Green Cards Through Marriage

Learn how to obtain a green card through marriage.

Every year, several hundred thousand persons get green cards through marriage. If you entered the US lawfully, obtaining permanent residence is quick and easy as long as your marriage is for love, not just to get a green card. Your spouse submits an I-130 visa petition on your behalf and, at the same time, you file an I-485 application for adjustment of status. However, there are a lot forms and fees to contend with.

You can apply for a green card through marriage and adjust your status in the US even if you overstayed your visa.

Even if you entered the US unlawfully, your US citizen spouse can still submit an I-130 visa petition on your behalf. However, you may need to return to your country in order to apply for a green card through marriage. Before you do, carefully prepare an I-601A provisional "extreme hardship" waiver and submit it to the USCIS. See http://shusterman.com/i601a-provisional-waiver.html

In 2013, the ability to obtain green cards through marriage became available to same-sex couples. See http://shusterman.com/immigration-benefits-same-sex.html

If your marriage is less than 2 years old when you become a permanent resident, you will receive a two-year green card. 90 days before your green card expires, you and your spouse need to submit an I-751 joint petition. See http://shusterman.com/greencardsthroughmarriage.html

However, if your marriage ends in divorce during the two-year period, you must file an I-751 waiver. See http://shusterman.com/i-751-waiver.html

For more information please see our Green Cards Through Marriage Page: http://shusterman.com/greencardsthroughmarriage.html

Schedule a legal consultation (by Skype, telephone or in person) at http://shusterman.com/schedule-immigration-consultation.html if you need assistance.