Obtaining a green card through marriage is one of the most common paths to lawful permanent residency in the United States. In order to be eligible for a Green Card, you must be legally married to a U.S. citizen and have maintained a bona fide marriage. This includes immediate relatives such as spouses of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
In order to apply, the sponsor must submit a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with the necessary documents to prove the marital relationship. Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, however, the average processing time is typically within 12-18 months.
Obtaining a Green Card through marriage comes with many benefits, such as the ability to live and work permanently in the United States and the ability to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
Questions About Applying for Permanent Residence Based on Marriage
If you are considering applying for a marriage green card, it is important to understand the process and the documentation you will need to provide. In order to prove that the marriage is genuine, you will need to provide a valid marriage certificate, proof of joint income and expenses, proof of joint assets, birth certificates of children born into marriage, and other documents that demonstrate that the marriage is not just for the purpose of obtaining a green card.
The spouse visa process can take up to 18 months or longer, depending on the circumstances. During this time, you may be able to travel outside of the US only if your travel document has been approved.
When applying for a green card, there are certain restrictions on your ability to work or travel. It is important to check with the USCIS regulations to find out the specific restrictions that apply to you.
If your application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision. However, the appeals process can be complex, and it is important to seek legal advice before proceeding.
Marriage Green Card Financial Requirements
Getting married to a foreign spouse is a process that requires a great deal of financial responsibility. In order to obtain a green card through marriage, the U.S. citizen must prove that their income meets the minimum requirements and can financially suppor the intending immigrant spouse. This includes providing proof of bank accounts, tax records, and documents showing employment. Additionally, they must show that their annual income is at least 125 percent of the U.S. poverty guidelines.
Finally, if the couple plans to submit a green card application, they must file a joint federal income tax return for each year. This is a key step in proving that the marriage is genuine.
Overall, the U.S. citizen must demonstrate that they meet the income requirements and can support their foreign spouse. Following the steps outlined above can help ensure that the green card marriage process goes smoothly and the couple can start their new life together in the United States.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card after Marriage?
Marriage to a U.S. citizen is one of the most common paths to obtaining a green card, but navigating the immigration process can be complicated and time-consuming. After marriage, the process of obtaining a green card typically takes between 10 and 13 months if spouse is located in the U.S.
The first step in getting a green card is to file a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the Form I-130 is approved, the foreign-born spouse will need to apply for an immigrant visa (if located abroad) or for Adjustment of Status (if located in the U.S.) The immigrant visa application process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to complete.
After the immigrant visa is issued, the foreign-born spouse must enter the United States before the visa’s expiration date. Once the foreign-born spouse is in the United States and the visa is used, the green card will arrive later by mail. After the green card is issued, the foreign-born spouse will become a permanent resident of the United States.
Step 1: Submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
The green card marriage process is an important step for U.S. citizens who wish to bring their foreign-born spouse to live in the United States. The first step of the process is to file Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is used to establish the legal relationship between the U.S. citizen and their foreign-born spouse. Along with the completed form, documentation must also be included to prove the legitimacy of the marriage. The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535 and must be paid when the form is submitted.
Once the form and all required documents have been received, USCIS will review the application and notify the petitioner of the next steps in the process. Depending on the individual case, this can include additional forms or evidence to be filed, interviews to be conducted. It is important for the petitioner to be diligent and follow all instructions given by USCIS to ensure a successful application process.
By following the green card marriage process and filing Form I-130, U.S. citizens can take the important step of bringing their foreign-born spouse to the United States. It is important to note that the process can be lengthy and requires patience and diligence, but the reward of reuniting loved ones makes the effort worthwhile.
Step 2: Submit Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Application
The second step of the marriage green card application is to gather all the necessary documents required for the Form I-485, Adjustment of Status application. This includes foreign spouse’s passport and identification documents, birth certificate, proof of legal entry into the U.S., and proof of the sponsor’s current income.
The next step is to fill out Form I-485, which includes providing biographic information, work history, and other pertinent information. It is important to make sure to answer all the questions accurately and completely. You will also need to include two passport-style photos and the filing fee.
Once you have compiled and completed all the necessary documents, you can submit your completed Form I-485, Adjustment of Status application to the USCIS. You may be required to attend an interview at the local USCIS office. However, if you have all the correct documents and your marriage is legally valid, the interview should be a relatively straightforward process.
Once approved, you will receive a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) and can begin to live and work in the United States. With your green card, you will be able to travel freely in and out of the country, open a bank account, and establish credit.
Though the process may seem daunting, it is a relatively straightforward pathway to permanent residency in the United States. By following all the necessary steps and gathering the appropriate documentation, you can get started on the path to having a green card through marriage.
