FAMILY VISAS TO THE UNITED STATES

SPOUSE OF US PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA TO THE UNITED STATES

The Spouse of US Permanent Resident Visa enables lawful permanent residents of the United States to sponsor their foreign spouses and children to live and work in the US on a permanent basis. In addition, the unmarried children under 21 years of age of the spouse, and the unmarried children of the US lawful permanent resident and the unmarried children under 21 years of age of the lawful permanent resident’s children may apply for US permanent residence as well.

The Spouse of US Permanent Resident Visa can be applied for from either inside or outside the United States. If in the US, the spouse must have made a legal entry to the United States and have maintained legal status. If outside the US, the spouse may not enter the US until the visa is granted.

SPOUSE OF US PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA (F2) BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for a Spouse of US Permanent Resident Visa, the foreign spouse and the US lawful permanent resident must be legally married and evidenced by a valid marriage certificate. In addition, the lawful permanent resident must be residing in the United States at the time of the application. Children of the lawful permanent resident must prove relationships through birth certificates, adoption papers and marriage certificates. Applicants must also meet certain health and character requirements.

SPOUSE OF US PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA (F2) ENTITLEMENTS

The Spouse of US Permanent Resident Visa provides foreign spouses and children of permanent residents the opportunity to reunite with family living in the United States and become permanent residents. Permanent Residents have the right to live and work in the United States permanently, leave and return to the United States under certain conditions, attend public schools and colleges and become a US citizen when eligible to do so.