Skilled IR1 Visa Lawyers in New York, NY
At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we understand how important it is for families to live together without legal barriers. If you are a U.S. citizen who is married to a foreign national, the IR1 visa provides a reliable immigration pathway to bring your spouse to the United States. This visa allows foreign-born spouses to obtain lawful permanent residence and begin building a life with their partner in the U.S.
Our experienced New York IR1 visa attorneys work closely with clients to prepare and file strong, complete applications. We take pride in helping families reunite and avoid unnecessary delays or complications. Whether you are starting the process or facing challenges midstream, Sharma Law Associates, LLC is here to guide you with professionalism and care.
To learn more about your legal options, contact us today at (646) 846-4221, online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar.
What Is an IR1 Visa?
The IR1 visa, also known as the Immediate Relative visa, is a U.S. immigrant visa issued to the foreign-born spouse of a U.S. citizen. It is granted to couples who have been married for at least two years at the time of visa issuance. Unlike conditional green cards, which are issued to spouses married for less than two years, the IR1 visa leads directly to a permanent green card without conditions.
Key benefits of the IR1 visa include:
· No annual caps or quotas, as it falls under the immediate relative category.
· Permanent resident status upon arrival in the U.S.
· Eligibility to work and travel freely within the United States.
Our New York IR1 visa lawyers provide end-to-end support throughout the entire petition and interview process to help you and your spouse reunite smoothly.
Who Qualifies for an IR1 Visa?
To qualify for an IR1 visa, both the U.S. citizen and their spouse must meet specific eligibility requirements.
These include:
· The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
· The couple must be legally married and provide proof of the marriage.
· The foreign national spouse must be outside the United States at the time of application.
· The marriage must be at least two years old at the time the visa is granted.
The IR1 visa is not available to green card holders. If you are a lawful permanent resident, a different visa category, such as the F2A visa, would apply.
Our IR1 visa attorneys in New York will help you determine if this is the correct category for your situation and ensure all eligibility requirements are met in your petition.
Filing the I-130 Petition
The IR1 visa process begins when the U.S. citizen files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The petition must include:
· Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate).
· A valid marriage certificate.
· Documentation of a genuine marital relationship includes shared financial accounts, joint lease agreements, photos, and communication records.
· Proof of termination of prior marriages, if applicable.
Our New York IR1 visa attorneys help clients assemble strong petition packages with clear evidence and persuasive documentation. We ensure that your case is presented in an organized, compelling manner that meets USCIS standards.
The Role of the National Visa Center (NVC)
Once USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
The NVC assigns a case number and requests additional documentation, including:
· Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application).
· Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).
· Civil documents such as birth certificates, police clearances, and marriage records.
The NVC stage can be confusing and document-heavy. Our IR1 visa lawyers in New York assist clients in uploading accurate documents and preparing for the final steps.
Preparing for the Visa Interview
The final step in the IR1 visa process is the consular interview. Your spouse will attend the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The officer will review the documents and ask questions about your relationship to verify its legitimacy.
· Conducting mock interviews.
· Reviewing submitted evidence to avoid contradictions.
· Organizing updated proof of relationship and financial support.
Proper preparation can prevent delays or denials at this stage. Our New York IR1 visa attorneys make sure you and your spouse feel confident going into the interview.
After Visa Approval and Entry to the U.S.
Once the IR1 visa is approved and the spouse enters the United States, they receive a 10-year green card as a lawful permanent resident. There are no conditions to remove later, and they may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after three years of continuous residence while married to a U.S. citizen.
We also assist clients with post-arrival matters such as:
· Social Security number applications.
· Work authorization.
· Travel guidance.
· Future naturalization applications.
Our New York IR1 visa attorneys continue to support clients beyond the initial visa process.
Why Choose Sharma Law Associates, LLC?
At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we take pride in offering strategic and compassionate immigration services.
Our New York IR1 visa lawyers provide:
· Personalized attention to each case.
· Step-by-step guidance through complex procedures.
· Quick response times and transparent communication.
· Deep understanding of USCIS and consular practices.
Whether your case is straightforward or includes prior denials, age differences, or long-distance concerns, we develop a strategy tailored to your family’s goals.
Speak with an Experienced New York IR1 Visa Attorney Today
Bringing your spouse to the United States is an important and emotional journey. You do not need to navigate it alone. At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, we understand what is at stake and are ready to help you take the next step.
To speak with a trusted New York IR1 visa lawyer, call us at (646) 846-4221, online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar. We are here to help you reunite with the one you love.