Suppose you are a foreign national married to a United States citizen or a permanent resident. In that case, you may be eligible to obtain a Green Card, granting you lawful permanent resident status in the USA. The Green Card serves as proof of your authorization to live and work in the country permanently.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the process of obtaining a Green Card through marriage, including the eligibility requirements and the necessary steps to navigate the application process successfully.
What Is A Green Card Marriage?
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 this green card, a sort of immigrant visa. It lasts for a fixed period, and then you must renew it.
If you have been married for less than two years during your time of application, 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. You will get a green card only when your prior marriage(s) aren’t legal anymore, and this is your only spouse.
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.
You must follow three steps 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 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 must wait for months before submitting Form I-485. The government notifies you when it’s time to file Form I-485.
- If you live 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 interview is the final step to complete the application process and receive your green card.
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.
FAQs
How Long To Get Permanent Residency After Marriage?
Obtaining a permanent residency Green card after marriage in the United States can take approximately 10 to 13 months.
What are the typical costs associated with obtaining a marriage-based green card in the United States?
Obtaining a marriage-based green card in the United States typically involves several costs. These include USCIS filing fees, biometrics fees, medical examination fees, translation and document costs, and attorney fees if you choose to hire one.
As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the filing fees for the Form I-485 application were around $1,225, and the biometrics fee was approximately $85 per applicant. However, please note that these fees are subject to change.
The expenses for medical examinations, translations, and documents can vary based on individual circumstances and location.
It is crucial to stay updated by consulting the USCIS website or seeking professional advice to obtain the most accurate and current information about the costs involved.
Can I Bring My Wife To USA With Green Card?
Yes, as a lawful permanent resident of the United States (Green Card holder), you can bring your wife to the USA. You can apply for a spousal visa, specifically an immigrant visa (IR-1 or CR-1) for a spouse of a U.S. Green Card holder. This process allows your spouse to immigrate to the United States and obtain their own Green Card.
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“Compassion, understanding, and connection” – these three words describe me the best. I founded “TheLoveBoy” to share joy of Love. As a self-taught practitioner, I have been studying the dynamics of human connection for the past decade and my passion lies in sharing my insights with others. My mission is to help individuals cultivate deeper and more meaningful relationships