How to Apply for a Marriage-Based Green Card
Complete guide to obtaining permanent residence through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, you are immediately eligible (IR-1 visa). If they are a permanent resident, you must wait for an available priority date. The marriage must be legally valid.
Your spouse must file I-130 with USCIS ($535 fee). Include: marriage certificate, evidence of genuine relationship (photos, letters, joint bank account), passports, and birth certificates.
Useful resources
I-130 en USCISIf you're already in the U.S. with legal status, you can file I-485 (adjustment of status, $1440). If outside the U.S., the case goes to the NVC for consular processing. Check uscis.gov for wait times.
Useful resources
I-485 en USCISYou will receive an appointment for biometrics (fingerprints). Then an interview at USCIS or the consulate. Bring all original documents, genuine marriage evidence, and I-693 medical exam completed by a USCIS-certified doctor.
If married less than 2 years, you'll receive a conditional Green Card for 2 years. Before it expires, file I-751 to remove conditions ($750). If married more than 2 years, you'll receive a permanent 10-year Green Card directly.