U.S. immigration can be complicated, particularly for those in the military and their families. So if you’re a servicemember, veteran, or sponsoring a loved one for immigration, knowing your specific requirements and options is important. If you’re confused about your rights or how the process of getting in the US will work for you, Law and Visas can help you with all the details.
We will cover the most common queries and offer you helpful resources in this one-stop guide on immigration to support military personnel and their families.
For anyone looking to get started on immigration, Law and Visas can help you through the process with guidance and one-on-one support. We can get you through the system and make it easier for you and your family.
Know Your Immigration Rights as a Soldier Learn Your Right To Migrate, Here.
Military Husband and Wife Marriage Green Cards for Military Spouses
For military personnel stationed overseas or deployed, falling in love with an alien is not uncommon. If you are or are looking to be, married, then a Marriage Green Card could be the next phase of putting your life together in the United States. You and your spouse already married (or are about to be married) could apply for a green card to bring your spouse to the U.S. Law and Visas has compiled a guide to the requirements, fees, and timeframes for military spouses who are interested in a green card.
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas, Military Sponsors and K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas.
You and your partner don’t yet have a married status, but you’re engaged, K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa could be the ticket. This visa is for the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen who wishes to marry within 90 days in the United States. When you’re married, your spouse can apply for a marriage green card to live and work permanently in the U.S. Law and Visas has a K-1 Visa guide that can walk you through the process and what to expect along the way.
So What Visa is Right For You?
Don’t know if you are eligible for a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa or a marriage green card? We at Law and Visas can evaluate your case and guide you on the best immigration route for you and your partner. Know your eligibility and get started today with your immigration journey.
Expediting Your Immigration Application
The processing times of marriage green cards and K-1 visas have gotten longer in recent years due to queues and delays, including those from the COVID-19 pandemic. But you can request an expedited review of your marriage green card or K-1 visa application if you’re an active-duty military. For that, you can call the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Military Help Line at 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645) or by email militaryinfo@uscis.dhs.gov. USCIS has guidelines for filing an expedited request and we’re there to help with the paperwork.
Financial Requirements for Military Sponsors
For your spouse or fiancé(e), you have to be financially able to sponsor. The most you’ll be asked to show is that you make up at least 125% of the USCIS poverty level for your family size. But you need to earn 100% of the poverty line if you are a military sponsor.
Law and Visas has an easy-to-follow guide to help you estimate the size of your household and how much you need to earn. So if you want help with proving income, our team will walk you through the process.
Military Service and U.S. Citizenship
If you are a non-citizen military, you will make the United States your citizenship on your immigration journey. The naturalization process for the military is different from the standard citizenship application. Requirements, costs, and forms vary. With Law and Visas and RapidVisa, you can have the whole process from application to U.S. citizenship.
Going Through the Immigration Process
Listing Military Service on Your Visa Application?
You’ll need to indicate military service on the form if you’re getting married on a green card or other immigrant visa from outside the United States. U.S. authorities generally need certified copies of military service documents from an official source. You’ll get these records differently based on where and when you served. Law and Visas has a great article on how to get your military records and include them properly in your visa application.
With Law and Visas, you will be given a checklist for your documents and your documents will conform to government regulations.
Fee Waivers for Military Members
The good thing about military service is that you can get exemptions on fees. The US citizenship for a military member is free, for instance, and the filing fee for other visas could be waived for veterans and active-duty service members. Fee Waiver for some immigration services Apply for a Fee Waiver with Form I-912 if you need financial assistance. The process to request a fee waiver is well explained by USCIS and we’re happy to explain it to you.
USCIS Military Helpline
USCIS has a phone number for military personnel and their families. Call 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645) or email militaryinfo@uscis.dhs.gov with any immigration inquiries. This is a Monday-Friday service, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time.
Non-Citizen Service Members and Veterans Resources (English Only)
The ImmVets website, developed in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), includes everything you need to know for non-citizen troops and veterans. The portal is created to assist military personnel with immigration issues and Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits.
Veteran Assistance
On a general veteran’s support basis, you can access military records, health care, educational benefits, and disability benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. They can make an account for veterans so they can keep track of their benefits. Other resources for the military include Military OneSource which provides housing, financial assistance, and legal services for the servicemember.
Military Spouses and Families Support /Assist Military Spouses & Families
Military wives and their families have some special privileges, and there are tools available to support them at all levels of military life. A few resources for military families:
- Military Family Benefits: List of healthcare, housing allowances, and childcare benefits.
- Life as a Military Spouse: Military spouse job and college aid.
- USO Military Spouse Center: Nonprofit for military couples.
Military Immigration FAQs
What is the Parole in Place Program (PIP)?
PIP is an immigration allowance for the family members of U.S. military personnel. It allows foreigners living illegally in the U.S. to remain and obtain a green card without leaving the country. This is especially helpful for the spouses and children of military personnel.
Time Off Internationally Fits Into U.S. Residence?
You’re a U.S. permanent resident who is stationed overseas as part of the military, and time overseas counts towards your physical presence requirements for permanent residency.
Can My Family Get a Visa If I Have a Military-Based Visa?
Yes, dependents of foreign military who have served in the U.S. (an A-2 visa) also sometimes get A-2s.
For military, military families, and everyone in the middle when it comes to applying for an immigration visa, Law and Visas is here to assist. We have experts who can help you every step of the way, so your app runs perfectly and has all the requirements.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the US straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Spouse Visa, Green Card, Visitor Visa, or Study Visa, we handle every step from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need in the US. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
