How long will it take to get a green card for my spouse?
Each year, tens of thousands of Americans will marry foreign nationals. Foreign nationals who wed a United States citizen or permanent resident may be able to become a permanent U.S. resident by obtaining a green card.
Green card applications based on marriage are some of the most sought after, and traditionally these green cards are awarded faster
then other categories. However, under the Trump Administration’s crackdown on immigration, marriage-based applications are now being met with some scrutiny, which could delay processing.
Marriage Green Cards Defined
A marriage based green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to live and work permanently anywhere within the United States. Green card holders are deemed to have permanent resident status, which enables them to also apply for citizenship after three
years, if they so desire. If you have married a U.S. citizen and you intend to reside together within America, then applying for a green card should be a priority.
Steps to Obtain a Green Card Through Marriage
There are three main steps to obtaining a green card through marriage. The process will start with
completion of Form I-130, which establishes the bona fides of your marital relationship. This document will need to be completed and submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Form and its supporting documents will establish that a valid marriage exists. Form I-130 should be submitted along with proof of the spouse’s citizenship, a marriage certificate, and evidence that the marriage is not a fraud, such as a joint bank account statement.
The next step will be
completion of your adjustment of status application which includes Form I-485. This Form will require proof of the immigrant spouse’s nationality, proof of lawful entrance to the U.S., a medical examination, and proof of the sponsoring spouse’s ability to financially support the applicant spouse. Spouses living abroad will need to complete a slightly different process called “Consular Processing” which has the same basic elements
The final step will be
completion of the green card interview. You and your spouse, if in the U.S., will need to answer questions about your relationship history, marriage, future plans, and more. Questions asked will be aimed at establishing the legitimacy of the marriage. The average waiting time to obtain your green card through marriage ranges from ten to 38 months or more.
It is understandable that many green card applicants feel overwhelmed by the process. Seeking a green card is not always easy and will require some diligence. Our international immigration lawyers at NPZ Law Group, P.C. assist green card applicants and their families throughout the process. Our firm boasts a high level of client recommendations and strives to ensure the satisfaction of every client. Contact us today to get started securing your green card.
For more information please visit our website at
http://www.visaserve.com or call us at 201-670-0006