{"id":60,"date":"2010-08-18T11:42:40","date_gmt":"2010-08-18T11:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/?p=60"},"modified":"2024-03-22T07:33:55","modified_gmt":"2024-03-22T07:33:55","slug":"green-card-through-marriage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/green-card-through-marriage","title":{"rendered":"Getting Your Green Card through Marriage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Obtaining a Green Card through marriage is a slightly different process from other residency routes. It\u2019s a bit more complex, as it was typically used as an easy way into the country. As such, USCIS has cracked down massively on the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">However, for those who are genuinely married to a US citizen or permanent resident, getting a Green Card through marriage means you can live together in America as a couple. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:46px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"653\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Getting-Your-Green-Card-through-Marriage.jpg\" alt=\"Getting Your Green Card through Marriage\" class=\"wp-image-3990\" style=\"width:750px;height:490px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Getting-Your-Green-Card-through-Marriage.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Getting-Your-Green-Card-through-Marriage-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Getting-Your-Green-Card-through-Marriage-768x502.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Obtaining a Green Card through marriage is a slightly different process from other residency routes. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><div><div><a href=\"#filling-out-the-forms\">Filling Out the Forms<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#applying-for-a-green-card\">Applying for a Green Card<\/a><div><div><a href=\"#after-you-have-applied\">After you have applied<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#what-happens-next\">What Happens Next?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#final-thoughts-about-getting-a-green-card-through-marriage\">Final Thoughts about getting a Green Card through Marriage<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"filling-out-the-forms\">Filling Out the Forms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to find out if you are eligible to qualify for a Green Card through marriage, be sure to thoroughly read the instructions shown on the application. If you\u2019re currently undocumented, on a visitor\u2019s visa, or your immigration status is expired, be sure to consult an immigration solicitor or a <br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardadvice.com\/about-us-green-card-advice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">US Immigration Advisor<\/a> to make sure that your status can be revised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with any other Green Card application, there are plenty of forms to complete. The fianc\u00e9s or spouses of US citizens can enter the country on a temporary visa, namely the K1. Once in the country, you can then begin the full application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For this, you\u2019ll need to fill in Form I-130. This is to prove your marriage or relationship is real and valid. The spouse who is a US citizen or permanent resident is called the sponsor or petitioner, and the one receiving the Green Card is called the applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Essentially, you need to provide evidence that your marriage is real. A marriage certificate is a good start, but you\u2019ll also need to show something like a joint bank account, lease agreement, or mortgage statement. This is to prove that you genuinely live together and function as a \u201creal\u201d couple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can take USCIS up to 15 months to make a decision on Form I-130. This is because it needs to be careful about fraud and because there\u2019s usually a substantial backlog. USCIS might also ask for more supporting evidence, but you\u2019ll typically receive this request within 3 months of submission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"applying-for-a-green-card\">Applying for a Green Card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next step in getting a Green Card through marriage is to actually apply for it. This can be done regardless of whether the foreign spouse is living in the US or abroad, although the process is slightly different for each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If applying for a Green Card through marriage from within the US, the process is basically the same as for any other application. You begin by filling in Form I-485, which is the standard Green Card form. This will include attending a medical, an interview, and giving your biometric information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For spouses living outside of the US, you\u2019ll need to follow the consular processing route. It still allows for a Green Card through marriage, but the interview is completed at your closest US consulate or embassy. Also, you submit forms to the National Visa Center rather than directly to USCIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"after-you-have-applied\" style=\"font-size:22px\">After you have applied<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Providing USCIS is happy with all your documents, you\u2019ll just have to wait to be issued with a Green Card. This can take up to 3 years, but the foreign spouse is allowed to continue living in the US on their temporary visa while they wait for the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve been married for less than 2 years, the foreign spouse will be issued a conditional Green Card. This lasts for 2 years as opposed to the normal 10, and is easier for USCIS to revoke. While it\u2019s unlikely it\u2019ll do this, it\u2019s issued because marriages of less than 2 years are deemed a higher risk of fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if you\u2019ve been married for more than 2 years, you\u2019ll be issued a permanent Green Card. This is the normal kind that\u2019s valid for 10 years and comes with all the standard perks of permanent residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-happens-next\" style=\"font-size:22px\">What Happens Next?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you have a Green Card through marriage, you can live as a couple in the US. You can also freely work and travel, just as any other permanent resident would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One massive benefit of a Green Card through marriage is the path to citizenship. You don\u2019t have to wait 5 years to apply like other permanent residents. Instead, you can apply after 3 years, providing you\u2019re still married. You do still need to meet the other criteria, though, but these are pretty easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although it\u2019s not something people like to think about, it\u2019s worth mentioning what happens to your Green Card through marriage if you get divorced. First, it depends on how long you\u2019ve been married.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you split up while on a conditional Green Card, chances are it\u2019ll be revoked. However, if you\u2019ve got a permanent one, you\u2019ll get to remain in the country. The only real difference will be that you\u2019ll have to wait the full 5 years before applying for citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts-about-getting-a-green-card-through-marriage\" style=\"font-size:22px\">Final Thoughts about getting a Green Card through Marriage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you can see, getting your Green Card through marriage is far from being a simple process. Before undertaking it, you might want to consider entering the Green Card Lottery. You can enter the Green Card Lottery via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/apply\">APPLY TODAY<\/a> section and if you win, you will be able to bypass a great deal of the verification paperwork that will be required otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Obtaining a Green Card through marriage is a slightly different process from other residency routes. It\u2019s a bit more complex, as it was typically used as an easy way into the country. As such, USCIS has cracked down massively on the application process. However, for those who are genuinely married to a US citizen or [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3990,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-60","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-about-the-usa-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5140,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60\/revisions\/5140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usgreencardoffice.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}