Navigating the spousal sponsorship process: from uscis to consular processing

Introduction:
Bringing your spouse to the United States through the spousal sponsorship process is an important and often complex journey. This blog post aims to guide you through the process, specifically focusing on the initial processing of the I-130 petition at USCIS and the subsequent consular processing, as well as how our US immigration lawyers at Barella Global can assist you.

Step 1: USCIS Processing of the I-130 Petition
The first step in sponsoring your spouse is filing the I-130 petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition establishes the relationship between you, as the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner, and your foreign-born spouse. Along with the completed form, you must submit supporting documents, such as marriage certificates, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and filing fees, among others. USCIS will review the petition and supporting documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness.

Step 2: USCIS Approval and Forwarding to the National Visa Center (NVC)
Upon approval of the I-130 petition by USCIS, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC will assign a case number and provide instructions for submitting additional required documents, such as the DS-260 immigrant visa application, financial supporting documents, and civil documents like birth certificates and marriage certificates. The team at Barella Global will provide a comprehensive list of the required documents in order to avoid any processing delays.

Step 3: Consular Processing
Once the NVC confirms that all required documents have been submitted and are complete, they will schedule an appointment for the immigrant visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the beneficiary's home country. It is important to thoroughly prepare for the interview by reviewing the required documentation and understanding the interview process.

Step 4: Immigrant Visa Interview
During the immigrant visa interview, a consular officer will assess the authenticity of the relationship and determine the eligibility of the beneficiary for the spousal visa. The officer may ask questions about the couple's relationship, history, and future plans. It is essential to provide honest and accurate answers while demonstrating the bona fide nature of the marriage. If the officer is satisfied with the information provided and all legal requirements are met, the visa will be issued.
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Conclusion:
The spousal sponsorship process involves multiple steps, starting with the filing of the I-130 petition with USCIS and culminating in the consular processing and immigrant visa interview. It is crucial to ensure the accurate and timely submission of all required documents, as well as thorough preparation for the interview. By following the appropriate procedures and providing the necessary evidence of a bona fide marital relationship, you can increase the chances of a successful outcome in bringing your spouse to the United States. With offices located in London, Brussels, and Paris, the US visa team at Barella Global is uniquely equipped to assist clients throughout the UK and Europe with their US immigration and visa matters.

Please find our contact information below if you wish to arrange a confidential consultation with our US immigration lawyer.

Barella Global - London
+33 20 4576 8367
[email protected]

Barella Global - Brussels
+32 2 883 14 88
[email protected]

Barella Global - Paris
​+33 1 59 06 79 15

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance on your specific case.

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