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Nonimmigrant Visas

General Information

Opening Hours

Arrival-Departure Record (I-94)

Our Service Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Voluntary Departure/ Bond Returns

How to Read Your Visa

Useful Links

Consular A to Z

Contact Us

Application Process

How to Apply

Visa Forms

Visa Fees

Renewal of Lost, Expired, or Mutilated Visas

What to Expect

Additional processing

Visa Refusals

Visa Types

Business/Tourist

Visitor (B1/B2)

FAQ

Before the Interview

Student/Exchange

Student (F/M)

Exchange Visitor (J)

Younger Students

FAQ

Before the Interview

Work

Diplomatic/Official(A/C3/G)

Petition-based (H/L/O/P/Q)

Media (I)

Religious Worker (R)

Treaty Trader (E)

Crew-member (C1/D)

Specialty Position E-3

FAQ

Immigrant Visas

American Citizen Services

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?

U.S. immigration 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 endorsed in your partner's passport in addition to the documents listed above.