Prince Harry and Meghan Stepped Down on their Royal Duties and moved to the U.S.

Meghan Markle, a talented American actress stepped into a real-life fairy tale when she married Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, on May 19, 2018. However, this fairy tale came with intense media scrutiny, especially from the British tabloids. Meghan faced relentless and often racially charged coverage. In early 2020, Harry and Meghan decided to step back from their royal duties and work towards financial independence. They initially moved to Canada but soon decided to settle in Meghan’s home state of California, purchasing a beautiful home in Montecito.

As an American citizen, Meghan had no immigration issues moving back to the U.S. Prince Harry, however, being a British citizen, needed the right visa to live and work in the United States. Although it’s not officially confirmed, here’s a likely scenario of how the spousal visa process worked for Harry:

1. Applying for a Spousal Visa:

   • Form I-130: Meghan, as a U.S. citizen, would file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish their marital relationship.

   • Form I-130 Approval: Once approved, the petition moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

2. Consular Processing:

   • Since Harry was living outside the U.S., he likely went through consular processing, applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the UK.

   • Harry would need to attend an interview and provide various documents, including proof of their marriage, police certificates, and medical examinations.

3. Receiving the Visa:

   • After completing the consular process and interview, Harry would receive an immigrant visa to enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

4. Green Card Issuance:

   • Upon arrival in the U.S., Harry’s immigrant visa would be converted to a green card, granting him permanent residency. This green card allows him to live and work in the U.S. and is typically valid for 10 years, after which it can be renewed.

     
     

For couples considering a similar move like Prince Harry and Meghan , understanding the spousal visa process and seeking the right legal guidance can make the transition much smoother. With the right preparation, moving to a new country can be a successful and enriching experience.

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. Phone 305-371-8846. The law firm was established in 2012. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law and her Masters in Law from the University of Washington School of Law.