What Documents Should You File After Your Spouse Arrives Through A Travel Visa?

Whether you have been patiently awaiting the arrival of your spouse after their travel visa was approved, or it was a sudden surprise, there are important documents that must be filed once they arrive. These documents are crucial for establishing your spouse's legal presence in the country and ensuring a smooth transition into their new life. By understanding what documents need to be filed, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to secure their status and protect your relationship.

Proof of marriage and relationship history

When your spouse arrives in the United States through a travel visa, there are several important documents that you need to gather and file to prove your marriage and relationship history. These documents are crucial for your spouse's adjustment of status and for establishing the legitimacy of your relationship. Here is a detailed guide on what documents to file after your spouse's arrival:

• Marriage Certificate: The most fundamental document to prove your marriage is the marriage certificate. Ensure that you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the jurisdiction where you were married. This document is essential for establishing the legal basis of your relationship.
• Joint Financial Documents: Gather and organize joint financial documents that demonstrate your shared financial responsibilities and commitments. These can include joint bank account statements, joint credit card statements, mortgage papers, car loan documents, or any other financial agreements that show your mutual financial obligations.
• Joint Lease or Mortgage: If you and your spouse live together, provide a copy of your joint lease agreement or mortgage statement. This document serves as evidence that you share a residence and a commitment to building a life together.
• Utility Bills: Collect copies of utility bills that are in both of your names, such as electricity, water, gas, or internet bills. These documents show that you have jointly established and maintained your household.
• Health Insurance: If you have health insurance coverage, include proof of your spouse's inclusion on your policy, such as a copy of the insurance card or a letter from the insurance company confirming their coverage.
• Auto Insurance: If you have auto insurance, provide proof of your spouse's inclusion on the policy, such as an insurance card or a letter from the insurance company showing their coverage.
• Photos and Other Evidence of Relationship: Compile a collection of photographs that depict important milestones and events in your relationship, such as weddings, family gatherings, vacations, or holiday celebrations. Additionally, include any other evidence that proves the authenticity and genuineness of your relationship, such as letters, emails, or text messages exchanged between you and your spouse.
• Affidavits of Support: You will also need to complete and submit the Affidavit of Support form (Form I-864). This form demonstrates that you have the financial means to support your spouse during the adjustment of status process.
• Affidavit of Relationship: Prepare an Affidavit of Relationship (Form I-130A) to explain how you and your spouse met, how your relationship developed, and how you decided to get married. This affidavit provides a detailed account of your history as a couple.
• Personal Documentation: Finally, include copies of important personal documents, such as birth certificates, passports, social security cards, and driver's licenses.

It is crucial to compile and organize all these documents carefully, as they will form the basis of your application for your spouse's adjustment of status. Additionally, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an immigration attorney to ensure that you have prepared the appropriate documents and that your application is filled out correctly. By taking the necessary steps and submitting the required documents, you can increase the chances of a successful adjustment of status for your spouse.

Green card application documents and forms

After your spouse has arrived in the United States on a travel visa, the next step in the immigration process is to file for a green card. To do this, you will need to gather and submit various documents and forms. Here is a detailed guide on what you need to file after your spouse's arrival:

Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative

The first document you need to file is Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative. This form is used to establish the relationship between you and your spouse as a qualifying relative for the green card application. You will need to provide evidence of your marriage, such as a copy of your marriage certificate.

Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Once the Form I-130 is approved, you can file Form I-485, which is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This is the main form for the green card application. You will need to provide information about your spouse's biographic details, immigration history, and current employment.

Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)

You will also need to submit an Affidavit of Support, which is Form I-864. This form demonstrates that you (the petitioner) have enough income or assets to support your spouse financially and prevent them from becoming a public charge. You will need to provide evidence of your income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification letters.

Supporting Documents

In addition to the forms mentioned above, you will also need to submit various supporting documents to strengthen your green card application. These may include:

• Copy of your spouse's passport
• Copy of your spouse's visa
• Birth certificates of any children you have together
• Evidence of bona fide marriage, such as joint bank account statements, lease or mortgage agreements, utility bills, and photographs of you and your spouse together
• Police clearance certificates from your spouse's home country, if applicable
• Medical examination results on Form I-693
• Two passport-sized photos of your spouse
• Filing fees for each form

Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

Depending on your spouse's immigration status, you will either need to file for consular processing or adjustment of status. Consular processing is for spouses who are outside the United States, while adjustment of status is for spouses who are already in the country. Make sure to follow the appropriate process based on your spouse's situation.

Professional Guidance

Filing for a green card can be a complex and time-consuming process. It's advisable to seek professional guidance from an immigration attorney or a reputable immigration service provider. They can help ensure that all the necessary documents and forms are completed correctly and submit your application to the appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office.

By gathering all the required documents and completing the necessary forms, you can successfully file for a green card for your spouse. Remember to submit your application accurately and timely to avoid any delays or potential issues. Good luck with your immigration journey!

Financial documentation and supporting evidence

Once your spouse has arrived in the country through a travel visa, there are several financial documentation and supporting evidence that you need to file to ensure their legal status and support their application for residency or permanent residence. These documents are crucial in establishing their financial stability and the ability to support themselves in the country.

Here are the financial documents and supporting evidence you should gather and file:

• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Provide bank statements or investment account statements showing sufficient funds to support your spouse's stay in the country. This demonstrates that you can financially support them without relying on public assistance.
• Employment Verification: Submit letters from employers confirming your job stability and income. Include recent pay stubs or income tax returns as supporting evidence of your financial situation.
• Proof of Shared Assets and Property: If you and your spouse own joint assets or properties, provide documents such as property deeds, mortgage statements, or vehicle registrations. These documents show joint financial responsibility and a bona fide marital relationship.
• Health Insurance Coverage: Show proof of health insurance coverage for your spouse. This ensures that they have access to necessary medical services and alleviates any financial burden that may be incurred due to healthcare expenses.
• Affidavit of Support: Complete Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, which is required for most family-based immigration petitions. This form demonstrates your commitment and responsibility to financially support your spouse throughout their residency. It requires information such as your income, assets, and household size.
• Proof of Tax Filings: Include copies of your most recent federal income tax returns (Form 1040) and any relevant schedules. These documents confirm your compliance with tax laws and demonstrate your financial stability.
• Financial Support Letters: You can gather letters from family members or friends who can testify to your financial stability and willingness to support your spouse. These letters should include the writers' contact information and a brief explanation of their relationship with you and your spouse.
• Proof of Joint Bank Accounts or Credit Cards: If you and your spouse have joint bank accounts or credit cards, include copies of statements showing joint ownership and usage.
• Rental Agreements or Mortgage Statements: If you and your spouse live together, provide proof of your residence, such as a rental agreement or mortgage statement.
• Other Supporting Evidence: Include any additional financial documentation that showcases your stability and ability to support your spouse. This may include investment portfolios, retirement account statements, or other assets.

Remember to make copies of all the documents you gather and keep the originals in a safe place. It's also essential to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on which financial documentation and supporting evidence are required or recommended for your specific immigration case.

By providing comprehensive financial documentation and supporting evidence, you can help strengthen your spouse's application for residency or permanent residence, demonstrating their financial stability and your commitment to their welfare in the country.

Medical examination and vaccination records

When your spouse arrives in the United States on a travel visa, there are several important documents you need to file to ensure their legal status. One crucial document is the medical examination and vaccination records. This is an essential part of the immigration process and must be completed within a certain timeframe after your spouse's arrival.

The medical examination is necessary to ensure that your spouse does not have any communicable diseases and is up to date on their vaccinations. It is a requirement for the adjustment of status to permanent residence (green card). Here's what you need to know about filing the medical examination and vaccination records:

• Find an approved civil surgeon: The medical examination must be performed by a Civil Surgeon who has been designated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can find a list of approved civil surgeons on the USCIS website or by contacting your local USCIS office.
• Schedule the examination: Once you have found an approved civil surgeon, schedule an appointment for the medical examination. It is advisable to do this as soon as possible after your spouse's arrival in the United States, as there is a time limit for filing the medical examination records.
• Bring the necessary documents: When you go for the medical examination, make sure to bring the following documents:

• Passport: Your spouse's valid passport or other government-issued identification.
• Form I-94: The arrival/departure record that your spouse received upon entering the United States.
• Vaccination records: If your spouse has any existing vaccination records, it is recommended to bring them to the examination. This will help the civil surgeon determine if any additional vaccinations are needed.

• Complete the medical examination: During the examination, the civil surgeon will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, including a physical examination, review of medical history, and blood tests for certain communicable diseases. The civil surgeon will also make sure your spouse is up to date on the required vaccinations.
• Get the completed I-693 form: The civil surgeon will complete the necessary paperwork, specifically the Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This form is an important document that must be submitted to USCIS as part of the adjustment of status application.
• Submit the medical examination records to USCIS: Once you have the completed Form I-693, you must submit it to USCIS along with the other required forms and supporting documents for the adjustment of status application. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by USCIS regarding the submission process.
• Keep copies for your records: It is essential to keep copies of all the medical examination and vaccination records for your own records. These documents may be required in the future for immigration-related purposes.

Remember, filing the medical examination and vaccination records is a crucial step in the process of adjusting your spouse's status to a permanent resident. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you are completing this requirement correctly and staying on track with the immigration process.

Frequently asked questions