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Obtaining Green Cards Through Marriage

Obtaining Green Cards Through Marriage

Obtaining Green Cards Through Marriage

In the United States, a green card is necessary if you want to become a permanent resident of the country. Green card holders are entitled to live and work in the United States indefinitely. There are several ways to obtain a green card, but one of the most common is through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Many people mistakenly believe that getting married to a U.S. citizen automatically grants them a green card. However, this is not the case. While marriage to a U.S. citizen does make it easier to obtain a green card, there are still several steps that must be taken and requirements that must be met.

In this article, we will discuss the process of obtaining a green card through marriage, including the eligibility requirements, the application process, and what to expect during the interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:

– You must be legally married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A marriage that was entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card will not be recognized by USCIS.
– You must be able to prove that the marriage is bona fide, meaning that it was entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of evading immigration laws.
– You must not have any criminal convictions or other factors that would make you ineligible for a green card.

Application Process

Once you have determined that you are eligible for a green card through marriage, you will need to follow the application process. This involves several steps, including:

1. Filing the I-130 Petition

The first step in the process is to file an I-130 petition with USCIS. This form is used to establish the relationship between you and your spouse and to begin the process of obtaining a green card. You will need to provide documentation of your marriage and evidence that the marriage is bona fide, such as joint bank account statements, joint utility bills, and photographs of you and your spouse together.

2. Filing the I-485 Application

After the I-130 petition has been approved, you will need to file an I-485 application to adjust your status to that of a permanent resident. Along with this application, you will need to provide documentation of your identity, your immigration status, your employment history, and your criminal record.

3. Filing the I-765 Application

In addition to the I-485 application, you will also need to file an I-765 application for employment authorization. This will allow you to work in the United States while your green card application is being processed.

4. Filing the I-131 Application

Finally, you may also want to file an I-131 application for a travel document, which will allow you to travel outside the United States while your green card application is being processed.

Interview with USCIS

Once your application has been submitted, you will be scheduled for an interview with USCIS. This interview is designed to determine whether your marriage is bona fide and whether you are eligible for a green card.

During the interview, you will be asked questions about your marriage and your relationship with your spouse. You may also be asked to provide additional documentation to support your application.

It is important to be honest and truthful during the interview. If USCIS determines that your marriage is not bona fide or that you have provided false information, your application may be denied and you may be barred from entering the United States.

Conclusion

Obtaining a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident is a common way to become a permanent resident of the United States. However, the process can be complex and requires careful attention to detail.

If you are considering applying for a green card through marriage, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your application is accurate and complete.

With the right preparation and guidance, obtaining a green card through marriage can be a straightforward process that allows you to build a future in the United States with your loved one.


While getting a green card marriage immigration Choose the visa spousal or fiancé visas Assure that both parties have updated identifying articles – As a marriage involves cohabitation of two people and for an immigrant visa, an affidavit of support and proof of a domicile, it is reasonable to think that a couple will have to go through the green card application process together.

Multiple forms of identification and positive results from both a fingerprint/biometrics exam and a medical physical must be checked off by the immigration officer, but the tendency might be for one member of the couple to neglect their documentation and health and not see a red flag before it is too late.

The couple might want to consult both an immigration lawyer Schedule for an Adjustment of Status interview – In the transition between a visa holder and obtaining a green card through marriage, an immigrant’s status is upgraded from conditional resident to a permanent lawful resident through an appointment for an Adjustment of Status interview with a consular official.

This is the last step in the green card application process. The couples should take care to bring all documents assured for accuracy to the review and prepare to answer questions about themselves, their partners, their work and their country.