If I get married after the U Visa approval, can I include my spouse?

The U Visa was created to offer protection to victims of crimes who cooperate with authorities during the investigation and criminal prosecution process. One of the advantages of this visa is the possibility of including immediate family members in the same petition, provided that this relationship already exists at the time the application is made.

In the specific case of your question, if the U visa has already been approved and you marry after the approval, the new spouse cannot be automatically included as a derivative on the initial petition. This is because derivative categories (such as spouses and minor children) must be listed in the original U visa petition, demonstrating the relationship that existed at the time of application. If the union was formed only after this approval, there is no direct mechanism to ”add” the new spouse to the petition that has already been granted.

However, it is important to emphasize that there are other ways through which the new spouse can seek immigration benefits. In certain situations, the spouse may be eligible for other types of procedures, such as family petitions, but this must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis and comply with all U.S. Immigration Department laws and requirements.

Given this complexity, it is essential to keep up with the latest rules and act in accordance with immigration laws. Seek official sources and, when necessary, look for clarification from qualified professionals to avoid mistakes or scams promising miracle solutions. These precautions help ensure that you and your family follow the procedures correctly and safely.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.