If you are a Sri Lankan citizen married to a US citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a US spouse visa. A spouse visa allows you to live and work in the United States while you wait for your green card application to be processed. This article will discuss the steps involved in obtaining a US spouse visa as a Sri Lankan.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
To be eligible for a US spouse visa, you must be married to a US citizen or permanent resident. You must also be able to provide evidence that your marriage is genuine and not solely for the purpose of obtaining a visa. This can include photos, letters, and other documents demonstrating your relationship and shared life.
Step 2: File the Petition
The first step in obtaining a US spouse visa is for your spouse to file a petition on your behalf with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your spouse will need to complete Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and submit it along with supporting documents such as proof of their US citizenship or permanent resident status and proof of your marriage.
Step 3: Wait for Processing
Once your petition is filed, you will need to wait for it to be processed by the USCIS. The processing time can vary depending on the workload of the USCIS and other factors such as the completeness of your application and any issues that may arise during the review process.
Step 4: Attend the Consular Interview
If your petition is approved by the USCIS, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC will schedule an appointment for you to attend a consular interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in Sri Lanka. At the interview, you will need to provide additional documentation to demonstrate your eligibility for a spouse visa.
Step 5: Wait for Visa Issuance
If the consular officer approves your application, you will need to wait for your visa to be issued. The visa will be placed in your passport, and you will be able to enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Upon arrival in the US, you will also receive a sealed packet of documents to present to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Step 6: Obtain Your Green Card
Once you enter the United States, your green card application will be processed by the USCIS. You may be required to attend a biometrics appointment and an interview as part of the process. If your application is approved, you will receive your green card in the mail, which will serve as proof of your lawful permanent residency status.
In conclusion, obtaining a US spouse visa as a Sri Lankan can be a complex and lengthy process. It is important to follow all the required steps and provide all the necessary documentation to demonstrate your eligibility for a visa. An experienced immigration attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure that your application is complete and accurate