An Explanation of a Marriage Green Card: Documents and Procedure

autohr img By Vipul Jain
09 Jan, 2025

When we shed light or talk about the marriage green card then it is one of the types of visa. It allows citizens from a foreign land to live and work in the land of the USA. The marriage green card is issued to the spouses of U.S. citizens or green card holders. If we talk about the time and fees to apply for a marriage green card then it takes 9–38 months and costs $1,400–$1,960. So if you are looking to apply for this type of visa then this post belongs to you. In this blog, we will talk about what is marriage green card. Its cost, how to apply, the documents required, and many more.&

Marriage Green Card Stands for?

A marriage-based green card allows citizens of the United States or spouses of green card holders to work and live in the US. “Permanent resident” will be given to the green card holders and their spouses. They can apply for US citizenship Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after three years of marriage.

Are you seeking to get a marriage green card or looking for important documents? What do you need to submit while applying for it? If yes then next we will make a list of documents required for a marriage green card.

Essential Documents for a Marriage Green Card?

Documents for a Marriage Green Card

  • A legal marriage certificate
  • Proof of divorce from previous marriage (when applicable)
  • Evidence your marriage is real
  • Proof of legal entry into the U.S. (foreign spouse)
  • Birth certificate (foreign spouse)
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship (sponsoring spouse)

To apply for a green card after marriage. Applicants must need to provide the above-mentioned documents. Are you all set with the documents and looking forward to applying for a marriage green card? So let's step forward and become familiar with how to apply for a marriage green card. 

Procedure to Apply for a Marriage Green Card

Citizens who want to get a marriage green card. Need to follow three simple steps which are mentioned below. 

Submit Form I-130

Submitting the form I-130 is one of the basic and we can say first steps to applying for a marriage green card. Applicants need to establish the petition that they have a valid marriage to a U.S. citizen or green card holder. Candidates need to attach a marriage certificate and other documents. With this form such as a joint bank account statement. After filling the form you can submit it online. In your USCIS account mail it to the appropriate USCIS address.

Apply for Your Marriage Green Card

The next step to apply for a marriage green card is to attend the interview. It depends on whether you are living in the U.S. or abroad when you apply. If you live in the United States then you have to file for an adjustment of status. Apart from this if you live abroad then you need to file Form I-485. Using consular processing to register as a permanent residence. Allows applicants to make changes in their current immigration status to a marriage-based green card.

Attend Green Card Interview

Attending an interview is the last step to getting a marriage green card. After submitting the visa application form or green card form. Applicants need to attend the interview on a particular date and time. The main purpose behind the interview is to cross check whether an application is legitimate to give a green card. While going to attend an interview for a marriage green or immigrant visa. Don't forget to bring all the required documents. 

After knowing about what is marriage green card. The required documents, and the process. It's time to know the marriage-based green card timeline.

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Time Taken To Get a Marriage Green Card?

It is a lengthy process and takes up to 90 days. The time it takes to get a marriage-based green card depends on various factors. Including whether you are already living in the U.S. and whether you're married to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder.

Applicants Living in the U.S. With a U.S. Citizen Spouse

If you are living in the U.S. with a U.S. citizen spouse then it takes 10-13 months. To get an immigration visa or marriage-based green card.

Applicants Living in the U.S. with a Permanent Resident Spouse

It takes 1 to 15 months to get a marriage green card. If the applicant lives in the United States with a permanent resident spouse. Additionally, USCIS takes time to approve the application. Candidates become available for you in the Visa Bulletin, which takes another 8–10 months. After that applicants need to submit Form I-485. Which takes USCIS 9–11 months to process and then to attain an interview. So approximately it takes 29-38 months from the date you file Form I-130.

Living Abroad with a U.S. Citizen Spouse

If an applicant lives abroad with a US citizen spouse the USCIS takes 7 to 10 months to approve the I-130 form. The National Visa Center (NVC) also takes 4 to 6 months to approve DS-260. So when we talk about the total time taken for marriage-based green cards. Then it's approximately 11-17 months for people living abroad with a US citizen spouse.

Living Abroad With a Permanent Resident Spouse

Are you living abroad with a permanent resident spouse and looking for a marriage green card timeline? If yes then USCIS will take 11 to 15 months to approve Form I-130. Alongside DS-260 takes 4 to 7 months and till that you need to wait for a green card number to become available which takes 8 to 10 months also. So when we talk about the total time taken in this process then it's about 23-32 months until you get your marriage-based green card.

After knowing various things related to marriage-based green cards or one of the types of immigration visas. There are ample applicants who want to know how much it costs to get a marriage green card. Are you among them? If yes then stay with us next we will discuss how much a marriage green card costs.

How Much Money Required To Get a Marriage Green Card?

The total cost for a marriage green card was $1,760 in the year 2020. It is applied when the candidate of marriage green card is living in the US. if the candidate is living abroad then they need to pay $ 1,200. These costs are a sum of U.S. government filing fees and biometrics fees, which are non-refundable. Additionally, it also includes the cost of the required medical examination.

Apart from this the government fees and hiring a lawyer may cost an additional $2,000–$6,000. Depending on the complexity of your case, get a marriage green card.

How Visament Helps for a Marriage Green Card?

With the help of this blog candidates and readers will get to know various things about marriage-based green cards. Including required documents, how to apply, marriage-based green card timeline, and many more. So still if you are facing hurdles in filling out a green card application form for marriage then choose Visament.

This immigration service provider will help you in many different ways. Including filling mistakes-free applications, speedy approvals, Monitoring progress, and many more. Additionally, by choosing this service provider you will also get help in passport, visa, Aadhaar card, OCI cards, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can work in the United States with a marriage green card.

Yes, a sponsor is required for a marriage green card.

No, a green card is not automatic after marriage.

Yes, you can apply for a marriage green card if your spouse is living outside of the U.S. You just need to fill out the I-130 form, submit the application package, attend the interview, and undergo a medical exam

To raise an appeal against a decision to deny a marriage green card application you need to follow the instructions provided in the denial letter and complete the required forms.

Yes, USCIS investigates marriages to determine if they are authentic and in good faith.

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