### Question
How is the "alien spouse" defined?


### Answer
The term **alien spouse** is defined in *8 U.S.C. § 1186a* as follows -

> an alien who obtains the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence (whether on a conditional basis or otherwise)—


(A) as an immediate relative (described in section 1151(b) of this title) as the spouse of a citizen of the United States,


(B) under section 1184(d) of this title as the fiancee or fiance of a citizen of the United States, or


(C) under section 1153(a)(2) of this title as the spouse of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence,


  

by virtue of a marriage which was entered into less than 24 months before the date the alien obtains such status by virtue of such marriage, but does not include such an alien who only obtains such status as a result of section 1153(d) of this title

#### Citation:
  - *8 U.S.C. § 1186a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 12-IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY > SUBCHAPTER II-IMMIGRATION > Part II-Admission Qualifications for Aliens; Travel Control of Citizens and Aliens**

