How to apply for a marriage green card if I am married to a US citizen and live in the U.S.?
If you are married to a U.S. citizen and living in the U.S., you can apply for a marriage-based green card through a process known as “Adjustment of Status.” This process allows you to change your immigration status from a temporary visa holder (such as a tourist or student) to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Here’s an overview of the steps:
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: The first step is for your U.S. citizen spouse to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on your behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the qualifying relationship between you and your U.S. citizen spouse. You will be the beneficiary of the I-130 petition.
- Wait for I-130 Approval: Once the I-130 petition is approved, USCIS will notify both you and your spouse. This approval indicates that USCIS acknowledges the legitimacy of your marital relationship.
- File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: With the I-130 approval, you can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form is used to formally apply for your green card. Along with Form I-485, you will also submit supporting documents and fees.
- Biometrics Appointment: After submitting Form I-485, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. During this appointment, USCIS will take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
- Attend Green Card Interview: USCIS will schedule an interview for you and your U.S. citizen spouse at a local USCIS office. The interview is meant to verify the authenticity of your marriage and gather any additional information. It’s important to prepare by reviewing your application and supporting documents.
- Receive Green Card Approval: If your marriage-based green card application is approved, USCIS will issue your green card. You will receive your green card in the mail at your U.S. address.
Keep in mind that the above steps are a general overview of the process, and there may be additional details and requirements based on your individual circumstances. The process can also be influenced by changes in immigration policies and procedures. It’s crucial to consult official U.S. government sources, such as the USCIS website, for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, consider seeking legal advice or assistance from an immigration attorney to ensure that you navigate the process correctly and successfully.
How to apply for a marriage green card if I am married to a green card holder and live in the U.S.?
If you are married to a green card holder and you are already living in the United States, you can apply for a marriage-based green card through a process known as “Adjustment of Status.” This process allows you to change your immigration status from a temporary visa holder (such as a tourist or student) to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Here’s an overview of the steps:
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: Your green card holder spouse needs to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on your behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the qualifying relationship between you and your green card holder spouse. You will be the beneficiary of the I-130 petition.
- Wait for I-130 Approval: After the I-130 petition is approved by USCIS, you will need to wait for the petition’s priority date to become current. The priority date is based on the filing date of the I-130 and is subject to visa bulletin updates.
- Check Visa Bulletin: Regularly check the Visa Bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State to see if the priority date for your category is current. The Visa Bulletin provides information on when immigrant visas are available based on the preference category and country of chargeability.
- File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: When the priority date becomes current, you can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form is used to formally apply for your green card. Along with Form I-485, you will also submit supporting documents and fees.
- Biometrics Appointment: After submitting Form I-485, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. During this appointment, USCIS will take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
- Attend Green Card Interview: USCIS will schedule an interview for you and your green card holder spouse at a local USCIS office. The interview is meant to verify the authenticity of your marriage and gather any additional information. Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and supporting documents.
- Receive Green Card Approval: If your marriage-based green card application is approved, USCIS will issue your green card. You will receive your green card in the mail at your U.S. address.
It’s important to note that immigration processes can change, and there may be specific requirements and procedures based on your individual circumstances. Always consult official U.S. government sources, such as the USCIS website and the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Read more “list your business in the” “free and paid submission to the” “add your site” statistics
If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the process, consider seeking legal advice or assistance from an immigration attorney to ensure that you navigate the process correctly and successfully.
How much does it cost to apply for a marriage green card in the U.S.?
The cost to apply for a marriage-based green card (Adjustment of Status) in the United States can vary based on several factors, including your specific circumstances and the forms you need to file. Keep in mind that fees for immigration applications can change, so it’s important to check the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for the most up-to-date information on filing fees before submitting your application.
As a general guideline, here are some of the key fees you might encounter in the marriage green card application process:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: The fee for filing Form I-130 is usually a separate payment made by the U.S. citizen or green card holder petitioner. As of my last update, the fee was $535.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: The filing fee for Form I-485, which is typically paid by the beneficiary (the person applying for the green card), includes the cost of the green card and certain related benefits. As of my last update, the fee for Form I-485 was $1,225. This fee includes the application, biometrics (fingerprinting) fee, and issuance of the green card.
- Biometrics Fee: As part of the Form I-485 process, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and other biometric data collection. There might be a separate fee for this, which is often included in the Form I-485 fee.
It’s important to note that USCIS fees can change over time, and there might be additional fees or discounts available based on specific circumstances. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on the filing fees for a marriage-based green card application, visit the official USCIS website. Make sure to carefully review the fee information and payment methods outlined in the official USCIS instructions for each specific form you’re submitting.
If you have concerns about the cost or any other aspect of the application process, consider consulting an immigration attorney or a qualified legal expert for guidance tailored to your situation.
