As a married couple with different citizenships, should we pass through US immigration together or separately?

I will get married in March, and shortly after the wedding we will be traveling together to the US. She does not have US citizenship. So which rules do we follow?

Do I pass through the US citizen lane, and her through the foreigner lane?
Or do we pass together as a single family (and if so, through which lane)?

Best Answer

You can use either line. I've been repeatedly told to use the US citizens' line with my wife, who is not a US citizen. In the past, I was told to use the US citizens' line with my then girlfriend, who was not a US citizen and with whom I did not live. She didn't even live in the same country.

Whichever line you choose, you should go together if you live together, since family members living at the same address are supposed to submit a joint customs declaration.

Pictures about "As a married couple with different citizenships, should we pass through US immigration together or separately?"

As a married couple with different citizenships, should we pass through US immigration together or separately? - Tired young ethnic man with dreadlocks in casual outfit gesticulating while having argument with wife at home

As a married couple with different citizenships, should we pass through US immigration together or separately? - Thoughtful man talking to upset woman on couch

As a married couple with different citizenships, should we pass through US immigration together or separately? - Resentful young Indian couple ignoring each other while sitting on couch together with crossed arms

Does immigration check if you live together?

The only requirement is that you and your spouse must persuade U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an Immigration Judge that your marriage was entered into for good faith reasons. You have the burden of proving that your marriage is based on a relationship that is genuine and bona fide.

What happens if you marry someone with dual citizenship?

Once you're married, you can apply to change the foreign spouse's status to permanent resident status, which is commonly referred to as having a \u201cgreen card.\u201d A green card gives someone the ability to live and work in the United States permanently.

Can husband and wife apply for green card separately?

One can get a green card when living apart and having marital difficulties, so long as you have not gotten a legal separation or divorce. By Ilona Bray, J.D.

How long does it take to bring spouse to USA with citizenship?

Average time -- Around 10.5 months to get the fianc\xe9 visa petition (Form I-129F) approved by USCIS as of early 2022; then another several months to get the K-1 visa from a U.S. consulate; then another two years or longer to get the U.S. green card, depending on which USCIS office is handling it.

Green Card through Marriage to US Citizen Process Explained (2020-2021)

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ketut Subiyanto, Alex Green, Ketut Subiyanto, Ketut Subiyanto