Green Card
What is the Timeline to Receive a Green Card After Marriage?
By Joseph Pellicer3 min read
For many couples, marriage marks the beginning of a lifelong journey together. However, for those navigating the intricacies of immigration law, marriage also opens a pathway to obtaining a green card, granting the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident the opportunity to live and work in the United States.
In this blog, we'll explore the timeline for receiving a green card after marriage, detailing the process, documents required, and potential challenges along the way.
What is a Marriage-Based Green Card?
A marriage-based green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder to reside and work unrestrictedly within the United States. Holding a green card grants the individual "permanent resident" status, which can later be leveraged for an application for U.S. citizenship, typically after three years of marriage. The application fee for a marriage-based green card amounts to $3005 for couples residing within the U.S. and $1340 if one or both spouses reside outside the country.
How Does a Spouse Obtain a Green Card After Marriage?
Obtaining a green card through marriage involves a three-step process:
- Establishing the Marriage Relationship: The process begins with the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the validity of the marriage.
- Applying for the Green Card: Once the marriage relationship is established, the spouse seeking a green card can apply through either adjustment of status (Form I-485) if they're already living in the U.S., or Form DS-260 if they reside abroad.
- Attending the Green Card Interview: After submitting the necessary forms and documents, the couple will be scheduled for an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to assess the authenticity of their marriage and eligibility for a green card.
More: 5 Green Card Marriage Interview Questions
What is the Green Card Timeline for a Marriage-Based Application?
The timeline for receiving a marriage-based green card can vary depending on several factors, including whether the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. On average, the entire process takes approximately 9.3 months from start to finish.
Does Your Immigration Status Keep You Up at Night?
If you find yourself wrestling with immigration concerns, know that you're not alone. The complexities of immigration law can be daunting, but assistance is available. At The Law Office of 360 Immigration Law Group, we offer complimentary consultations in multiple languages to help guide you through the immigration process. Whether you reside in Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Tamarac, Parkland, Deerfield Beach, Sunrise, Oakland Park, Fort Lauderdale, and Plantation, our team is here to provide support and expertise. Contact us today at 954.667.3660 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing your immigration status.
