Is marriage a type of immigration status?

Marriage is not a type of immigration status in California. An individual cannot become a permanent resident of the United States solely by marrying a U.S citizen. Instead, a foreign national wishing to become a permanent resident must first obtain a visa based on an employment opportunity, family sponsorship, political asylum, or another eligible status. Even after marrying a U.S citizen, the foreign national must still submit an application for a green card or other visa via the proper process in order to receive a permanent residence status. Even if a marriage is valid in California, it does not guarantee permanent resident status for the foreign national. For example, if the couple entered into the marriage in order to obtain a financial benefit or to gain access to the U.S, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may deny the application. As part of the process for obtaining a green card, the foreign national will have to demonstrate that the marriage is bona fide, meaning it is not a fraudulent or sham marriage. In addition, the foreign spouse must meet certain requirements in order to obtain a green card, including establishing eligibility and having a valid legal status in the U.S. The foreign spouse must also pass an eligibility and criminal background check. Ultimately, marriage is not, in and of itself, a type of immigration status. As such, a foreign national must take steps to obtain the appropriate visa and go through all of the necessary steps to become a permanent resident.

THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.

La respuesta corta es sí. El matrimonio es un tipo de estatus migratorio. Esto significa que el cónyuge extranjero de un ciudadano o residente permanente de los Estados Unidos puede obtener una tarjeta de residencia (la tarjeta de residencia de un cónyuge extranjero). En California, el matrimonio con un ciudadano o residente legal de EE. UU. es una forma de aplicar para la residencia legal. Si el solicitante es un residente legal, el proceso es un poco diferente ya que en este caso el residente legal debe presentar una petición Formulario I-130 para que el cónyuge extranjero también obtenga la residencia. El solicitante también debe presentar un Formulario I-485 para obtener el estatus permanente una vez que el Formulario I-130 haya sido aprobado. Una vez aprobado el estatus de residencia legal, el cónyuge extranjero obtiene un documento conocido como tarjeta de residencia permanente. Esto le permite al cónyuge extranjero trabajar y residir permanentemente en los Estados Unidos. El cónyuge extranjero también puede solicitar una tarjeta de trabajo y una licencia de conducir, entre otros beneficios. En resumen, el matrimonio es una forma de estatus migratorio y una forma viable de aplicar para la residencia legal en California.

Related FAQs

How do I renew my green card once I’ve received it?
What is the difference between a non-immigrant visa and permanent resident status?
Is there any special documentation I need to provide to prove my marriage is real?
Can I file for an immigrant visa without a lawyer?
Can I travel abroad while my visa application is pending?
How do I renew my visa if I am already in the U.S.?
How do I apply for a green card if I am married to a permanent resident?
What is the medical examination requirement for a marriage-based visa?
Is marriage a type of immigration status?
What do I need to do if my marriage ends before I get a green card?

Related Blog Posts

Understanding the Legal Requirements for Immigration Marriage: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023
What Happens After Getting Married for Immigration Purposes? - August 7, 2023
Immigration Law: How to Navigate the Marriage Visa Process - August 14, 2023
Immigration Marriage and the K-1 Fiancée Visa: What You Need to Know - August 21, 2023
Immigration Law: Requirements for Marriage-Based Green Cards - August 28, 2023