Fiancee Visa

U.S. immigration laws may it easier for some foreigners to enter the United States based on a relationship to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, while harder for others.  The type and nature of the relationship a foreigner has with a U.S. citizen determines the type of visa that must be sought and the chances that the visa will be granted.


Who May File, and Who May Be Sponsored?

U.S. Citizens:  If you are a U.S. citizen, you can petition on behalf of-

* Your spouse, or your child under 21 years old.
* Your parent (if you are at least 21 years old).
* Your unmarried child over 21 years old, and their children.
* Your married child of any age, and their children.
* Your sibling and his or her spouses and children (if you are at least 21 years old).


U.S. Permanent Residents:   If you are a U.S. permanent resident, you can petition on behalf of:

* Your spouse, or your child under 21 years old.
* Your unmarried child over 21 years old.


Spouses or Children of Green Card Holders:  If you are a spouse or child of a green card holder, you can petition if you fall in one of these categories:

* Foreign nationals married to U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

* Unmarried children (any age) of U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

* Unmarried stepchildren of lawful permanent residents, if the marriage creating the stepchild relationship took place before the child's 18th birthday U.S. Permanent Residents to sponsor the Green Card application of their foreign spouse or unmarried children (any age).

As these lists show, it is very important to follow the specific rules of each category carefully.  And theses are not all the requirements to obtain a family-based visa.  You should always consult with an immigration lawyer experienced in family-based immigration law before trying to file a visa application.