Visto n' Visa
Blog
Notícias e artigos
Destinations
Careers
Immigrants

If I get divorced before completing the process, does my ex-spouse leave the case?

If the divorce occurs before the conclusion of the EB-1 process, the ex-spouse generally loses the right to the derivative visa and must notify the authorities according to legal regulations.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 9, 2025
2 min read
Share

First of all, it is important to understand that the process for obtaining an EB-1 visa involves a detailed analysis of various factors, including the family situation of the applicants when dependents are included in the petition. The EB-1 visa is generally aimed at individuals with exceptional abilities or global recognition in their fields, and, as with other immigration processes, the eligibility of dependents may be affected by changes in marital status.

If you decide to get divorced before the process is completed, this may directly impact your spouse’s participation in the procedure. As a rule, when a marriage is legally terminated, the ex-spouse ceases to be eligible for the derivative status from the moment this dissolution is officially recognized. In other words, if the divorce is finalized before the final decision on the EB-1 petition, the ex-spouse normally will not continue participating in the process to obtain the derivative visa.

Despite this general guideline, it is essential to consider that each case has its particularities, including the stage the process is in and the date when the divorce is finalized. Furthermore, any changes in family status must be communicated to the immigration authorities according to the current rules. This communication is necessary so that the process remains in compliance with legal requirements and is evaluated correctly.

Due to the complexity of United States immigration laws, it is always recommended to strictly follow the legal standards and, when necessary, seek support from professionals specialized in this area. When dealing with delicate matters such as a divorce process during the immigration procedure, the guidance of specialists can prevent future problems and ensure that all steps are carried out in accordance with the law.

Additionally, it is wise to be cautious of offers promising easy solutions or guaranteed results, as they may often be associated with scams or abusive marketing practices. Therefore, if you divorce during the EB-1 process, it is likely that your ex-spouse will not continue in the case. However, each situation is unique and should be analyzed according to all the circumstances involved, always respecting United States immigration laws.

Learn more about EB-1 Visa

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1 Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

If I get divorced before completing the process, does my ex-spouse leave the case?

If the divorce occurs before the conclusion of the EB-1 process, the ex-spouse generally loses the right to the derivative visa and must notify the authorities according to legal regulations.

Recommended reading about EB-1

More content about EB-1

Prazos de Processamento de Vistos de Trabalho nos EUA em 2026 E-2
Victoria Harper Victoria Harper

US Work Visa Processing Times in 2026

Learn about the current processing times for H-1B, L-1, and E-2 visas in the USA, with USCIS data and premium…