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How to Apply for a Green Card Through Marriage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting a green card through marriage is one of the most common and reliable paths to lawful permanent residency in the U.S. This process allows a foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder to live, work, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. If you’re planning to marry or are already married and want to get a marriage green card application, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the process step by step, using simple language to help you understand how to navigate USCIS, file forms correctly, and avoid delays or denials.
Blog Outline
- What Is a Marriage Green Card?
- Who Can Apply for a Green Card Through Marriage?
- What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
- What Is the Step-by-Step Green Card Process?
- Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing: Which One Is Right for You?
- What Forms Do You Need to File?
- What Supporting Documents Are Required?
- What Happens During the Green Card Interview?
- What Is a Conditional Green Card?
- Can a Spouse Eventually Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
What Is a Marriage Green Card?
A marriage green card, also known as a green card through marriage, allows a foreign spouse to live and work in the United States as a lawful permanent resident. It is an immigrant visa granted to the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder. Once approved, the foreign spouse will receive a permanent resident card and begin their path toward full immigration benefits.
The process is managed by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), and the type of green card you receive depends on whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Who Can Apply for a Green Card Through Marriage?
To apply for a green card through marriage, one spouse must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and the other must be a foreign national. You may apply whether you’re married inside the U.S. or outside it, but the process will differ.
The foreign spouse must prove that the marriage is genuine (also called a bona fide marriage). This helps avoid cases of marriage fraud—when someone marries only to gain immigration benefits. USCIS closely examines each green card application to ensure the marriage is legitimate.
What Are the Green Card Eligibility Requirements?
Before starting the green card process, make sure you meet these basic eligibility requirements:
- You are legally married (not just engaged)
- One spouse is a U.S. citizen or green card holder
- You can provide a copy of your marriage certificate
- You can prove the authenticity of the marriage through documents like joint leases, photos, or shared accounts
You must also meet income requirements (through Form I-864, Affidavit of Support) and confirm that the foreign spouse is admissible to the U.S. under immigration law.
What Is the Step-by-Step Green Card Process?
Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to the marriage green card process:
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS
- If already in the U.S., file Form I-485 for adjustment of status
- If outside the U.S., go through consular processing and apply for an immigrant visa
- Submit supporting documents and pay required fees
- Attend the green card interview
- Receive approval and get your green card
Depending on where the couple lives, they may be able to file both Form I-130 and Form I-485 at the same time.
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing: Which One Is Right for You?
There are two main paths to apply for a marriage-based green card:
- Adjustment of Status – Used when the foreign spouse is already living in the U.S. on a valid visa. You file Form I-485 to apply for a green card without leaving the country.
- Consular Processing – Used when the foreign spouse is outside the U.S. The visa application is completed at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Both paths are valid, but adjustment of status may be faster if you’re already living in the U.S.
What Forms Do You Need to File?
Here are the main forms you’ll need to file:
- Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative
- Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support
- Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)
- Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional)
- Form I-751 – Petition to Remove Conditions (if you get a conditional green card)
Make sure to check the USCIS website or consult an immigration lawyer to confirm which forms apply to your case.
What Supporting Documents Are Required?
USCIS requires several supporting documents for a marriage green card:
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or green card holder status
- Proof of bona fide marriage (photos, leases, shared finances)
- Birth certificates
- Proof of lawful entry into the U.S. (if applicable)
These documents for a marriage green card must be in English or include a certified translation.
What Happens During the Green Card Interview?
The green card interview is a crucial step where a USCIS officer asks questions to confirm the authenticity of their marriage. Both spouses must attend the interview and be ready to prove that the marriage is genuine.
Questions may include how you met, where you live, your daily routines, or past vacations. If the officer believes the marriage is not legitimate, the green card application may be denied, and further steps may be taken to report suspected marriage fraud.
What Is a Conditional Green Card?
If you’ve been married for less than two years at the time the green card is approved, the foreign spouse will receive a conditional green card valid for two years.
Before it expires, the couple must file Form I-751 to remove conditions and receive a full 10-year green card. You’ll again need to provide documents that show the marriage is still ongoing and legitimate.
Can a Spouse Eventually Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
Yes. A green card holder spouse may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after:
- 3 years of holding a green card (if still married to the U.S. citizen spouse)
- Meeting physical presence and residence requirements
- Demonstrating good moral character and passing the citizenship test
Once naturalized, the spouse can enjoy all the rights of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Summary: Key Points to Remember
- A marriage green card lets a foreign spouse live and work in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident
- The process begins with Form I-130 and may include Form I-485 or consular processing
- You must prove the authenticity of the marriage and submit supporting documents
- A green card interview is often required to verify the relationship
- If married for under 2 years, you’ll receive a conditional green card
- After receiving a green card, your spouse can apply for naturalization in as little as 3 years
- Work with an immigration lawyer to avoid mistakes and delays in your green card application process
Ready to bring your spouse to the U.S. or apply for a marriage green card?
At CK Law Firm, we help couples navigate the green card process with confidence, care, and legal precision. Whether you’re applying from inside the U.S. or abroad, our team will guide you every step of the way.
📞 Schedule a consultation today and take the next step toward building your life together in the United States.
