If you are an international student or a working professional planning to marry your partner abroad, congratulations on this significant milestone! However, keep in mind that marrying and settling down in another country requires an additional consideration: obtaining a spousal visa.
The US Spousal Visa Process
To obtain a spousal visa in the US, the first step is marrying a US citizen or a green card holder. Once married, your spouse will assist you in acquiring the visa. They will file a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, through the Department of Homeland Security’s US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process involves submitting the form and necessary documents online, with a cost of approximately US$1960.
As part of the application process, you will need to undergo a medical examination, which typically costs around US$200. Following that, you will receive a notice to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs at a USCIS field office. The USCIS will then review and process your application, which may take a few months. If approved, you will be invited for a green card interview. Both you and your spouse must attend, and you will subsequently be notified of the application’s outcome.
The UK Spousal Visa Process
In the UK, spousal visas, also known as family visas, can be applied for before marriage, but the wedding must take place within the following six months. These visas are intended for couples seeking to live permanently in the UK. To apply, you need to demonstrate your relationship with your British or Irish citizen spouse or partner to the government.
Proof of your relationship can be provided through various means, such as documents from the government, banks, landlords, utility providers, or medical professionals. This evidence may include marriage documents or civil partnership status. Language competency may also need to be proven through an English language test if required.
A UK spousal visa grants a stay of two years and nine months, with an option to extend or reapply if you are not yet married. Settlement in the UK is only possible after living there continuously for five years, exclusively counting the time spent on the family visa.
The Australian Spousal Visa Process
The spousal visa process in Australia consists of two steps: obtaining a temporary (Subclass 820) partner visa and a permanent (Subclass 801) partner visa. Marrying an Australian citizen or permanent resident is the initial requirement.
The temporary Subclass 820 visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia, travel to and from the country, and access public healthcare. Meanwhile, the government processes your application for the permanent Subclass 801 partner visa. Once approved, the permanent visa grants you the full rights of an Australian permanent resident, including the ability to sponsor eligible family members and apply for Australian citizenship.
The Subclass 820 visa costs approximately 8085 Australian dollars and takes around nine months to process on average. The fee for the Subclass 801 visa is included in this price, but you will need to wait an additional 10 months, on average, to receive the permanent visa.
Conclusion
Obtaining a spousal visa is an important step when planning to marry and settle down overseas. Each country has its own spousal visa process, including the US, the UK, and Australia. Understanding the specific requirements, documentation, and processing times involved will help ensure a smooth transition and a legally recognised marriage in your chosen destination.