What do U.S. citizens need to do after marrying a foreign spouse who is seeking residency?

In the case of a U.S. citizen marrying a foreign spouse who wishes to obtain residency in the United States, the appropriate action is to file a petition for the spouse's residency. This process involves submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the familial relationship and initiate the immigration process for the spouse. By filing this petition, the U.S. citizen can facilitate the transition of their spouse from a temporary visa status to a permanent resident status, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

While filing a joint tax return is a common requirement for married couples, it is not a specific action tied to the immigration process itself. A fiancé visa is applicable before marriage, as it is intended for couples who are engaged and not yet married. Enrolling the spouse in a job training program may be beneficial for their integration but does not directly relate to the immigration process for obtaining residency. The petition for residency remains the key step needed to support the spouse’s legal immigration status in the United States.