How to Get a Green Card Through Marriage (US Citizen Spouse)
A US citizen spouse files Form I-130Petition for Alien Relative — The form a US citizen or green card holder files to sponsor a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.Click for official info ↗ (petition) and the immigrant files I-485Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status — The main green card application filed from inside the US.Click for official info ↗ (green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗ application), attends biometrics and an interview, then receives a conditional or permanent green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 9 steps
- Before You Go 1 week
Confirm eligibility
The marriage must be legally valid, the US citizen must meet income requirements (typically 125% of poverty guidelines, shown on Form I-864Affidavit of Support — The form a sponsor signs promising to financially support an immigrant relative so they do not become a "public charge." Required for most family green cards.Click for official info ↗), and the immigrant must have entered the US lawfully (in most cases).
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- Before You Go 2–4 weeks
Collect proof of a genuine marriage
USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services — The federal agency that processes green cards, work permits, naturalization, and most immigration benefits. Part of the Department of Homeland Security.Click for official info ↗ screens for fraud. Gather joint bank statements, lease or mortgage in both names, insurance beneficiaries, photos over time, and letters from friends/family.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 1–2 weeks
Translate foreign-language documents (if any)
Every document not in English — birth certificates, marriage or police records from your home country — must be submitted with a full English translation and a translator's certification ("I certify that I am competent to translate from [language] to English..."). You can translate it yourself if you are fluent (a friend or family member can too — they cannot be the petitioner), but a certified translation service ($20–$40 per page) is safer for legal documents. Never alter or summarize: every stamp and seal must be translated. Use the language dropdown at the top of this page to read this guide in Hindi, Nepali, Português (Brasil), or Español.
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- Fill / Prepare 2–3 weeks
Prepare Forms I-130 and I-485
The citizen spouse completes I-130Petition for Alien Relative — The form a US citizen or green card holder files to sponsor a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.Click for official info ↗ (petition) with the G-325A biographic info. The immigrant completes I-485Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status — The main green card application filed from inside the US.Click for official info ↗, I-864Affidavit of Support — The form a sponsor signs promising to financially support an immigrant relative so they do not become a "public charge." Required for most family green cards.Click for official info ↗ (affidavit of support), and I-693 (medical exam). File them together in one package for concurrent processing.
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- Submit & Pay 1 day
File with USCIS and pay fees
Mail the complete package with payment (I-130Petition for Alien Relative — The form a US citizen or green card holder files to sponsor a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.Click for official info ↗: $675 paper; I-485Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status — The main green card application filed from inside the US.Click for official info ↗: $1,440). You will receive receipt notices (I-797) within 2–3 weeks. The work permit (I-765Application for Employment Authorization — The form used to request a work permit (EAD).Click for official info ↗) and travel permit (I-131) now require additional fees ($260 and $630) when filed with I-485Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status — The main green card application filed from inside the US.Click for official info ↗.
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- Wait 5–8 weeks after filing
Attend biometrics appointment
USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services — The federal agency that processes green cards, work permits, naturalization, and most immigration benefits. Part of the Department of Homeland Security.Click for official info ↗ mails an appointment notice for fingerprints and photo at an Application Support Center. Bring the notice and photo ID.
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- Wait 8–12 months
Wait for the interview notice
Processing takes 10–14 months total. Check your case status online with your receipt number.
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- Go 1–2 hours
Attend the marriage interview
Both spouses attend together. The officer asks questions about your relationship, home, and daily life. Bring originals of everything you filed plus updated evidence.
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- Receive 2–4 weeks
Receive the green card
If approved, the green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗ arrives by mail within weeks. If married under 2 years at approval, you get a 2-year conditional card and must file I-751 to remove conditions later.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while the application is pending?
Yes, if you filed Form I-765Application for Employment Authorization — The form used to request a work permit (EAD).Click for official info ↗ with your package. The work permit (EADEmployment Authorization Document — The "work permit" card (Form I-766) that shows you are allowed to work in the US while waiting for a green card.Click for official info ↗) usually arrives in 3–5 months and lets you work for any employer.
Can I travel outside the US while waiting?
Only with an approved advance parole document (Form I-131). Leaving without it means your application is considered abandoned.
What if we divorce before the interview?
The I-130Petition for Alien Relative — The form a US citizen or green card holder files to sponsor a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.Click for official info ↗ petition can no longer be approved based on marriage. Some immigrants may self-petition under VAWA if there was abuse; otherwise the process ends.
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