NRI Marriage & US Immigration: Find Your Situation
Last verified: September 20, 2026
This page provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Immigration law is complex, fact-specific, and subject to change. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
The Process Depends Entirely on Your Partner's Status
There is no single "marriage visa" for the United States. The process, timeline, and even which government agency handles your case first depends entirely on your partner's current immigration status. Find your situation below.
Marrying a U.S. Citizen
The most direct pathway — as an "immediate relative," there's no annual cap on visa numbers, so there's no visa-bulletin wait once your petition is approved. See the full process →
Marrying a Green Card Holder (Lawful Permanent Resident)
Falls under the F2A preference category. This category has historically had long waits, but as of the September 2026 Visa Bulletin, F2A wait times have dropped dramatically — worth understanding both the current state and how quickly it can change. See the full process →
Marrying an H-1B Visa Holder
An H-1B holder isn't a "sponsor" in the same sense as a citizen or Green Card holder — the pathway depends heavily on whether they have their own green card process already underway. See the full process →
Marrying an F-1 Student Visa Holder
Involves the F-2 dependent visa category, with strict work and study limitations you should know before deciding how to proceed. See the full process →
Not Sure Which Applies to You?
Check your partner's current immigration document (Green Card, H-1B approval notice, F-1 I-20, or U.S. passport/naturalization certificate) — this determines which pathway applies. If they're transitioning between statuses, your situation may combine elements of two pathways — this is a case where consulting an immigration attorney is especially worthwhile.
Already married and planning to register the marriage internationally? See our guide to International Marriage Registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one visa for marrying someone in the US?
No — the process depends entirely on your partner's current immigration status (U.S. citizen, Green Card holder, H-1B holder, or F-1 student), each following a different pathway.
How do I know which immigration pathway applies to me?
Check your partner's current status document — passport/naturalization certificate, Green Card, H-1B approval notice, or F-1 I-20 — this determines the applicable process.
Next Steps
Marrying an F-1 Student Visa Holder
International Marriage Registration
H-4 & H-1B spouse scenarios in more depth:
H-4 Visa: Rights & Work Authorization · H-4 to H-1B: Getting Your Own Work Visa · H-1B Layoff: What Happens to H-4 Status · Both Spouses on H-1B · F-2 vs. H-4 Comparison · Wife Has a Green Card, Husband on H-1B