

{"id":54893,"date":"2020-09-10T08:24:36","date_gmt":"2020-09-10T08:24:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=54893"},"modified":"2023-01-15T11:45:42","modified_gmt":"2023-01-15T11:45:42","slug":"what-to-consider-while-getting-a-marriage-green-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/readiness\/what-to-consider-while-getting-a-marriage-green-card\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Consider While Getting a Marriage Green Card in the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54898\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/what-to-consider-while-getting-a-marriage-green-card-in-the-usa.jpg\" alt=\"Permanent Resident Green Card Of United States Of America On Flag Of Usa. Above Close Up View.\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green Card is a colloquial term for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/green-card\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Permanent Residency Card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> issued by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services under the Department of Homeland Security.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A green card holder is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lawful resident<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the U.S., while their immigration status and citizenship are still under review and in process. Green card holders are allowed to live and work legally in the U.S. without the need for additional documentation. Marriage green card holders are spouses of U.S. citizens who were granted permanent residency due to their relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s a simple concept. <\/span><b>Americans can marry non-Americans and bring them to the United States to live and start a family. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To facilitate and regulate such situations, the USCIS grants a marriage green card to the non-American partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-the-Privileges-of-a-Green-Card-Holder\"><\/span>What are the Privileges of a Green Card Holder<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any person declared a lawful permanent resident, including marriage green card holders, are granted certain rights in the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first and most important privilege is the right to live permanently anywhere in the United States. For marriage green card holders, this means they can stay and live with their spouses while their citizenship after marriage is still processing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people wonder about the green card process timeline.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Green card through marriage processing time varies; that is, green card processing time varies from case to case.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But citizenship takes even longer. But a holder of green card marriage can legally work in the United States and can earn the same rights, protections, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/green-card\/after-we-grant-your-green-card\/rights-and-responsibilities-of-a-green-card-holder-permanent-resident\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benefits as a U.S. Citizen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It follows that they should already pay their taxes in the USA.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who-is-Eligible-for-Green-Card-Marriage-Visa\"><\/span>Who is Eligible for Green Card Marriage Visa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54899\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/who-is-eligible-for-green-card-marriage-visa.jpg\" alt=\"Happy Young Girl Friends Enjoys A Sunny Day In Nature They're Holding An American Flag In Front A Campsite Tent\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many ways to get a green card. It can be through a family petition, asylum, employment, even victims of crime. There are conditions and eligibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how long does it take to apply for a green card?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those applying for a US green card for a spouse. Here are the requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For fiancee (or not legally married in the USA spouse), the US Citizen can file a petition to obtain a K-1 nonimmigrant visa to bring their fiance to the United States. <\/span><b>Within 90 days after being admitted as a K-1 nonimmigrant, the K-1 alien must enter into a bona fide marriage with the U.S. citizen who filed for the petition on their behalf.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For legally married spouses of a US Citizen, getting a green card through marriage is a straightforward procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They should file Form <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/forms\/i-485-pc.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I-485<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the UCIS. While it is the main form, there are other supporting documents needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form I-130 and a marriage certificate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USCIS petition approval (if you entered as a fiance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-693\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I-693 Medical Examination Sheet<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form I-864 Affidavit of Support<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form I-944 Declaration of Self-Sufficiency<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form I-765 Request Permission to Work&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Documentation showing no criminal convictions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two Passport-sized Photos<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birth Certificate (with word-for-word English translation if it&rsquo;s not written in English)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form G-1450 Biometrics<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read instructions on the Form I-485 for other documents you may need depending on your circumstances. The green card marriage timeline varies depending on the completeness and thoroughness of your application paperwork. If you and your green card spouse are having difficulty, you may consult an immigration lawyer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Remember that only foreign spouses who are physically present in the United States can request a marriage green card under I-485 Adjustment of Status.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If the fiance or spouse that is not yet in US territory, refer to the Fiance Visa instructions above.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Procedures-and-Interview\"><\/span>Procedures and Interview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54900\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/procedures-and-interview.jpg\" alt=\"Serious Investment Broker, Financial Advisor Or Bank Worker In Suit And Glasses Consulting Young Couple Giving Legal Advice In His Office\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people wonder about marriage-based green card timelines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how to get a green card fast?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In all honesty, it is not fast. Depending on the speed, you can complete the required documentation correctly is the biggest factor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It normally costs $2,000 to complete a marriage green card, including the mandatory US Government fees, medical examination, and the cost of supporting documents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This does not include the cost of the marriage itself and the cost of documents not related to US government forms such as the foreign birth certificate, certificate of non-conviction, and State <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/license\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marriage certificates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are also other costs, such as vaccination fees, documentation tax, and mailing costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have completed your form, mail your application to:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>USCIS<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>&nbsp;PO Box 805887<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>&nbsp;Chicago, IL 60680-4120<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>USCIS<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>&nbsp;Attn: FBAS<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>&nbsp;131 South Dearborn &ndash; 3rd Floor<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>&nbsp;Chicago, IL 60603-5517<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After mailing in your forms and documents, it takes 2-3 weeks after tracking delivery confirmation before USCIS confirms they have received your application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re wondering how long to get a green card in the USA, it only starts when you receive your Form I-797C, which shows that the USCIS has begun processing your application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form I-797C is a biometrics exam. The form itself will tell you the time and location for the appointment. Bring IDs, the petitioners passport, and the appointment letter. The appointment itself is 3 to 5 weeks away upon receiving the letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next step is waiting for your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and AP (Advanced Parole\/Travel Authorization) card. It usually takes 6-8 months for you to receive this card.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After receiving your card, wait for another 10-20 months for your local USCIS to set an interview. They will ask questions about the alien&rsquo;s background and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/quizzes\/couples-quiz-how-well-do-you-know-your-partner\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how much you know about each other<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and your relationship together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assuming that everything went well and all your paperwork is in order, you will get a marriage green card within 3-6 months after the interview.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Recommended<\/strong>&nbsp;&ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/marriage-courses\/pre-marriage-course\">Online Pre Marriage Course<\/a><br><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other-Things-to-Remember\"><\/span>Other Things to Remember<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may seem that marriage green cards or any Permanent Resident Cards do not expire since it&rsquo;s &ldquo;permanent,&rdquo; but most cards expire within <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/guides\/B2en.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 years<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>In most cases, the foreign-born resident is granted a U.S. Citizenship during that time. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if the resident is unable (or unwilling) to acquire a U.S. Citizenship by that time for various reasons, it is necessary to renew the green card to continue living in the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For green card marriage holders, if the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/why-many-relationships-fail\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relationship falls through<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for any reason before citizenship is granted, the permanent residency can be revoked after a given time. However, it is possible to apply for permanent residency on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/green-card\/green-card-eligibility-categories\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">other grounds<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (or marry another American) and continue being a green cardholder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Permanent residency in the U.S. grants any person almost the same privileges as a citizen. But a lawful permanent resident is still a citizen of a foreign (Non-US) country and cannot hold a U.S. passport. They cannot vote or run for office in America. It is also possible to be deported for various reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The video below discusses the prospect of going through a divorce before a green card or even a divorce after a green card that can have a major negative effect on your immigration status. The video guides through different divorce and immigration issues before and after a green card.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j9kI--fRuYk\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marriage green card holders are not yet U.S. Citizens. It is only a step during the lengthy immigration process, but if the person abides by U.S. law and procedures, then it&rsquo;s only a matter of time before they obtain U.S. Citizenship.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Green Card is a colloquial term for a Permanent Residency Card issued by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services under the Department of Homeland Security. A green card holder is a lawful resident of the U.S., while their immigration status and citizenship are still under review and in process. Green card holders are allowed to live and work legally in the U.S. without the need for additional documentation. Marriage green card holders are spouses of U.S. citizens who were granted permanent residency due to their relationship. It&rsquo;s a simple concept. Americans can marry non-Americans and bring them to the <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1419,"featured_media":54898,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[21],"tags":[2622],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54893"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1419"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54893"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54893\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":61489,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54893\/revisions\/61489"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54898"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54893"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54893"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54893"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}