Apply for marriage green card is an essential step for many couples who want to live together in the United States legally. At My Dream Visa, we help you navigate the entire marriage green card process with confidence, ensuring you meet all requirements and stay on track with your immigration journey. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility to the marriage green card timeline.
Understanding the Marriage Green Card Process
A marriage green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to live and work in the United States permanently. The process involves proving the authenticity of your marriage and meeting several immigration criteria. Hereβs a breakdown of how the marriage green card process works:
Confirm Eligibility
To apply for a marriage green card, you must be legally married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder. Common-law marriages or undocumented marriages are not acceptable unless legally recognized. You must also prove that your relationship is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.
File the Required Forms
The green card application typically involves submitting two key forms:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Filed by the U.S. citizen or green card holder.
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): Filed by the spouse seeking the green card, if they are already in the U.S.
If the spouse is outside the U.S., the case proceeds through consular processing via the National Visa Center and a U.S. embassy abroad.
Submit Supporting Documents
Supporting documentation includes:
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of a genuine relationship (photos, joint bank accounts, lease agreements)
- Birth certificates
- Passport-style photos
- Financial support documents (Affidavit of Support β Form I-864)
The Marriage Green Card Timeline
The marriage green card timeline can vary based on your situation. On average:
- If married to a U.S. citizen and living in the U.S., the process may take 10β13 months.
- If married to a U.S. green card holder, expect 14β24 months.
- Consular processing from outside the U.S. may take 11β17 months.
Delays can happen due to missing documents, interviews, or background checks. At My Dream Visa, we help you avoid common pitfalls and streamline the process.
Attend the Green Card Interview
The final step includes attending an interview with a USCIS officer. Both spouses are typically present and must answer questions about their relationship. If approved, the applicant receives a conditional or permanent green card.
Why Choose My Dream Visa?
At My Dream Visa, we make the green card journey smooth and worry-free. Our immigration experts guide you through how to apply for a marriage visa step-by-step and help you collect the correct documents, meet deadlines, and prepare for interviews.