures and documentation for spousal sponsorship.
INTRODUCTION TO SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP
Did you know that whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, they can help you immigrate to the U.S.? Through sponsorship, you and your partner can reunite and build a new life in this country.
Depending on whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, the type of visa you receive will differ:
- If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, you will be issued a CR1 or IR1 visa.
- If your spouse is a permanent resident, you will be issued an F2A visa.
To learn more about the differences between sponsorship through a green card and sponsorship through citizenship, see more here. While there are some differences, the documentation requirements for both types of sponsorship are generally quite similar.
PROCEDURES AND NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP
Below is a list of documents that you and your spouse should prepare, along with the locations to submit the application. Understanding the following information will help you complete your sponsorship application accurately, save time, and reduce the risk of denial.
1. Submit to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Form I-130;
- Form I-485: if the spouse of the sponsor is in the U.S.;
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: a copy of the passport or a copy of the birth certificate or a copy of the certificate of naturalization;
- Proof of Permanent Residency: a copy of Green Card;
- Passport-sized photos of you and your spouse (2 inch x 2 inch, white background);
- Copy of the marriage certificate;
- Copy of divorce papers or death certificate (if applicable);
- Name change certificate (if applicable);
- Form G-1145: to receive notifications via email or SMS (optional).
2. Submit to the National Visa Center (NVC)
- Form I-864: Affidavit of Support
- Form DS-260
- Financial evidence:
– A copy of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return/IRS Tax Transcript
– Form W-2 or 1099: to prove the sponsor’s income
– Evidence of Income, such as the most recent pay stub or employment contract
– Proof of Assets, such as savings accounts, house, car,… - Police clearance certificate (Form 2)
- A copy of the biographical page of the passport
- A copy of divorce papers or death certificate (if applicable)
- A copy of the birth certificate of the beneficiary
- A copy of the marriage certificate
- If the sponsor is a Green Card holder: a copy of the Green Card.
- If the sponsor is a U.S. citizen: a copy of the U.S. birth certificate, U.S. certificate of naturalization, or U.S. passport.
3. Submit to the U.S. Consulate
- Interview invitation letter
- Passport
- Passport photos (size 2 inch x 2 inch, white background)
- Health examination results (if submitted in a sealed envelope)
- Confirmation of Form DS-260
- Photos and original or certified copies of all civil documents submitted to NVC. You do not need to bring the Affidavit of Support or financial evidence that you submitted to NVC.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION FOR SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP
- All documents in the sponsorship application that are not issued in English need to be translated into English and notarized to ensure their validity and acceptance during the review process.
- After preparing all necessary documents for the NVC, you and your spouse should scan the documents, compress them into a single file, and submit them through the CEAC system.
- You must also bring the documents uploaded to CEAC along with additional materials to the visa interview.
- Unless specifically instructed by the National Visa Center (NVC), please do not send any documents to the NVC. Failure to comply may delay your application processing, and documents risk being lost.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:
📧 Email: immglobal2002@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 0942 675 567
As attorneys at Immigration Global, we are committed to addressing your circumstances and needs with our legal knowledge and experience. Let us accompany you on your journey to the American dream!
