Planning to Move Your Family from Spain to the USA? Here’s How to Make the Process Smooth and Easy
Many Spanish families dream of starting a new chapter in the United States to access better education, stronger job markets, and long-term stability. Schools across the U.S. offer rich academic programs and bilingual support services, making the transition easier for children. Parents often see this as an investment in their family's future.
U.S. immigration law recognizes the importance of family unity. Spanish citizens benefit from well-established procedures at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, with clear guidelines and relatively high approval rates. Family-based petitions remain one of the most trusted ways to build a life in the U.S.
Relocating your loved ones isn’t just paperwork. It’s personal. Families carry hopes, traditions, and goals.
What Are the Family-Based Visa Options for Spanish Citizens?
Spanish families planning to reunite in the United States must choose a visa path based on their relationship to the sponsor and whether that sponsor holds U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.
Immediate Relative Visas – Fastest Route for Close Family
Spouses of U.S. citizens
Spanish nationals married to U.S. citizens can apply without waiting for a visa number, allowing for quicker reunification.Unmarried children under 21
Children who are under 21 and unmarried at the time of application may qualify for immediate processing.Parents of U.S. citizens over age 21
Spanish parents may apply if their U.S. citizen child is at least 21 years old.No annual visa cap
Immediate relatives do not face yearly visa limits, which removes delays caused by quotas.
Required forms and steps
Form I-130
Establishes the legal family relationship between the U.S. sponsor and the applicant.Form DS-260
Serves as the online immigrant visa application submitted after I-130 approval.Form I-864
Demonstrates that the sponsor meets income requirements to support the immigrant.
Family Preference Visas – For Extended or Married Family Members
Married or adult children of U.S. citizens
U.S. citizens may sponsor sons or daughters who are married or over age 21, although this path requires longer wait times.Siblings of U.S. citizens
Brothers and sisters fall under the lowest preference level, often resulting in wait times that exceed 15 years.Annual visa quotas apply
Family preference categories face strict annual limits, which often create long backlogs.Priority date system
Each case receives a priority date based on when USCIS accepts the petition. That date controls when the applicant may proceed.Example for Spanish families
A U.S. citizen in Sevilla filing for a married daughter in 2025 may face a wait of 10 to 15 years. Careful planning and legal guidance help families manage expectations and avoid delays.
What Are the First Steps to Sponsoring a Family Member from Spain?
Sponsoring a Spanish relative begins with a clear legal process that must follow specific steps. Each stage requires attention to detail and proper documentation to move forward without delays.
Determine Eligibility
Confirm whether the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Review the relationship to ensure it qualifies under U.S. immigration law. Immediate relatives and preference category family members follow different rules.File Form I-130
Submit Form I-130 to prove the qualifying family relationship. Include supporting evidence such as birth certificates, marriage records, and passport copies. Accuracy matters. Mistakes or missing documents can delay the entire case.Transfer to the National Visa Center (NVC)
After USCIS approves the petition, the case moves to the NVC. The NVC assigns a case number and provides instructions for uploading civil documents, submitting fees, and preparing for the visa interview. Families should begin organizing early to avoid delays.
Navigating Spanish Civil Registry Documents: What You Need and How to Get Them
Spanish applicants must gather specific civil documents to meet U.S. immigration requirements. Each document must be accurate, official, and properly prepared for review by U.S. agencies.
Libro de Familia
Used to confirm family relationships such as marriage or parentage. Authorities expect a current version that clearly shows all relevant entries.Certified Birth and Marriage Certificates
Must come in long-form with full registration details. Applicants can request official copies from the local Registro Civil where the event was recorded.Spanish Police Certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)
Required for anyone over 16 years of age. Documents must include an apostille and a certified English translation for acceptance at the consular level.Translation and Apostille Standards
A certified translator must translate all Spanish civil documents. The Ministerio de Justicia must issue Apostilles to validate authenticity. Missing apostilles or errors in translation often delay final visa approval.
How Does Consular Processing Work for Spanish Families?
Consular processing allows Spanish families to complete the U.S. immigration process through the U.S. Embassy in Madrid after USCIS approves the initial petition.
U.S. Embassy Interview in Madrid
Applicants must attend the interview in person. In some cases, the U.S. petitioner may also appear if already residing in Spain. Bring all original civil documents, police certificates, passport photos, and the official appointment letter. Prepare for questions about the relationship, financial support, and plans in the U.S.Required Medical Exams
Applicants must complete a medical exam with a panel physician approved by the embassy. Clinics in Madrid and other cities conduct these exams. Bring your vaccine records, official ID, and passport to the appointment.
After the Interview
If approved, applicants receive an immigrant visa within one to two weeks. The embassy also provides a sealed envelope that must be presented at the U.S. port of entry. Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online before travel to avoid delays in receiving the physical Green Card.
Essential Documents for Spanish Applicants: What to Prepare Early
Spanish families preparing for a U.S. immigration case should organize all required documents before the process begins. Early preparation prevents delays and gives families peace of mind at every stage.
I-130 Petition Package
Include proof of the family relationship, passport copies, recent photos, and supporting documents like marriage or birth certificates.NVC Submission Stage
Submit all civil documents with certified English translations. Complete Form DS-260 online and prepare Form I-864 to prove financial support.Embassy Appointment Stage
Bring the visa appointment letter, Spanish police certificate with apostille and translation, and medical exam results from a panel physician.Organizational Tip
Start a secure document folder early. Keep physical and digital copies of everything to avoid last-minute problems or embassy rejections.
How Long Does It Take to Move Your Family from Spain to the USA?
Understanding how to immigrate to the USA from Spain requires realistic expectations about processing times. Timelines vary depending on visa type, relationship category, and how early families start preparing.
Immediate Relatives
U.S. citizens sponsoring spouses, children under 21, or parents usually see approvals within 12 to 15 months.Family Preference Categories
Sponsorship of siblings, adult children, or married children may take anywhere from 2 to over 10 years, depending on the visa bulletin and annual caps.K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
Fiancé(e) visas for Spanish citizens often take 9 to 12 months from initial filing to arrival in the United States.Important Timing Tip
Processing times may shift due to caseloads, embassy appointment delays, or missing documents. Lawyers help families act early, especially in age-sensitive cases such as children nearing 21.
Why Expert Legal Guidance Makes the Process Easier and Safer
Hiring a US immigration lawyer for Spanish families helps reduce stress, avoid mistakes, and create a smoother, more successful path to reunification.
Personalized Strategy for Complex Family Situations
Attorneys assess your family’s timeline and goals to build a tailored plan. For example, filing before your child turns 21 protects eligibility under the immediate relative rules. Lawyers also help weigh visa options, manage dual citizenship issues, and coordinate multiple petitions.Expert Help with Spanish Civil Documentation
Legal teams ensure your Libro de Familia, birth certificates, and Certificado de Antecedentes Penales meet exact standards for translation, formatting, and apostille. Every document must align with NVC and U.S. Embassy Madrid requirements.Avoid Costly Delays and Emotional Stress
Incorrect paperwork or missed deadlines can cause delays of six months or more. Experienced immigration attorneys identify risks early, fix potential issues, and keep your case moving forward without disruption.
Take the Next Step Toward Reuniting Your Family in the U.S.
Moving your family isn’t just paperwork; it’s personal. Every decision involves hopes, sacrifices, and long-term goals that deserve careful attention and expert support. Spanish families face unique legal and cultural steps, which make experienced guidance essential from the start.
Successful immigration begins with a clear plan: file Form I-130, respond to the National Visa Center, prepare for the embassy interview, and enter the U.S. with the right documents in hand. Each stage matters. Each step builds toward reunion.
Speak with a legal team that understands both the Spanish civil system and U.S. immigration law. Schedule a consultation with Diamela Del Castillo, P.A., today.
FAQs
Can I sponsor both parents at once?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen over 21, you may file separate petitions for each parent.What if my child turns 21 during processing?
A child aging out can lose eligibility under the immediate relative category. File early and consult a lawyer to protect their status.How long does the Embassy in Madrid take to issue the visa after the interview?
In most cases, the visa arrives within 7 to 14 days if all documents are complete and approved.Can my relative visit the U.S. on a tourist visa while waiting?
Possibly, but immigration intent may raise concerns. Officers must believe your relative will return to Spain before the immigrant visa is issued.
