Commonly asked Questions about the Marriage-Based Visa
(aka Spousal Visa)

▪ Once approved, how long is the I-130 Petition valid for and what happens if it expires before the spouse's visa interview?

Approved I-130 Petitions are valid for four months. Once they expire, they may be revalidated by a Consular Officer at the embassy of record prior to the marriage visa interview.

▪ Once the Spousal Visa is issued, how long does the spouse have to enter the United States?

A Spousal Visa is valid for a period of six months and, generally, may only be used for one entry into the United States.

▪ Will the spouse be able to work once they enter the United States on a Spousal Visa?

Yes. A few months after entering the U.S. they will receive their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) which entitles them to work in the U.S.

▪ Is the Spousal Visa issued immediately following the embassy interview?

Each embassy has its own unique procedures. Some issue the Spousal Visa the same day and others process it within a few weeks and have it mailed by courier.

▪ Can a Permanent Resident file a petition for a Spousal Visa?

Yes. However, it is worth noting that they may not file for a K3 Visa to speed up the time in which the spouse may enter the United States.

▪ Does it matter what state I live in if I want to use the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Pettys to help me get a Visa for my spouse?

No. Our offices can assist any US Citizen and most Residents living in all fifty states, which includes:

Alabama	Indiana	Nebraska	South Carolina
Alaska	Iowa	Nevada	South Dakota
Arizona	Kansas	New Hampshire	Tennessee
Arkansas	Kentucky	New Jersey	Texas
California	Louisiana	New Mexico	Utah
Colorado	Maine	New York	Vermont
Connecticut	Maryland	North Carolina	Virginia
Delaware	Massachusetts	North Dakota	Washington
Florida	Michigan	Ohio	West Virginia
Georgia	Minnesota	Oklahoma	Wisconsin
Hawaii	Mississippi	Oregon	Wyoming
Idaho	Missouri	Pennsylvania
Illinois	Montana	Rhode Island