pplying for a marriage-based green card is a crucial step for couples who want to live together legally in the United States. At MyDreamVisa, we guide you through every stage of the process clearly and confidently so you can meet all the legal requirements and avoid common delays.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility criteria and required forms to supporting documents and 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. Heres 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 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 1013 months.
- If married to a U.S. green card holder, expect 1424 months.
- Consular processing from outside the U.S. may take 1117 months.
Delays can happen due to missing documents, interviews, or background checks. At MyDreamVisa, we help you avoid common pitfalls and streamline the process.
