STOP, If you want to marry Oyibo and move to USA, make sure you read till the end of the article and follow the instructions below.
In this article, we will guide you on how you can meet and chat with USA Women who are ready to get married.
Benefits of Marrying an American
You get a Green Card immediately
No need for work permits or adjustment of status later.
You can work from day one
Unlike other visas, the spousal visa gives work eligibility upon arrival.
You can travel freely
The Green Card allows re-entry to the U.S. after trips abroad.
Path to citizenship
If married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for citizenship after 3 years.
Family unity
The spousal visa ensures couples can live together legally in the U.S.
The internet has revolutionized the way people connect and find love. With a few clicks, you can meet potential partners worldwide, including the United States. Here are some popular dating sites and apps that can help you connect with American singles:
- eHarmony: Known for its compatibility matching system, eHarmony focuses on serious relationships and marriage.
- Match.com: One of the oldest and most popular dating sites, Match.com offers a variety of features to help you find your perfect match.
- OkCupid: This site uses a unique algorithm to match users based on their answers to personality questions.
- Bumble: A popular dating app where women make the first move.
- The Inner Circle: A dating app for professionals serious about finding a meaningful relationship.
Tips for Online Dating:
- Create a compelling profile: Highlight your interests, hobbies, and what you want in a partner.
- Be honest and authentic: Present yourself honestly and be open to meeting new people.
- Communicate effectively: Engage in meaningful conversations and get to know your potential matches.
- Meet in person: Once you’ve built a connection online, arrange a safe meeting in person.
After finding your soulmate on any of these sites, the next thing to do is for you guys to get married. This can be done through court processes and video calls; you will not need to be physically present.
You can also fly to the USA on a visitor’s visa to perfect the marriage. Now after this, you should apply for the USA marriage visa from your home country or in the USA.
What Is a U.S. Spousal Visa?
One of the strongest ways to legally move to the U.S. is through a spousal visa, also known as the CR1 or IR1 immigrant visa.
This visa allows the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen or U.S. Green Card holder to obtain permanent residency (a Green Card) and live, work, and build a life in the United States.
But many people are confused by the process, forms, steps, and requirements.
This guide breaks everything down into clear and simple language so you understand exactly how the spousal visa works, how long it takes, what documents you need, and what to expect at every stage.
A U.S. Spousal Visa is a type of immigrant visa that allows a legally married foreign spouse to enter the United States and become a permanent resident immediately.
There are two types:
🔹 CR1 Visa – Conditional Resident
Used if the marriage is less than 2 years old.
The foreign spouse receives a 2-year conditional Green Card.
🔹 IR1 Visa – Immediate Relative
Used if the marriage is more than 2 years old.
The foreign spouse receives a 10-year permanent Green Card.
Both visas give:
- Legal permanent residency
- Permission to work
- Ability to travel
- Pathway to U.S. citizenship
This makes the CR1/IR1 visa one of the most powerful and reliable immigration routes.
Who Can Apply for a Spousal Visa?
A couple qualifies if:
- They are legally married
- One spouse is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
- The marriage is real and genuine
- They can provide documents proving their relationship
- The U.S. spouse can financially support the foreign spouse
It is important to note:
- Long-distance marriages are allowed
- Online marriages ONLY count if the couple has physically met
- Same-sex marriages are fully recognized
- Divorcees can apply if the previous marriage was legally dissolved
Step-by-Step Guide to the U.S. Spousal Visa Process
This process has several stages. Here is the complete breakdown:
STEP 1: Filing the I-130 Petition
This is the first and most important step.
The U.S. citizen or Green Card holder files Form I-130 with USCIS.
Purpose of I-130:
- To prove the marriage is legal
- To prove the relationship is real
- To request the government to recognize the foreign spouse
Documents required:
- Marriage certificate
- Passport photos
- Proof of U.S. spouse’s citizenship or Green Card
- Evidence of relationship
- Wedding photos
- Messages, call logs, travel history
- Joint bills or lease (if available)
Processing time:
3 to 12 months, depending on country and workload.
Once approved, USCIS forwards the case to the National Visa Center (NVC).
STEP 2: NVC Case Processing
The NVC is responsible for collecting:
- Financial documents
- Civil documents
- Visa fees
- DS-260 form (immigrant visa application)
Key items needed:
1. DS-260 Form
This is the official online immigrant visa application.
2. Affidavit of Support – Form I-864
The U.S. spouse must prove they earn at least 125% of the U.S. poverty level.
A joint sponsor is allowed if the U.S. spouse does not meet the income requirement.
3. Civil Documents
Such as:
- Birth certificates
- Police clearance certificates
- Passport data pages
- Marriage documents
- Divorce certificates (if any)
NVC processing time:
2–6 months on average.
Once accepted, the case is sent to the U.S. Embassy in the foreign spouse’s country.
STEP 3: Medical Examination
Before the embassy interview, the foreign spouse must undergo a medical exam at a clinic approved by the U.S. Embassy.
The exam includes:
- TB test
- Physical exam
- Vaccinations
- Medical history review
You cannot choose any doctor you want, it must be a U.S.-approved panel physician.
Validity:
Usually 6 months, matching the visa validity.
STEP 4: The Embassy Interview
This is one of the most important parts of the process.
What happens:
- You’ll bring original documents
- A consular officer will interview you
- They must confirm your marriage is genuine
- They will review your relationship evidence
Typical interview questions:
- How did you meet your spouse?
- When did you get married?
- Who proposed?
- What does your spouse do for work?
- Where does your spouse live?
- Do you talk daily?
- Have you met each other’s families?
The key to success is honesty and confidence.
Interview decision:
- Some are approved immediately
- Some require additional documents
- Some cases go into “administrative processing”
If approved, the visa is printed in your passport.
STEP 5: Entering the United States
Once your visa is issued, you can travel to the U.S.
At the airport:
A Customs officer will stamp your passport as an immigrant.
This stamp serves as temporary proof of residency until your physical Green Card arrives in the mail.
After arrival:
- You can work immediately
- You can open a bank account
- You can get a driver’s license
- You can apply for Social Security
- You can travel, but not for too long
CR1 vs IR1: Which One Will You Get?
It depends on how long you’ve been married at the time of visa approval:
| Marriage Duration | Visa Type | Green Card Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | CR1 | 2-year conditional |
| More than 2 years | IR1 | 10-year permanent |
If you receive a conditional Green Card, you must file I-751 later to remove the conditions.
Processing Times: How Long Does It Take?
🇺🇸 If the petitioner is a U.S. citizen:
10 to 18 months total.
🇺🇸 If the petitioner is a Green Card holder:
18 to 30 months total, sometimes longer.
Timelines vary by:
- Embassy location
- Document readiness
- USCIS workload
- Security checks
Common Reasons for Visa Denial
Lack of relationship evidence
Inconsistencies during the interview
Financial sponsor doesn’t earn enough
Missing documents
Past immigration violations
Criminal records
Suspected fraudulent marriage
A strong application removes most risks.
How to Strengthen Your Case
Here are the best ways to avoid delays:
- Be honest and consistent
- Provide plenty of relationship proof
- Organize documents neatly
- Prepare well for the interview
- Ensure financial documents are complete
- Use a joint sponsor if needed
- Keep copies of everything submitted
Preparation is the key to approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you work immediately after entering the U.S.?
YES. Spousal visas come with automatic work authorization.
Can you bring your children?
Yes, children receive CR2 or IR2 visas.
Can a fiancé apply for this visa?
No. Only legally married spouses use CR1/IR1.
Is a wedding ceremony required?
No. A civil/legal marriage is enough.
Do same-sex spouses qualify?
Yes, fully legal.
How long until citizenship?
If married to a U.S. citizen: 3 years.
Otherwise: 5 years.
Conclusion
The U.S. Spousal Visa is a powerful and reliable pathway for couples who want to build a life together in the United States. Although the process can seem long and challenging, it becomes much easier when you understand each step clearly.
In summary:
- File I-130
- Complete NVC requirements
- Attend the medical exam
- Go to the embassy interview
- Enter the U.S. as a permanent resident
Once approved, you can work, live, and enjoy the full benefits of permanent residency, with a path toward U.S. citizenship.