How To Get A US Green Card Through Marriage?

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If you want to get a green card through marriage, you must have every information about the process. This article gives a detailed explanation of a green card and how you can get one if you are married to a U.S. citizen with a green card.‍

What is a Marriage Green Card?

A green card makes you a permanent U.S. resident so that you can live and work freely. The first step towards getting your U.S. citizenship is to get this green card, a sort of immigrant visa. It lasts for a fixed period, and then you must renew it.

If during your time of application, you have been married for less than two years, you get a CR1 green card or the ‘Conditional Green Card.’ This is valid for two years, and then you can renew it to get your new green card with a validity of ten years.

When are you eligible for a green card through marriage?

USCIS demands the following thighs from people applying for a marriage green card:

  • Your marriage has to be legal. The U.S. government will only process your immigration-related requests when your marriage is legally valid and has been officially recognized by the government of the country you got married. Also, you must be married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident.
  • If you are married to a U.S. citizen, the government makes you a priority in the green card application process because you are a relative. You have to carry documents like your partner’s birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate and submit them with your application as proof.
  • If you are married to someone who is a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. and already has a green card, it will easily entitle you to get your green card. In that case, producing a copy of your spouse’s green card along with your application will be enough.
  • The USCIS is aware of fraud people who try to fake their marriage to get their green card easily. So, to avoid any legal issues, you have to provide documents with your application to show that you have been legally married and are planning to settle forever in this country.
  • You cannot be married to anyone else. If you were married once before, you have to submit your divorce papers or the death certificate, whatever is applicable. Only when your prior marriage(s) aren’t legal anymore, and this is the only spouse you have, will you get a green card.

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Some obscure marriage regulations in the U.S.:

  • A proxy marriage is where someone can appear as a representative of the bride and groom.
  • People under the age of 18 can get married if they have parental consent.
  • A marriage done as a prank can be annulled if applied for.
  • It is illegal to get married to the same person more than three times,
  • A man has to show his valor by killing birds.
  • Married couples can sleep naked in any rented room.
  • Guys over 16 cannot propose to get married if they don’t mean it wholeheartedly.
  • Mistreating your mother-in-law cannot be considered a ground for separation.
  • Married couples cannot kiss on Sundays, especially in public.
  • A palm reader cannot officiate someone’s wedding.

How to apply for a green card through marriage?

First, determine if you are completely eligible to receive this green card. Once you’ve ticked all the boxes above, you can move on to the application and interview process. There are three steps you must follow to get your green card without any hassle. Let us discuss the important steps:

  • Step 1: Submit Form I-130

Fill up Form I-130, or the petition for an alien relative. Its purpose is to establish the fact that you are legally married to a U.S. Citizen or a permanent green card holder. Also, provide necessary documents like a marriage certificate, previous divorce papers, or other related legal paper

  • Step 2. Apply for your Marriage Green Card

The next step is to apply to become a permanent resident in the U.S. How you do it depends on your current address if you are living in the U.S. or abroad during the time of application.

Based on this, your application and processing system will be different.

  • Adjustment of status:
  • If you are currently a resident of the U.S., you have to fill out Form I-485- the ‘Adjustment of status’ form, and adjust your status from an existing visa to a green card. Submit your birth certificate, proof of your legal entry into the U.S., and medical papers.
  • If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, you’ll submit Forms I-485 and I-130 together. This is called concurrent filing. If your spouse already has a green card, you have to wait for some months before submitting Form I-485. The government notifies you when it’s time to file Form I-485.
  • If you are currently living abroad., you’ll go through consular processing to apply for your green card. In that case, you stay in your home country until USCIS approves Form I-130, sends your file to the U.S. Department of NVC, and gives you a notice regarding the next steps.
  • The next step is to submit your NVC filling package that includes the filing fees of $445, Form DS-260, nationality proof, police clearance certificates, and proof of your spouse’s financial capability through Form I-846 or the ‘Affidavit of Support. Throughout the process, keep an eye on NVC or Embassy guidelines.
  • Step 3. Attend your Green Card Interview.

The final step to complete the application process and receive your green card is the interview. The government verifies your applications and sees if the submitted documents are legitimate. The interviewing officer will ask about your relationship, finances, and future plans to see if you can get your green card.

CONCLUSION

These are some of the most important facts you must be aware of if you are thinking of getting a green card through marriage. Be particular about your documents and always recheck before submitting a personal detail because everything will be verified very minutely before you get your green card.

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The keys to having a happy marriage:

  • Learn to let go of grudges.
  • Apologize when you know you have messed up.
  • Don’t be afraid to face conflicts and arguments.
  • Listen more than you speak.
  • Appreciate your partner even for the smallest thing they do.
  • Learn to embrace change wholeheartedly.
  • Consider yourself as a team.
  • Always respect each other.
  • Don’t bring up past disagreements or relationships.
  • Never go to bed without solving a fight.

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