Can You Change Your Filing from a Spouse Visa to a Fiancé Visa?

The U.S. immigration system can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like the process is dragging on. Many couples, eager to be reunited, start to wonder if they made the right choice in their visa application. A common question that arises is whether it’s possible to switch from a spouse visa to a fiancé visa to speed things up. This is a natural concern, particularly when you hear that the fiancé visa process might be faster.

Why You Can’t Switch to a Fiancé Visa After Marriage

The key requirement for a fiancé visa is that the couple is not yet married. The entire premise of the fiancé visa is to bring an unmarried partner to the U.S. with the intention of getting married within 90 days of arrival. Once you’re legally married, you no longer meet the eligibility criteria for a fiancé visa. U.S. immigration law strictly separates the processes for fiancé visas and spouse visas to ensure that each type of application serves its specific purpose. Attempting to file a fiancé visa after marriage would result in an automatic disqualification because the purpose of the visa is no longer applicable.

Filing a Fiancé Visa Would Reset Your Progress

Even if switching from a spouse visa to a fiancé visa were allowed, doing so would mean starting your immigration journey all over again. You would essentially be abandoning your current spouse visa application, which means losing all the time and effort you’ve already invested. Starting a new application with a fiancé visa would place you at the very back of the line, further delaying the process. Immigration wait times can be unpredictable, and by switching visas, you could end up waiting even longer than if you had stayed the course with your current spouse visa application.

Navigation These Wait Times

It’s important to remember that the immigration process is often unpredictable, with wait times that can fluctuate. But if you’ve already filed your spouse visa application, you’re on the right path, and every day brings you closer to being with your partner. While the process might feel like a roller coaster, with its ups and downs, take comfort in knowing that you’ve already made significant progress. Rather than second-guessing your decisions, celebrate the fact that your journey is underway, and focus on the end goal of being together.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way, helping you navigate the complexities of the immigration journey with confidence. If you find yourself overwhelmed or uncertain about the next steps, reach out for advice, and don’t hesitate to visit our resource center for more detailed guides to use on your journey through this process.