NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS
Co-Habiting Partners
U.S. visa law does not recognize common-law
relationships; therefore a partner or fiancée is not eligible to apply for
derivative visa status. In such cases, the partner is required to qualify for a
visa in his or her own right. Partners who are members of the household of the
principal visa holder and whose primary purpose in traveling to the United
States is to accompany that person, may apply for a B-2 visa. Partners who
intend working or studying require the appropriate work or student visa.
HOW LONG MAY I REMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES?
DHS at the port of entry determines how long a
person may remain in the United States. The holder of a B-2 visa may be
admitted for an initial period of six months, which is extendable in six-month
increments. Those wishing to remain longer than six months will be required to
apply for an extension of stay with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services
having jurisdiction over their place of residence in the U.S.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE VISA?
As your application is based on your
relationship to your partner, you are required to furnish evidence of the
relationship, for example, a copy of the joint mortgage, rental agreement, bank
account etc. We recommend that you apply for the visa at the same time as your
partner; if not, you will be required to furnish a copy of the visa in your
partner's passport in addition to the documents listed above.
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