Getting A Green Card Through Marriage

f you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) with a green card, then you are eligible to apply for your own green card. The process requires several steps and it is important to comply with requirements precisely and promptly to avoid unnecessary or denial of your application.

If there is any hint of misrepresentation in your documentation or application, you could not only find your application denied but also find it very difficult to reapply in the future. To avoid potential problems, many green card applicants find it beneficial to work with an experienced immigration lawyer who can help ensure that they fulfill requirements properly. At American Dream^® Law Office, we understand how to ensure compliance and will stand by you throughout the process to achieve your goals.

Petitioning U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Your spouse completes the first step in the process of applying for a marriage-based green card. As sponsor, your spouse files a Form I-130 “Petition for Alien Relative” with USCIS. The form must be accompanied by appropriate documentation to prove the validity of your marriage and other key facts.

If the spouse seeking a green card is already in the United States, an immigration attorney may recommend filing a concurrent application for Adjustment of Status to lawful permanent resident at the same time as filing the petition. Your spouse, as sponsor, will also need to file a Form I-864 Affidavit of Support pledging to provide financial support and demonstrating the means to do so.