Step 1

Personal Consultation

I begin by learning about both spouses, how the relationship developed, when and where the marriage took place, where each spouse currently lives, and the couple’s plans for living together in the United States.

We also discuss facts that may affect preparation, including previous marriages, prior petitions, visa denials, criminal history, immigration violations, financial sponsorship concerns, long periods of separation, or other possible complications.

Step 2

Detailed Background Information

Once we decide to work together, I provide a structured questionnaire and document instructions covering biographical, address, employment, marriage, family, travel, and immigration history.

I also collect information about visits, communication, shared responsibilities, financial connections, and future plans so I can understand the entire case rather than only the first form.

Step 3

The VisaCoach Audit

I review the information for omissions, conflicting dates, unanswered questions, and facts that may require additional explanation or documentation.

The purpose is not to change the facts. It is to help ensure that the true facts are presented accurately and consistently throughout USCIS, National Visa Center, and consular processing.

Step 4

A Custom Document Checklist

Every marriage is different, so I prepare a checklist tailored to the couple’s actual history. It may include civil records, photographs, travel records, correspondence, financial evidence, shared accounts, insurance, beneficiary designations, lease or property records, affidavits, and other relevant documentation.

The goal is to document the real marriage with credible and useful evidence rather than forcing every couple into the same template.

Step 5

Reviewing the “Shoebox”

Couples often have a collection of documents, photographs, records, and memories that demonstrate their relationship. I review the material and identify the strongest, clearest evidence.

I organize the relationship chronologically and by subject, check for gaps, and focus on quality, clarity, and credibility rather than unnecessary bulk.

Step 6

Relationship or Marriage Statement

When appropriate, I help organize a statement explaining how the couple met, how the relationship became serious, the courtship and wedding, life since marriage, reasons for periods of separation, and plans in the United States.

The statement should sound like the couple and connect the official documents to the real human story behind the petition.

Step 7

Building the I-130 Petition

The spouse visa process usually begins when the eligible petitioner files Form I-130 with USCIS. I help prepare and organize the applicable forms and supporting documents, including evidence of the petitioner’s status, the legal marriage, termination of prior marriages, and the bona fide marital relationship.

Before filing, I review the package for completeness and internal consistency. The petitioner and beneficiary must then carefully confirm that all information is truthful and correct.

Step 8

USCIS Review and Continued Preparation

After USCIS accepts the filing, it issues a receipt notice and places the petition into adjudication. USCIS may approve the petition, deny it, or request additional evidence.

During the waiting period, I encourage couples to continue saving evidence of visits, communication, shared finances, family involvement, and other signs that the marriage remains active and genuine.

Step 9

National Visa Center Processing

After USCIS approves the I-130 and transfers the case, the National Visa Center creates the immigrant visa case. The parties generally complete additional steps through the Consular Electronic Application Center.

I help organize and review the immigrant visa application, Affidavit of Support materials, financial evidence, civil documents, and required uploads before the case can move toward interview scheduling.

Step 10

Medical Examination and Interview Preparation

After the interview is scheduled, the immigrating spouse must follow the embassy or consulate’s instructions, complete the medical examination with an authorized panel physician, and bring the required original documents.

I provide a final checklist and review important dates, relationship milestones, prior marriages, visits, living arrangements, sponsorship details, and other facts that may receive closer attention.

Step 11

Visa Issuance and Entry

When the immigrant visa is approved, the applicant receives instructions concerning the passport, visa, travel, and any required immigrant fee. The spouse must enter the United States before the visa expires.

Upon admission with the immigrant visa, the spouse generally becomes a lawful permanent resident. The couple should review the visa information for accuracy and keep copies of important immigration records.

Step 12

Continuing Support

Entry to the United States may complete the immigrant visa stage, but it may not complete the couple’s immigration journey. Some couples later need to remove conditions on residence, and the immigrant spouse may eventually become eligible to apply for naturalization.

I may continue providing document-preparation support for later stages so the couple has continuity from the original petition through future immigration milestones.

USCIS

The I-130 petition establishes the qualifying relationship and presents evidence that the marriage is legally valid and genuine.

National Visa Center

NVC processing adds the immigrant visa application, financial sponsorship materials, civil documents, and case-specific uploads.

Embassy or Consulate

The applicant completes the medical examination, brings original documents, answers questions, and receives the consular decision.