Green Card Marriage: Your Path to Residency with Yellow Law Group
Marrying a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can lead to obtaining a green card and becoming a lawful permanent resident. Here's a simplified guide on how it works.
Understanding Green Card Marriage
A bona fide marriage, meaning a genuine marital relationship, is required to qualify for a marriage-based green card. Entering into a marriage solely for immigration benefits is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including deportation and being barred from reentry.
Benefits of a Marriage-Based Green Card
A marriage-based green card allows you to live, work, and travel in the U.S., with the potential to apply for citizenship later.
Obtaining a green card through marriage offers many advantages. Here are just a few:
- You can live and work anywhere in the United States
- You can adjust your status within the U.S., even if you've overstayed your visa or are currently out of status
- You don't need for a US company to sponsor you through a job offer
- You can travel freely in and out of the U.S.
- Your unmarried children under 21 can also qualify for green cards as part of your application
- Once you have your green card, you can sponsor relatives to come to the U.S.
- You'll have access to U.S. schools and educational opportunities
Applying for a Green Card
The sponsoring spouse, who must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder, files the application. It is legal to obtain a green card through a genuine marriage, but fraudulent marriages for immigration benefits are illegal. If married for less than two years, the green card will be conditional and subject to review within 90 days before its expiration.
Proving a Bona Fide Marriage
To prove a genuine marriage, provide evidence such as:
- Wedding photos and invitations
- Joint property ownership or lease
- Joint utility bills
- Shared bank statements and tax returns
- Photos and receipts from trips together
Green Card Marriage Interview
During the green card interview, you and your spouse will answer questions about your relationship to verify its authenticity. When USCIS schedules a marriage interview, it's important to be ready to prove that your marriage is genuine. You should bring documentation such as photos and signed statements from friends and family confirming the legitimacy of your marriage.
During the interview, the immigration officer might keep you and your spouse in the same room or separate you for questioning.
Be prepared to answer questions about:
- Your spouse's upbringing and family (e.g., How many siblings does your spouse have?)
- Your relationship (e.g., Where did you meet?)
- Recent activities (e.g., What did you do together yesterday?)
- Miscellaneous details (e.g., How many televisions are in your home?)
- Personal preferences (e.g., What is your spouse's favorite food?)
Processing Time and Costs
The processing time for a marriage-based green card ranges from 10 to 38 months, depending on various factors. The cost for applying is $1,760 if you live in the U.S. and $1,200 if you live outside the U.S.
Required Documents
Documents needed for the application include:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates
- Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residence of the sponsoring spouse
- Proof of legal entry to the U.S.
- Police clearance certificate, if applicable
- Medical examination results
Contact Yellow Law Group
If you're considering a green card through marriage, contact Sari Law Firm. Our experienced immigration attorneys can guide you through the process and ensure all documentation is correctly filed.