Marriage Green Card

Immigration Through Marriage

U.S. citizens and green card holders may sponsor their spouse’s green card. This is known as a marriage green card application. The sponsor may choose to have their spouse’s process unfold in the U.S., which is known as adjustment of status. Or, the process can be done at a U.S. embassy abroad.

Marriage Green Card Process

To choose the adjustment of status process for an interview in the U.S., the immigrant spouse must be in the U.S. The sponsor will need to sign the marriage petition, known as the I-130/I-130a form. They will also need to file financial sponsorship paperwork, known as the affidavit of support, and include their tax returns for the past three years.

The immigrant spouse will need to include the applications for their green card, work authorization, and travel permit, called advance parole. They will also need to show that they came to the U.S. lawfully, usually with a visa (though there are some exceptions).

Marriage Visa

Couples may also wish to proceed with the process outside of the U.S., at a U.S. embassy in the spouse’s home country. Instead of being interviewed in the U.S., the spouse will need to attend a marriage visa interview at a U.S. embassy abroad, and confirm the authenticity of the marriage (that it’s not just for a green card). If approved, the spouse will obtain a marriage visa, also known as an Immigrant Visa, and may then travel to the U.S. USCIS will mail them the green card shortly afterward.

Marriage Green Card Interview

What can couples expect at their interview? They will need to demonstrate proof that they have an authentic marriage. Successful applications usually include photos of the couple together, proof of trips taken together (Airbnb and hotel receipts, airline tickets), joint bank account statements, social media, and more.

Marriage Visa vs. Fiancé Visa

Besides a marriage visa, applicants may also choose to proceed with the fiancé visa process. A fiancé visa can be obtained at a U.S. embassy abroad, and the spouse will be able to then immigrate to the U.S. The couple must marry within 90 days, after which the spouse may apply for a marriage green card, also known as adjustment of status.

In other words, the fiancé visa process is more cumbersome and complicated. Couples usually prefer getting married first and applying directly for a green card.

Green Card Lawyer New York

Choosing which immigration process is best for you can be complicated. If you need help with your green card process, please contact Beacon Immigration today: +1 845-288-2435 / beaconimmigrationlawyer@gmail.com.

 

Beacon Immigration PLLC is a law firm located in the Hudson Valley of New York at 6 Eliza Street, Suite 5, Beacon, NY 12508 (Dutchess County).