How to Get a Marriage Green Card in US

Q: In order to apply for a spouse green card, do I have to first apply for the K-1 Visa?

The K-1 visa , also known as fiancé visa, is the visa used to bring a foreign fiancé to the United States so that the couple can marry within 90 days and afterwards apply for a marriage visa for the foreign partner and ultimately obtain citizenship through marriage . As the name implies, the K-1 fiancé visa is meant for couples who are still not married. If you are a U.S citizen and your fiancé lives abroad and you want to bring her/him to the US and have your wedding here, the K-1 visa might be the right path for you. The Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles has a 100% approval rate in K-1 visa applications. If you are interested in pursuing a fiancé visa give us a call at (213) 375-4084 to get a consultation. Now, if your immigrant fiancé lives abroad and you are looking to have your wedding abroad (in your fiancé’s home country for example) but then live together in the US, the process you are looking for is known as consular processing. We also have a guide on the K-1 vs the CR1 visa to help you decide which is best for you.

How to get a Green Card Through Marriage Explained

When a U.S. citizen marries a citizen of another country, the couple may want to share their lives in the United States. If the U.S. citizen spouse is older than 21 years of age, he or she has the right to seek a marriage green card, which signifies permanent resident status, for his or her spouse. Permanent residency allows both spouses to share their lives in the U.S. without facing legal problems related to immigration.

Marriage Green Card Summary:

The marriage green card processing time is an approximate average of 9 to 11 months as of June 2025.
The marriage visa application costs $3,005 for couples residing in the United States or $1,340 if the spouse is residing outside the U.S.
The two main forms needed to apply for a marriage green card are the I-130 and the I-485. We detail other forms below.

In this Marriage Green Card Guide:

What is a Marriage Green Card?

When a U.S. citizen marries a foreign national, the foreign spouse may qualify for a marriage-based green card and become either a lawful permanent resident or a conditional permanent resident. The marriage green card allows the recipient to live and work anywhere within the United States. The green card holder will have permanent residence status until the marriage visa expires or they decide to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.

How to get a Green Card Through Marriage

The process for getting a marriage green card contains several major steps:

Get married to a US citizen
File form I-130 with the USCIS
File form I-485 if you are currently in the United States or form DS-260 if you are living outside of the U.S.
Submit your marriage green card application documents
Pay the green card through marriage filing fee of $3,005.
Attend the biometrics appointment
Get the required medical examination
Complete the green card through marriage interview
Get approval and receive your marriage green card

We will go over the marriage through green card process in more detail below. If you are active duty military, check out our guide for military spouses. If you’d like to know all of your options before the wedding, read our marrying a non-U.S. citizen guide.

Recent USCIS Form Updates (2025)

Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status):
A newly issued edition dated January 20, 2025 will become mandatory for all filings beginning April 3, 2025. This updated version of Form I-485 incorporates changes to how USCIS processes payments, handles medical exam documentation, and manages other related paperwork.

Form I-693 (Medical Exam Report):
As of January 22, 2025, applicants are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination when submitting this form.

Form I-129F (K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa):
A revised edition of Form I-129F for the K-1 Fiance Visa goes into effect on May 1, 2025, with updated formatting guidelines and stricter filing protocols that all petitioners must follow.

New Filing Protocols Include:

All form pages submitted must be from the same edition/version.
Form I-693 (Medical Exam) must now be submitted concurrently with Form I-485.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Marriage Green Card

Green through card marriage applicants must submit comprehensive evidence to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prove the bona fide marriage or legitimacy and authenticity of their marriage. To keep track of any changes, visit the USCIS Visa Bulletin which comes out every month.

Here are the documents needed to apply for a green card through marriage:

Form I-130

Form I-130 is necessary for the validation of the marriage. Evidence of the marriage’s legitimacy must be submitted with the form. Such supportive documents may include photographs, joint bank account statements, insurance policies, marriage certificates, joint leases, proof that both the U.S. Citizen and the spouse are legally allowed to marry, the naturalization certificate of the sponsor, and other documents. If either spouse was married previously, you will also need to submit proof of termination of previous marriages, typically divorce decrees or death certificates of the previous spouse.

This form is submitted to USCIS and it currently has a filing fee of $675 if paper filing or $625 if filing online which is part of the immigration fees for the CR-1 visa. Once filed, it will take about 2-3 weeks for USCIS to respond and send a receipt notice.

Then, a couple of months after filing, two things can happen:
1. USCIS received the Form I-130 filing package and after reviewing, determined the form and documentation were filed correctly and the evidence to prove this is a bona fide marriage is enough and convincing.
2. USCIS deems the original documentation that was submitted with the forms to be inadequate or was not enough to prove the marriage is a bona fide marriage (a real marriage). If this happens, USCIS will submit a Request for Evidence (RFE). If you already received an RFE and you are looking for an immigration lawyer to help you get back on track with your application, don’t hesitate in contacting us at (213) 375-4084 .

Regarding the timeline, the I-130 processing time for the spouse of a green card holder or U.S. Citizen varies from time to time and can also vary depending on the service center processing it, so our recommendation is to always check for the latest USCIS processing times for this card. As of now, a permanent resident filing for a spouse can take between 10 Months to 15 Months, according to current USCIS processing times. For you to have a reference of the timeline, the average I-130 processing time for spouse in 2025 was 13 months, and the average CR-1 processing time in 2025 is 15 months.

Form I-485 if living in the U.S.

Form I-485 determines whether or not the applicant is admissible and qualifies for permanent residency status. In other words, the objective of the I-485 form is to determine if the immigrant spouse is eligible to receive a marriage green card. This form is submitted to USCIS and form I-485’s current filing fee, as of April 2024, is $1,440, plus $85 for the Biometric services fee. The evidence and supportive documents you must submit for the form I-485 filing package may include:

Photographs: two recent passport-style photos of yourself.
Government-issued Identity document with photograph: Usually, this will be a copy of your passport.
Birth certificate: USCIS will only accept a long-form birth certificate.
Inspection and admission, or inspection and parole: Applicants must submit evidence that they were inspected by an immigration officer and either admitted or paroled into the United States.
Form I-864 or Affidavit of Support, which provides evidence of the sponsoring spouse’s ability to financially support the applicant.
Documentation of your immigrant category.
Marriage certificate and other proof of relationship: The applicant must submit a copy of the certified marriage certificate. Also, if any of the spouses were previously married, evidence to prove the legal termination of prior marriage must be submitted.
Evidence that the applicant has had lawful status since the arrival to the US if married to a permanent resident.
Police and court records: the applicant must submit certified records for any criminal charges or convictions.

Form DS-260 if living outside of the U.S.

Form DS-260 is an online application used by individuals applying for a marriage visa outside the United States submitted to the National Visa Center (NVC). It collects essential information about the applicant, including personal details, family information, work and education history, and previous U.S. travel history. The evidence and supportive documents you must submit for the form DS-260 application package may include:

Passport: A valid passport for travel to the United States. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into the U.S.
Birth Certificate: A certified copy of your birth certificate, which includes your full name, date and place of birth, and parents' names.
Photographs: Two recent color photographs that meet U.S. visa photo requirements. The photos should be taken within the last six months.
National Identification Card: If applicable, provide a copy of your national identification card.
Marriage Certificate: A certified copy of your marriage certificate, which verifies your marriage to the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner.
Police and Court Records: If you have been convicted of a crime, provide certified copies of police, court and prison records, including any prison release documentation.

Two passport photos of each spouse

The State Department has requirements on passport photos which include:

The photo is clear, accurately reproduces skin tones, and does not have shadows.
The photo is 2x2 inches and the head is centered and sized between 1 and 1.4 inches.
The photo is high-resolution and not blurry, grainy or pixelated.
The photo is printed on matte or glossy photo paper.
The photo hasn't been digitally altered or retouched.
The photo is not damaged with smudges, creases or holes.
The person in the photo is directly facing the camera and has a neutral expression.
The person in the photo is not wearing: glasses, a uniform, camouflage clothing, a hat, head covering, headphones or earbuds, and a face covering or mask. Head coverings are allowed if it's for religious or medical purposes, ie: a hijab.
The background of the photo must be white or off-white.

Copy of passport or other government-issued identity document with photograph.

If using your passport, you must submit a photocopy of all U.S. visa pages, the passport ID page and the expiration page. Make sure all photocopies are easy to read and is not cut off anywhere.

Certified copy of marriage certificate

The applicant must submit a copy of the certified marriage certificate. Also, if any of the spouses were previously married, evidence to prove the legal termination of prior marriage must be submitted.

Evidence of valid lawful status

This will be evidence that the applicant has had lawful status since the arrival to the U.S. if married to a permanent resident. Evidence may include:

Copy of current visa
Copy of recent I-94
Statement listing all periods of stay and visa status in the U.S.
Exchange visitor waiver
Other proof of resident status documents

Form I-131 if planning to travel abroad

A foreign national may file this alongside adjustment of status paperwork to retain international travel privileges while his or her adjustment of status case is pending. If approved, he or she receives an Advance Parole Document.

If an applicant departs the U.S. before the adjustment of status application is granted and without an advance parole, he or she may forfeit their application for an adjustment of status for a marriage green card.

Copy of birth certificate

The USCIS will only accept a long-form birth certificate. You may not use your passport as a substitution.

Form I-693 - sealed medical examination results

A USCIS-approved civil surgeon must conduct a medical examination of the foreign national spouse to ensure he or she is not inadmissible on medical grounds.

Form I-864

Form I-864 checks whether the US citizen spouse is able to financially support the immigrant spouse through the signing of an affidavit letter of support.

Form I-944

Form I-944 checks if the applicant is likely to become a public charge in the future. If so, this could be grounds to render the applicant inadmissible.

Form I-765

A foreign national may file the form I-765 alongside the adjustment of status (AOS) paperwork to receive employment authorization while his or her adjustment of status case is pending. If the I-765 is approved, he or she receives an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows him or her to work in any position for any employer.

Inspection and admission or inspection and parole

Applicants must submit evidence that they were inspected by an immigration officer and either admitted or paroled into the United States.

Police and court records, if applicable

The applicant must submit certified records for any criminal charges or convictions.

Download a Free Marriage Green Card Document Checklist

Fill out the form below to download our free Marriage Green Card Document Checklist. You can print it at home to help you on your immigration journey. The checklist will be emailed to you within a few minutes.

Marriage Green Card Eligibility

To apply for a marriage-based green card, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:

Being legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Bona fide (genuine) marriage. You must prove that the marriage is not for the sole purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit.

Marriage Green Card Process

Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

The first step in the process is for the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse to file Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form serves as a petition to establish the qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen or permanent resident and the foreign national spouse. It is recommended that you contact our office at (213) 375-4084 for assistance.

When filing the form I-130, you will need to pay the $675 USCIS filing fee. You’ll also need to submit the documents listed under I-130 under documents needed to apply for a green card through marriage.

After the I-130 application is filled out and all supporting documents are attached, you must mail the application package to the USCIS.

Step 2: Wait for USCIS Processing

After submitting the I-130 petition, you must wait for USCIS to process the application. The USCIS may request more documents or information to process the application. This is called a Request for Evidence or (RFE). If more information is required, the RFE is sent out within 2 to 3 months of filing.

Once the USCIS has all documents needed to process the I-130, a decision is made, on average, within 12 months.

Step 3: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status, if applicable

If the foreign national spouse is outside the U.S., the next step is consular processing. This involves the National Visa Center (NVC) and the U.S. embassy or consulate in the spouse’s home country. The NVC will handle the required documentation and scheduling of the visa interview.

If the foreign national spouse is already in the U.S., they may be eligible for adjustment of status. Adjustment of status allows the spouse to apply for the green card without leaving the country.

Step 4: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status Application), if applicable

If the foreign national spouse is in the U.S. and eligible for adjustment of status, they must file Form I-485 with USCIS. This form is used to apply for the marriage visa. Along with Form I-485, Form I-864 Affidavit of Support must be filed as well.

When filing the form I-485 application package, you must pay the USCIS filing fee of $1,440. The biometrics fee is now included in the filing fee.

Step 5: Attend Biometrics Appointment

Once the I-485 application is received by USCIS, the foreign national spouse will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. During this appointment, fingerprints and photographs will be taken for background checks.

Step 6: Attend Green Card Marriage Interview

Both the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse and the foreign national spouse must attend an interview at a USCIS office. The interview is to verify the legitimacy of the marriage and the eligibility for the green card. Review our green card through marriage interview questions article for information to help you prepare for the interview.

Step 7: Wait for Decision

After the interview, USCIS will make a decision on the green card application. If approved, the foreign national spouse will receive their green card, granting them lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. Review our post on what happens after the marriage green card interview for outcome possibilities and waiting periods.

It’s essential to ensure that all forms are filled out correctly, and all required documents are provided to avoid delays or potential denials. The process can be complex, and seeking legal advice or assistance from one of our immigration attorneys is highly recommended to navigate through it successfully. Keep in mind that immigration laws and policies are subject to change, so always refer to the USCIS website or consult with our lawyers by calling (213) 375-4084 for the most up-to-date information.

Unmarried children under 21 years old may qualify as secondary beneficiaries to your petition. See our IR-2 child visa page for more information.

Marriage Green Card Timeline 2025

As of June 2025, the average processing time for a marriage green card is 9 to 11 months. This depends on several factors including if the petitioner is marrying a United States citizen or a United States lawful permanent resident. Further in this section, we will be analyzing the timeline steps for the green card through the marriage process, assuming the applicant’s spouse is residing in the U.S. with a valid visa. For this case, the marriage visa timeline is as shown in the following infographic:

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Receive receipt notice 2 to 3 weeks after filing forms I-130 and I-485
Biometrics appointment is scheduled 5 to 8 weeks after filing
If RFE is received, it’s within 2 to 3 months of filing
Attend green card marriage interview 8 to 12 months after filing
Receive green card right after interview or 30 to 60 days after the interview

The timeline given is an estimate and can vary. We can provide an estimate USCIS processing times for a I-130 based upon current processing times.

Marriage Green Card Costs for 2025

The total cost for a green card through marriage is $3,005 if the applicant is in the U.S. or $1,340 if the applicant is outside the U.S. Current government fees for a marriage visa payable directly to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security broken down are:

Marriage Green Card Fees	Cost
I-130 Filing Fee	$675 (paper) or $625 (online)
I-485 Filing Fee (if in U.S.)	$1,440
DS-260 Filing Fee (if outside U.S.)	$445
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (Optional)	$260 (if filing I-485 first) or $520 (general filing fee)
I-131 Application for Advance Parole (Travel Document, Optional)	$630

*Fees Updated as of June 2025

Please note that both the I-765 employment authorization and the I-131 travel document used to be included in the I-485 adjustment of status application. With the updated fee structure, they are no longer included and they are optional.

For more information on marriage green card filing fees, please call the Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles now at (213) 375-4084.

Same-sex Marriage Green Card

The Immigration Law Firm of Los Angeles is proud to represent same-sex couples during their journey to obtaining a marriage green card for one of the spouses.

The application process for a green card through a same-sex marriage follows the same steps as a marriage between opposite-sex partners. The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse can file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to establish the qualifying relationship with their foreign national same-sex spouse. If the foreign national spouse is already in the U.S., they may apply for adjustment of status by filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with USCIS.

Both same-sex and opposite-sex couples must go through the same biometrics appointment and green card interview. USCIS reviews the application based on the same eligibility criteria, including whether the marriage is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.

It’s essential to remember that immigration policies and procedures can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify the latest information on the USCIS website or consult one of our immigration attorneys to stay up-to-date on any potential changes that may occur.

Hire a Marriage Green Card Lawyer

You and your spouse are starting your new life together in the US and have enough to worry about! An experienced marriage visa attorney will assess your case and make sure everything is done and filed correctly. No unnecessary risks, no headaches, just an approval notice. Have the peace of mind of knowing your application is done correctly and your future here is secure as a green card holder.

Linda Lee is the Managing Attorney of the Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles. She has been practicing immigration law for the past 20 years.

She has successfully represented and received approvals on more than 4,000 immigration cases, including marriage cases, fiancé visas, and naturalization.

Linda Lee

Managing Attorney

Have Questions? Give us a Call at (213) 375-4084

Emily Johnston

“I highly recommend ILOLA and the services of Linda Lee. Linda and her team, especially Athina Doria, went above and beyond to ensure my case was handled with the upmost importance. All communications, be it via email or phone, were professional, knowledgeable, timely, and supportive as well as friendly and compassionate.”

Janessa Hitsman

“I cannot express how wonderful, professional, and responsive Linda Lee and her team were. From the very first moment I talked to Linda, I knew she understood the urgency, and knew exactly what it would take to get me where I needed to be. I am so extremely thankful to Linda and ILOLA for helping me obtain the needed visa.”

Freedom Pilot

“If you are looking for a great immigration lawyer – please, look no further! Ms Linda Lee is truly amazing. Not only she is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in immigration field – she is super attentive and dedicated and will treat your case as her own. She is always available and will spend extra time with you.”

Marriage Green Card FAQ

In order to apply for a spouse green card, do I have to first apply for the K-1 Visa?

The K-1 visa, also known as fiancé visa, is the visa used to bring a foreign fiancé to the United States so that the couple can marry within 90 days and afterwards apply for a marriage visa for the foreign partner and ultimately obtain citizenship through marriage. As the name implies, the K-1 fiancé visa is meant for couples who are still not married. If you are a U.S citizen and your fiancé lives abroad and you want to bring her/him to the US and have your wedding here, the K-1 visa might be the right path for you. The Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles has a 100% approval rate in K-1 visa applications. If you are interested in pursuing a fiancé visa give us a call at (213) 375-4084 to get a consultation.

Now, if your immigrant fiancé lives abroad and you are looking to have your wedding abroad (in your fiancé’s home country for example) but then live together in the US, the process you are looking for is known as consular processing. We also have a guide on the K-1 vs the CR1 visa to help you decide which is best for you.

What happens after I receive my CR-1?

When the application is approved, the applicant spouse receives a conditional green card (CR1 visa), which is temporary and valid for 2 years if the marriage is less than 2 years when the green card is issued. It is important that 90 days before the end of this conditional period, the couple files together the form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) in order to obtain a 10 year green card through marriage, known as permanent green card which is valid for 10 years. USCIS will re-evaluate the authenticity of the marriage before granting this “immediate relative” green card, or ir1. Some of the criteria to remove the conditional status are:
– The conditional green card was obtained through marriage to a U.S Citizen.
– This conditional green card will expire within the next 90 days.
– There is evidence of a bona fide marriage (this can be proven by showing financial co-mingling such as joint bank accounts or joint tax returns for example).

Once the spouse obtains the permanent green card, the spouse can apply for naturalization through the Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) after 3 years of being married to a U.S. citizen and living in the USA. For this step, some of the general requirements are:
– Being a permanent resident (GC holder) for at least 3 years
– Have been living with your U.S. Citizen spouse for at least 3 years
– Have lived within the State for at least 3 months before filing the application
– Have continuous residence in the U.S. under a permanent resident status for 3 years
– Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the 3 years (18 months)
– Have basic knowledge about U.S. civics, and
– Be a person of good moral character.

What happens when the foreign spouse is not in the US?

If the foreign spouse is living abroad, he or she can still apply for a I-130, but this time the process is called Consular Processing, as part of it will take place at his/her home country’s consulate. When applying for a green card via consular processing, you still need to file the I-130 petition for Immediate Relative and wait for USCIS ‘decision. Once the petition is approved by USCIS, then it is sent to the Department of State NVC (National Visa Center), where the application will be processed.

NVC will create a case file and notify you of the necessary documents and fees for immigrant processing and then forward your case to the US Consulate or US Embassy where you will be scheduled for an interview with a consular officer that will determine whether or not you qualify for an immigrant visa.

If everything goes well in the interview and you are granted the immigrant visa, and you will be given a packet of information (known as visa packet) that you will have to present to the U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) when you arrive in the United States.

Can you still apply for a green card if you have overstayed?

If you have overstayed your visa in the United States, you might still be eligible to apply for an adjustment of status through marriage if you are married to a US Citizen. If you have overstayed, don’t hesitate to contact our office at (213) 375-4084 to speak with an experienced attorney who can advise you on what your options are.

If you, or your spouse, are looking to apply for a spousal green card contact the Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles. With more than 80 years of combined experience, 35,000 cases approved and a 99.9% approval rate, we are the best option to secure your future in the U.S.

What happens after my marriage green card interview?

After your marriage-based green card interview, several things can happen, depending on the outcome of the interview:

Approval: If the immigration officer conducting the interview is satisfied that your marriage is bona fide and meets all the eligibility requirements for a green card, they may approve your application on the spot or shortly thereafter. You will receive a notice of approval, and your green card will be mailed to you.

Request for Evidence (RFE): If the immigration officer needs more documentation or information to make a decision, they may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). You will be given a specific timeframe within which to provide the requested documents or information. Failure to respond to an RFE can result in the denial of your application.

Conditional Green Card: If your marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval, you will likely be granted a conditional green card. This conditional green card is valid for two years and requires you to file a joint petition (Form I-751) to remove the conditions during the 90-day window before it expires.

Denial: If the immigration officer determines that your marriage is not bona fide or that you do not meet the eligibility requirements for a green card, they may deny your application. In this case, you will receive a denial notice explaining the reasons for the denial. You may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply if you believe the denial was in error.

Administrative Processing: In some cases, the immigration officer may need additional time to review your case or conduct background checks. This can result in your case being put in administrative processing, which may delay the final decision on your green card application.

It’s essential to be prepared for the interview by bringing all required documentation and being honest and forthright with the immigration officer. If you have concerns about your interview or the green card application process, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney who can provide guidance and support throughout the process.

How fast can I get a marriage green card through marriage if I am already in the US?

The processing time for a green card through marriage varies depending on several factors, including whether you are married to a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. For spouses of U.S. citizens, the process typically takes about 9 to 11 months, while spouses of U.S. permanent residents can expect a timeline of 36 to 50 months due to visa availability. To avoid delays and get your marriage green card faster than the average time, it’s essential to contact one of our immigration attorneys by calling (213) 375-4084.

Can I travel outside the U.S. while waiting for my marriage green card?

Yes, you can apply for advance parole (Form I-131), which allows you to travel internationally while your green card application is pending. However, you must receive approval for advance parole before leaving the U.S. Traveling without it may result in your application being considered abandoned.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a green card through marriage?

While it’s possible to apply for a green card through marriage without legal assistance, hiring an immigration lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success. Our experienced marriage green card lawyer can guide you through the complex process, help gather the necessary documents, and ensure all forms are completed correctly. We have a 99.9% approval rate and over 206 reviews on Google with a 5-star rating.

Can I sponsor my spouse for a marriage green card if I am a green card holder?

Yes, if you are a lawful permanent resident, also known as a green card holder, you can sponsor your spouse for a green card. However, processing times are longer compared to U.S. citizens sponsoring their spouses. Your spouse will be placed in the F2A visa category, and there will be a waiting period due to visa availability. Also, the alien spouse must be in a valid nonimmigrant status when applying for adjustment of status based on marriage to a permanent resident at the time of filing.

How can I prove my marriage is real for the green card application and or the interview?

To prove a genuine marriage, you can present:
– Joint financial documents (bank statements, insurance policies).
– Leases or mortgages in both names.
– Photos of you and your spouse over time, including at events with family and friends.
– Correspondence or messages exchanged between you and your spouse.
– Affidavits from friends or family confirming your relationship.

What happens after I get my marriage green card?

Once you receive your green card, or conditional green card, if you have married less than 2 years, you’ll be a lawful permanent resident or a lawful conditional permanent resident of the U.S. You can live, work, and travel freely. If you received a conditional green card, you must apply to remove the conditions after two years. After holding your green card for the required period, you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.

When can I start working after marrying a U.S. citizen?

Before receiving your marriage green card, you can start working once you apply for and receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which typically takes around 4-6 months after filing form I-765. Our employment visa lawyer can answer any questions you have.

You can begin working in the U.S. immediately after receiving your marriage green card.

Do I automatically get a green card after marrying a U.S. citizen?

No, you must apply to receive a marriage green card.

Green Card Through Marriage Success Stories

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Marriage Green Card Guide From an Attorney