Nashville Marriage Visa Attorneys
When love crosses international boundaries, the immigration process can become complicated. An experienced immigration lawyer can simplify the process and make it easier for U.S. citizens to bring spouses and other loved ones to live in the United States legally.
Permanent Residency and Citizenship for Spouses and Relatives of U.S. Citizens
The law office of Maniatis Law PLLC, in Nashville, Tennessee, helps clients throughout the United States complete all the steps necessary to obtain marriage visas, fiancé(e) visas and other potential visas. The attorney at Maniatis Law PLLC, can assist his clients to obtain work authorization, legal status, permanent residency and ultimately U.S. citizenship. If you are a U.S. citizen married to a non-U.S. citizen, Maniatis Law PLLC, can assist you in the following ways:
Consular Processing of Immigrant Visas
If your noncitizen spouse is currently outside the United States, or entered the country without a visa, he or she can apply for permanent residency through a multi-step process called “consular processing.” This process includes filing several forms with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State.
- Genuine Marriage: You and your spouse have the burden of proving the marriage was entered into in good faith and not simply to obtain an immigration benefit. This will include more than just proof the marriage is legal. Your attorney can assist you in compiling sufficient “Bona Fide Marriage Evidence” to show your marriage is genuine. Once this is approved, the case will be transferred to the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center.
- Eligible for Permanent Residency: You must also provide evidence that your spouse is eligible for permanent residency. This includes investigating any criminal convictions which may disqualify an applicant, and also immigration law violations such as arrests at the border by Border Patrol, visa denials, and overstaying past visas. The case will ultimately be reviewed by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy abroad. Anyone with even a minor criminal record should have their case reviewed by an attorney who can provide a legal brief to ensure the application isn’t denied on these grounds.
- Interview at U.S. Embassy: Once the necessary forms and documents have been filed respectively with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State, the case will be set up for an interview at the appropriate U.S. Embassy abroad. Your attorney can assist you in preparing for the interview, as you will not be allowed to have anyone accompany you. Your attorney will also assist you in setting up the required medical examination, and ensuring all original documents are available for your interview for the fastest possible process.
- Unlawful Presence: If your spouse entered the United States without permission and has been physically in the country for over 1 year, then he or she will be barred from receiving any immigration benefit (including permanent residency) for 10 years. The 10-year clock does not start to run until he or she leaves the United States. This means going to the interview at the U.S. Embassy will result in a denial. Fortunately, there is a waiver available for certain applicants who can prove they meet the criteria for forgiveness. For more information, check out our link on the I-601A Provisional Waiver.
If your spouse is in the United States and entered with a visa, check out our page to learn more about Adjustment of Status.
Dedicated To Your Success
The firm’s founding attorney, Matt Maniatis, is dedicated to his clients’ success. He understands immigration laws and procedures, and how to navigate the confusing U.S. immigration system. Maniatis Law PLLC, will work hard to complete the necessary paperwork accurately and completely, meet filing deadlines, and complete every step as quickly as possible. The attorney and staff at the firm are open and honest, communicate promptly, and keep clients apprised of all important developments in their cases in a timely manner.
Maniatis Law PLLC, follows direction from clients, and encourages clients to speak openly and honestly about their circumstances and histories to better help them obtain immigration relief.
Contact Maniatis Law PLLC
The firm’s goal is the same as yours – to bring your loved one to the U.S. so you can live together permanently. For more information, contact a Nashville marriage visa lawyers online or by calling 615-366-1211.
