To successfully file your spouse visa petition, specific documents are required to establish the validity of your relationship and meet U.S. immigration requirements. Below is a breakdown of the essential items you’ll need at different stages of the process:

Initial Documents Needed to File the Petition

To begin the spouse visa process, we will need the following:

1. 1. Proof of Termination of Any Prior Marriages
      If either the sponsor or the beneficiary has previously been married, you must provide official documentation showing that all prior marriages have been legally terminated. Acceptable documents include:

      • Divorce Decrees
      • Death Certificates
      • Annulment Records

   2. Proof of the Sponsor’s Legal Status in the U.S.
      The sponsoring spouse must prove they are either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Valid documents include:

      • U.S. Birth Certificate
      • U.S. Passport (current and valid)
      • Naturalization Certificate
      • Green Card (if a lawful permanent resident)

   3. Marriage Certificate
      A certified copy of the marriage certificate is required to verify the legal union between the sponsor and the beneficiary.

   4. Evidence of a Bona Fide Marriage
      You must demonstrate that your marriage is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes. This can include:

      • Joint bank account statements
      • Lease or mortgage documents with both names
      • Photos together over time
      • Travel records
      • Affidavits from friends or family confirming the relationship

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   Additional Documents Needed Later in the Process

   Several months after filing the initial petition, additional documents will be required for consular processing or adjustment of status:

   1. Sponsor’s Most Recent U.S. Federal Tax Return
      This is used to evaluate the sponsor’s financial ability to support the immigrant spouse.

   2. Beneficiary’s Birth Certificate
      A copy of the spouse’s official birth certificate, showing full name, date, and place of birth.

   3. Beneficiary’s NBI Clearance (for applicants from the Philippines)
      This is a police clearance certificate issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and is often required to confirm the beneficiary has no criminal record.

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   Having these documents ready in advance will help ensure a smoother and faster visa process. If you have any questions or need assistance collecting these materials, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.