A marriage-based green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) to obtain permanent residency in the United States.
30 steps across 4 sections
1. Eligibility
- U.S. citizen spouses Can petition for spouse as an "immediate relative" with no visa number wait.
- LPR spouses Can petition under the F2A family preference category; must wait for visa availability per the monthly Visa Bulletin.
- The marriage must be legally valid and entered into in good faith (not solely for immigration benefits).
- The petitioner must meet income requirements (125% of federal poverty guidelines) to file the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
- The beneficiary must be admissible to the United States or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility.
2. Steps Process
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS to establish the spousal relationship.
- Concurrent filing of Form I-485 (if eligible): Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens already in the U.S. can file I-485 simultaneously with I-130.
- File ancillary applications: Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) and Form I-131 (Advance Parole travel document) can be filed alongside I-485.
- Attend biometrics appointment: Typically scheduled 3-6 weeks after filing for fingerprinting and photographs.
- Receive EAD/AP combo card: Usually issued within 3-5 months, allowing work and travel while I-485 is pending.
- Complete medical examination: Form I-693 from a USCIS-designated civil surgeon; must be sealed and included with initial filing per 2025+ rules.
- Attend USCIS interview: Both spouses appear for an in-person interview at a local USCIS field office to verify the bona fides of the marriage.
- Receive decision: Approval results in a green card (conditional 2-year card if married less than 2 years at approval; otherwise, 10-year card).
- Remove conditions (if applicable): File Form I-751 jointly within the 90-day window before the conditional card expires.
3. Documents Needed
- Valid passports for both spouses
- Marriage certificate (certified copy)
- Proof of any prior marriages terminated (divorce decrees, death certificates)
- Evidence of bona fide marriage (joint bank accounts, lease/mortgage, photos, affidavits from friends/family)
- Birth certificates for both spouses
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, with tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs
- Petitioner's proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status
- Passport-style photographs (2x2 inches)
- Form I-693 sealed medical examination
- Police clearance certificates (if applicable)
4. Timeline
- U.S. citizen spouse (concurrent filing) 12-18 months from filing to green card.
- U.S. citizen spouse (consular processing) 12-24 months.
- LPR spouse 24-33+ months due to visa backlog wait times.
- Biometrics appointment: 3-6 weeks after filing.
- EAD/AP card: 3-5 months after filing.
- Interview: 8-14 months after filing (varies by field office).
Common Mistakes
- Not filing the medical exam (I-693) with the initial package
- Using outdated form editions
- Insufficient evidence of bona fide marriage
- Missing the I-751 conditional removal deadline
- Not disclosing prior immigration violations
Pro Tips
- File concurrently whenever possible
- Prepare thoroughly for the interview
- Keep copies of everything
- Track your case online
- Consider filing I-765 and I-131 together