Introduction to Getting a Green Card Through Marriage
As the spouse of a US citizen or permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for your green card. The basic idea is that you may qualify for a green card through a valid and legitimate marriage to a US citizen or permanent resident.
To get a green card through marriage, your US citizen or US permanent resident spouse must file a Form I-130 on your behalf. Your spouse is the petitioner (person filing the petition), and you are the Beneficiary (person benefitting from the petition).
With a green card, you can live and work in the United States, freely travel in and out of the US, attend US schools, and eventually apply to become a US citizen.
Getting a green card through marriage is not as simple as you might think. Multiple requirements and steps must be carefully followed. Failure to properly file your case or follow each of the required steps can result in your case being delayed or denied. The requirements for getting a green card through marriage vary depending on whether you are marrying a US citizen or a US permanent resident. I will make these differences clear throughout this guide.
Benefits of a Getting a Green Card Through Marriage
There several benefits to getting a green card through marriage.
Here are just a few:
- • Ability to live and work anywhere in the United States
- • Eligibility to adjust status in the United States, even if you have overstayed your visa or are out of status (if married to a US citizen).
- • No need for a US company to sponsor you through a job offer
- • Ability to freely travel in and out of the US
- • Your unmarried children under 21 years old can also qualify for green cards as derivative beneficiaries of your case.
- • Ability to sponsor your relatives once you become a US permanent resident
- • Access to US schools
Process of Getting a Green Card Through Marriage
There are multiple steps to getting your green card through marriage.
Here's a quick outline:
- • Marry a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- • File Form I-130
- • Marriage Interview
- • File for Adjustment of Status/Consular Processing
- • Conditional Permanent Resident Status (if married under 2 years)
- • Removal of Condition to Become Unconditional Permanent Resident
- • Naturalization (Optional)
If you have any questions regarding any of the information in this guide, or if you’re interested in hiring Direct U.S. Immigration to handle your immigration case, feel free to email us directly at inquiry@directusimmigration.com. My team and I are highly responsive, and we would be happy to help you.