US–Mexico Marriage: Immigration Steps When the Mexican Spouse Will Live in the US

The marriage itself is simple; the immigration process is not. Here's who to contact and the pathway.

Primary Authority

• USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) — uscis.gov — forms, fees, processing times, policy alerts.
• USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).

Two Main Pathways

1. K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa (marry in US):
   • US citizen files I-129F → approval → Mexican fiancé(e) interviews at US Consulate Ciudad Juárez (only post processing Mexican K visas) → enters US → marry within 90 days → file I-485 Adjustment of Status.
2. CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Visa (marry abroad):
   • Marry in Mexico (civil ceremony at Registro Civil) → US citizen files I-130 → NVC processing → interview at US Consulate Ciudad Juárez → enters as LPR (green card in hand).

Critical Documents (Mexican Side)

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate (long form, apostilled, translated)
• Certificado de Soltería (single-status certificate) — from Registro Civil of birth state
• Police clearances (Mexico + any country lived 6+ months since 16)
• Medical exam by panel physician (only Juárez-approved doctors)

Expert Help

Hire an AILA-member immigration attorney (ailalawyer.org). Mistakes cause years of separation. Do not rely on notarios, consultants, or Facebook groups.