I-R1 Visas

Los Angeles I-R1 Visa Attorneys

Helping Spouses Reunite on American Soil

Getting a marriage-based visa can be a great way of expediting the immigration process and reuniting with your loved one in the United States. However, obtaining a non-immigrant visa is not easy. First, you must determine what category of visa you are eligible for. Should you seek a family-based visa or an employment visa? Do you meet eligibility requirements for an I-R1 or need a conditional visa?

At our Los Angeles immigration law firm, we are ready to help foreign nationals reunite with their citizen or legal permanent resident spouses. We have spent decades helping couples, families, and individuals through their immigration journeys, and we know what it takes to win. Our lead immigration lawyer is the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, and she uses that dedication, experience, and strength to guide her in every case.

When you are seeking to reunite with your foreign national spouse, you need excellent legal counsel from a talented, compassionate immigration attorney. You need the representation of Abogada Nancy and her team at the Law Office of Nancy Reyes Guarderas, A.P.C. Call 818-649-2720 today to learn more about how we can help!

Who Can Apply for an I-R1 Visa?

The I-R1 visa is intended for U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who have been married for over two years. These visas are often called marriage green cards since they are based on marriage and afford many long-term benefits. I-R1 visa holders have the unique challenge of demonstrating that they are married and that their relationship is valid.

Some other eligibility requirements for the I-R1 include:

  • Financial – The citizen must demonstrate that they can and plan to care for their spouse financially
  • Criminal – The prospective immigrant must undergo a background check
  • Health – The application process includes a medical examination to check for any communicable diseases; evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, certain mental health conditions linked to harmful behavior, lack of required vaccinations, and physical or mental disorders that pose a safety risk.
  • Validity of Marriage – The individuals must show that the marriage is valid and that they intend to live together in the US
  • Length of Marriage – To qualify for an I-R1, the couple must have been married for at least two years
  • Interview – Applicants must submit to an interview
  • Age – The U.S. citizen or resident must prove that they are at least 18 years of age
  • Residency – The sponsor spouse must legally reside in the United States or show clear evidence that they intend to re-establish domicile in the United States before or when their spouse immigrates.

Our Southern California law office has helped countless individuals achieve their goals using family-based immigration. We will work tirelessly to get the results you need in your family-based petition.

What Documents Can Help Me Get Approved for an I-R1 Visa?

If you are seeking a marriage green card, one of the most important steps is to provide accurate documentation to get a favorable outcome. Gathering evidence for immigration matters can make a huge difference in whether you get approved, denied, or delayed. To ensure you have the documents you need for your petition, we highly recommend speaking with a Los Angeles immigration lawyer.

Some examples of documents that can be beneficial when seeking an I-R1 include:

  • Birth certificates for the sponsor and the foreign national spouse
  • Financial documents for the sponsoring spouse
  • A copy of the valid marriage certificate
  • Nonimmigrant visa application
  • Recent passport-style photographs
  • Proof of a valid marriage, such as photographs of the two of you together, documentation of trips as a couple, joint bank account statements, and so on
  • Police certificates from the country of origin
  • Examination results from a medical practitioner

Obtaining the above documents and the other required evidence for your USCIS application can be overwhelming. Having an immigration attorney assist you with your petition can bring peace of mind and give greater assurance that you have the best chance of success. With a Los Angeles immigration lawyer handling your case, you’ll have someone on your side when you’re ready to upgrade your immigration status. Call the Law Office of Nancy Reyes Guarderas, A.P.C., to learn how we can help.

What Are the Benefits of Getting an I-R1 Vs a CR-1?

Since I-R1 and CR-1 visas are closely related, many people wonder whether one is better. An I-R1 visa brings many benefits that a conditional CR-1 visa does not. However, you must satisfy specific requirements to be eligible for an I-R1. Contact an immigration lawyer at our Los Angeles immigration law firm to learn more about how to achieve your immigration goals.

With an I-R1 visa, you enjoy the following benefits and more:

  • You’ll receive a green card (permanent residency) upon arrival in the country
  • You won’t need to renew your visa for ten years
  • You’ll be able to work in the United States
  • You may bring your minor, unmarried children with you into the country
  • You may travel outside the country as long as you don’t stay away longer than is permitted
  • You’ll be able to obtain a driver’s license, a bank account, and an education if desired

A CR-1 visa can help foreign nationals enjoy some of the above advantages, but not all of them. The most significant difference is that the residence card will only be valid for two years instead of 10 years.  AND, 90 days before the two-year mark, the applicant will have to file a petition to remove the conditions in order to obtain the 10-year residence card. If they do not remove the conditions on time, they risk losing their residence status. Contact our legal team today to learn more about your legal options.

Should You Hire Our Los Angeles I-R1 Visa Attorneys?

If you are married to a US citizen or are a citizen married to a foreign national, you may be able to achieve your immigration goals through an I-R1 visa. Our legal team has extensive experience helping individuals achieve permanent residence and citizenship. We will apply that knowledge to your case as we protect your legal rights during the application process.

Our immigration law team can also assist with other immigration matters, including filing petitions on behalf of family members, victim-based petitions, and many other immigration issues..

When you hire our team of immigration attorneys, you can proceed with confidence as you file a petition, appeal, or navigate any other immigration law issue. Call 818-649-2720 to speak with a Los Angeles immigration lawyer at our law office today!