Marriage Green Card: How to Get an Immigrant Visa Through Marriage
Marriage Green Card Explained
What is a marriage-based immigrant visa?
A marriage green card allows the foreign-born spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to live and work permanently in the United States. The green card, which is actually an immigrant visa, is granted to those who obtain permanent resident status. It provides lawful status, work authorization, and a pathway to U.S. citizenship. This guide explains how the process works, eligibility requirements, timelines, and what to expect from start to finish. We also provide tips, real-world examples, and insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances of approval.
The following describes in general terms the process for how to obtain a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you’re ready to get started with the application, skip to how CitizenPath can help.
Eligibility for a Marriage Green Card
What are the requirements?
Most foreign-born spouses will qualify for a marriage-based green card provided they have a legal marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Generally, all marriage green card applicants will need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
You are legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident;
Only U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents may petition a spouse.Your marriage is recognized by the country where it took place;
The U.S. government will generally recognize any marriage as long as it was valid under the law of the jurisdiction in which it was performed. For a more detailed overview, continue to our post on proving you have a valid marriage for immigration purposes.You and your spouse intend to build a life together; and
It's not enough to have a marriage certificate. You must also show that your marriage is geniune. The government wants proof that you didn't marry only for the purpose of obtaining a green card. In other words, you most prove you have a bona fide marriage.You are not inadmissible due to immigration or criminal history.
Several other reasons, known as grounds of inadmissibility, can prevent you from becoming a permanent resident. For a more detailed overview, review all of the grounds of inadmissibility.
2 Paths to Apply for a Green Card through Marriage
How do I apply for a marriage green card?
The process to apply for a green card varies depending on whether the foreign-born spouse is inside or outside the U.S.
If the spouse is in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status):
- File an Adjustment of Status Application Package
- Receive Receipt Notices and Biometric Appointment Notice
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment
- Complete a Marriage-Based Green Card Interview at USCIS
- Receive a Decision and Green Card by Mail
An adjustment of status application generally includes several forms filed together. Although situations vary, typical marriage green card application package will include Forms I-485, I-130, I-130A, I-864, I-693, I-131, and I-765. For a closer look on this path, see our Adjustment of Status Guide to a Green Card or a detailed article about Adjustment of Status for Spouses - A Step by Step Guide.
If the spouse is abroad (Consular Processing):
- U.S. Spouse Files a Petition
- Receive Approval and Case Transfer to the National Visa Center (NVC)
- Submit Visa Application and Upload Civil and Financial Documents
- Attend the Interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Enter the U.S. with an Immigrant Visa and Receive Green Card by Mail
The consular processing path will also include several forms, but they are generally spread out over a long period (instead of filed concurrently). The U.S. citizen or permanent resident starts the process by filing Form I-130, a Petition for Alien Relative. For a closer look on this path, see our Consular Processing Guide to a Green Card or a detailed article about How to Bring a Spouse to the U.S. - A Step by Step Guide.
Supporting Documents and Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage
Which documents do I submit with my application?
To establish your eligibility for a marriage green card and the bona fides of your marriage, you'll need to submit supporting evidence. Your situation may vary. However, immigration officials will typically need the following items:
Civil Documents:
- Government-issued photo identification and birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce or death certificates from any previous marriages
Evidence of a Bona Fide Marriage
- Photos together over time and in various settings
- Joint lease or mortgage agreements
- Joint tax returns
- Evidence of joint bank accounts or credit cards
- Travel itineraries, text messages, or social media evidence
- Affidavits from friends and family affirming your relationship
Submit well-organized documentation that is labeled and easy to understand. Weak documentation is one of the top reasons for delays and denials. CitizenPath simplifies this process. In addition to your ready-to-sign forms, we'll generate filing instructions for your situation. You'll get an easy checklist of items to submit with your marriage green card application.
Green Card Processing Times
How long does it take to get a marriage-based green card?
Adjustment of status allows a couple to stay together in the United States while the application is pending, and currently is a quicker process. On the hand, consular processing has been slower since the pandemic, resulting in longer wait times to obtain a marriage green card.
In fact, processing times will vary depending on category, USCIS workload, and country-specific consulate availability. Submitting a well-prepared and thorough application is also critical for the quickest processing time. For a closer look at typical processing times, visit these pages:
Adjustment of Status Processing
ConsularProcessing
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
Which path is better?
In reality, very few people have a choice between adjustment and consular processing. But it may be helpful to know some differences.
| Feature | Adjustment of Status | Consular Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse Location | Inside the U.S. | Outside the U.S. |
| Costs | More | Less |
| Interview | Local USCIS Office | U.S. Embassy or Consulate |
| Travel During Process | Restricted without Advance Parole | May Be Difficult to Visit U.S. |
One path isn't better than the other for everyone. You have to determine which is best for you. Generally, if you are physically present in the U.S. through a lawful entry, adjusting status may give you more peace of mind and allow you to stay together with your spouse. If you are not inside the U.S., consular processing is likely required.
Marriage Green Card Interview: What to Expect
How should I prepare for the interview?
In a marriage green card interview, whether conducted in the United States by USCIS or abroad at a U.S. embassy, the goal is to confirm the authenticity of the marriage and verify eligibility for a green card. The interviewing officer will review your application and ask questions to ensure the relationship is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration benefits. Expect to answer personal questions about your relationship, living arrangements, and daily routines.
You should take original documents, such as your civil documents and evidence of a bona fide marriage. The petitioner is not a part of a consular interview, but is typically required to attend a USCIS interview for adjustment applicants. Honest, consistent answers are key. If all goes well, you may receive an approval on the spot or shortly afterward. However, the officer can also request more evidence or conduct a follow-up interview if there are concerns. Preparation, documentation, and confidence are essential for success.
Get yourself prepared with sample interview questions and what to take. Select your type of interview below.
Common Reasons for Denial and How to Avoid Them
What are the reasons an officer may deny my application?
Immigration officials may deny marriage green card applications for a variety of reasons. The most common include:
- Insufficient Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage: Take this requirement very seriously and submit robust documentation from the start.
- Mistakes or Omissions on Forms: Review everything before submission. Use CitizenPath to prepare a thorough application package.
- Financial Ineligibility of Sponsor: Verify sponsor qualifications with our visa sponsor income calculator. Understand your options if petitioner is not a strong sponsor.
- Criminal or Immigration Violations: Consult an immigration attorney if you have any past issues to understand if they affect your application.
Start Your Application with Confidence
CitizenPath helps thousands of families prepare marriage green card applications affordably and accurately. Our step-by-step software makes it easy to complete USCIS forms, avoid mistakes, and get approved quickly. You get real, human support when it matters.