Immigration Services

Marriage Visas.

Most of our cases are marriage-based. They look simple from the outside , they often aren't. We help you and your spouse navigate it the right way.

Marriage-Based
Most cases we handle
U.S. & Abroad
Inside and outside the U.S.
All Couples
Including same-sex partners
VAWA
Protection for abuse survivors

Introduction

Simple on the outside, complex in practice.

The majority of our immigration law firm's cases are immigration through marriage. While people often see these as simple, the reality is they can be the toughest cases for many reasons. As an experienced Las Vegas Immigration Lawyer, Robert West can help you and your spouse navigate this process toward a successful outcome.

Couple displaying wedding rings

Inside the U.S., Spouse of U.S. Citizen

Adjustment of Status for spouses of U.S. citizens.

The most important factor is that the foreign spouse entered the United States legally on a visa that qualifies them to apply for a marriage visa. People who were beneficiaries of an immigrant visa petition on or before April 30, 2001 can apply with a penalty fee under the 245(i) law and process their case in the United States without returning to their home country.

Spouses and children of U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents who are subjected to physical or mental abuse may apply under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) , even if the applicant entered the U.S. without permission.

During the spouse visa process, you may obtain a work permit and advance parole travel permit while the case is pending. Between months three and six, USCIS will interview both spouses to confirm the marriage is genuine. If successful, your spouse is granted conditional resident status (a marriage green card) when married less than two years.

Couple completing immigration paperwork

Removal of Conditions

The next step: permanent residency.

In twenty-one to twenty-four months, you and your spouse will need to file a second case to remove conditions on the residency. You may have to attend a second interview at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security.

The process can be initiated ninety days before the conditional residence visa expires. There is a joint petition for couples currently married, and a waiver petition for divorced applicants.

This applies only to spouses of U.S. Citizens. The best way to learn what options are available is to schedule an initial appointment with Attorney Robert West.

Inside the U.S., Spouse of Lawful Permanent Resident

A narrower path, but available.

This process isn't very common. To qualify, the applicant in most situations must have entered the United States legally and maintained lawful status the entire time they stayed.

A person on a working visa may qualify, or a person who qualifies under the 245(i) law. This option may apply to same-sex marriage partners as of June 2013.

The best way to find out if this option will work for you is to contact Las Vegas Immigration Attorney Robert West and schedule an initial appointment to determine the right spouse visa process for you.

Couple reuniting at the airport

Outside the U.S., Consular Processing

When your spouse is abroad.

This process is more complex, proving a bona fide marriage when each spouse lives in a different country can be difficult. If you have children together, or have been married several years and lived together in the same country, it should be easier.

The process starts in the United States with the Department of Homeland Security. Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center, then the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad for final processing. If approved, the State Department issues an immigrant visa.

Available to U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents alike, though spouses of LPRs face a much longer wait time of up to three years.

Same-Sex Partners

Equal access to federal benefits.

In late June 2013, the United States Supreme Court invalidated the Defense of Marriage Act, meaning same-sex partners now qualify for Federal benefits, including Federal Immigration Benefits.

The only requirement is that you marry in a state where same-sex marriage is legal. Once legally married, you can file for immigration in the state where you live, regardless of whether same-sex marriage is legal there. All processes above apply equally.

  • Marriage-based green card filings
  • Adjustment of status & consular processing
  • VAWA protection for abuse survivors
  • Removal of conditions on residency

Outside the U.S., Spouse of LPR

Worldwide reach, long-haul patience.

This process can take up to three years from the time the petition is filed in the United States until the spouse visa is issued abroad. Immigration reform proposals would equalize this with the wait for spouses of U.S. Citizens, if that becomes law, we'll update this page.

We've processed these spouse visas in the Philippines, China, Thailand, Russia, Finland, France, and many other countries. To discuss a spouse visa, please set up an initial appointment with Attorney Robert West.

Results & Testimonials

Outcomes that change lives.

"Robert West and his team made what felt impossible feel possible. They were patient, clear, and genuinely cared about our family's outcome."

Marcy
Verified Client Review

"Excellent communication from start to finish. I always knew exactly where my case stood and what to expect next."

Maria A B De Waal
Verified Client Review
10 stars if I could!

"Mr. West is brilliant and compassionate. He treated us like family and won our case when others said it couldn't be done."

Myron Joy De Leon
Verified Client Review

"We are forever grateful. Our K-1 process was smooth, and we're now happily married thanks to this incredible legal team."

Chandler & Kate
Verified Client Review

"Professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. Robert West knows immigration law inside and out."

Patricia-Ann Dickinson
Verified Client Review

"After years of frustration with other attorneys, Robert resolved my case in months. Truly the best in Las Vegas."

Lisa M.
Verified Client Review

"He fought hard for my husband during his removal proceedings and won. We will never forget what he did for our family."

Laura C.
Verified Client Review

"Honest, direct, and effective. Robert told us exactly what to expect and delivered every step of the way."

Ty S.
Verified Client Review

"I am now a US citizen because of Robert West. The whole team is professional, kind, and worth every penny."

Jennifer L.
Verified Client Review

"Robert handled my employment-based green card with precision. Approved on the first try with zero RFEs."

Kimberly Lo
Verified Client Review

"Highly recommend this firm. Clear pricing, no surprises, and excellent results for my parents' visa case."

Joe C.
Verified Client Review

"El mejor abogado de inmigración en Las Vegas. Muy profesional y atento, habla español y entiende nuestras necesidades."

Sergio G.
Verified Client Review

"Robert West and his team made what felt impossible feel possible. They were patient, clear, and genuinely cared about our family's outcome."

Marcy
Verified Client Review

"Excellent communication from start to finish. I always knew exactly where my case stood and what to expect next."

Maria A B De Waal
Verified Client Review
10 stars if I could!

"Mr. West is brilliant and compassionate. He treated us like family and won our case when others said it couldn't be done."

Myron Joy De Leon
Verified Client Review

"We are forever grateful. Our K-1 process was smooth, and we're now happily married thanks to this incredible legal team."

Chandler & Kate
Verified Client Review

"Professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. Robert West knows immigration law inside and out."

Patricia-Ann Dickinson
Verified Client Review

"After years of frustration with other attorneys, Robert resolved my case in months. Truly the best in Las Vegas."

Lisa M.
Verified Client Review

"He fought hard for my husband during his removal proceedings and won. We will never forget what he did for our family."

Laura C.
Verified Client Review

"Honest, direct, and effective. Robert told us exactly what to expect and delivered every step of the way."

Ty S.
Verified Client Review

"I am now a US citizen because of Robert West. The whole team is professional, kind, and worth every penny."

Jennifer L.
Verified Client Review

"Robert handled my employment-based green card with precision. Approved on the first try with zero RFEs."

Kimberly Lo
Verified Client Review

"Highly recommend this firm. Clear pricing, no surprises, and excellent results for my parents' visa case."

Joe C.
Verified Client Review

"El mejor abogado de inmigración en Las Vegas. Muy profesional y atento, habla español y entiende nuestras necesidades."

Sergio G.
Verified Client Review

Free Consultation

Tell us your story.

Confidential, no-obligation. We respond to every inquiry within one business day.

Office
3301 Spring Mountain Rd, Unit 3 Las Vegas, NV 89102
Fax
(702) 319-5463
Office Hours
Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sat & Sun · Closed

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