U.S.
Immigration
law
allows
two
methods
for U.S.
citizens
to bring
future
spouses
to the
United
States:
the
K-1 Fiance
Visa and
the
Alien-Spouse
Immigrant
Visa.
The K-1
Visa
generally
takes
less
time to
process
than the
Alien-Spouse
Visa.
The
Alien-Spouse
Visa,
however,
is a
proven
path
toward
lawful
permanent
residency
for your
spouse.
Steps
If the
marriage
takes
place
abroad,
an I-130
petition
should
be filed
after
the
marriage.
This
petition
should
be filed
either
with INS
in the
United
States,
or at a
U.S.
Embassy
or
Consulate
abroad.
Documents
Please
contact
INS or
the
appropriate
foreign
service
post for
details
about
what
specific
documents
you will
need to
file an
immigrant
petition
for a
new
spouse.
For more
information,
read our
section
on
Family-Based
Immigration.
