How Can I Apply for a Green Card Through Marriage?
To apply for a green card for your spouse through marriage, you must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. If your spouse is already living lawfully in the United States, they may also submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. If your spouse lives outside the United States, they must go through consular processing at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence after Form I-130 is approved.
Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A. is a family-oriented law firm. We think families should be together. We will do everything possible to solve your immigration issues and meet your needs. A Florida immigration attorney can review your application for a green card through marriage, ensure all documentation is complete, and address potential issues before they become obstacles.
Form I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative
The marriage-based green card process begins when the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse files Form I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition must include proof of the petitioner’s status, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card).
Supporting documentation also includes:
- A valid marriage certificate
- Divorce decrees, annulment papers, or death certificates to show all prior marriages ended legally
Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
If the non-U.S. citizen spouse lives in the United States, they may apply for a green card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The application generally requires:
- Proof of lawful entry into the U.S. (such as Form I-94 or entry stamp)
- Proof of lawful immigration status, if applicable
- Two recent passport-style photographs
- A government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Long-form birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Certified police and court records for any arrests or convictions
In short, I-130 proves the relationship, and I-485 is the green card application — they are two halves of the same process.
Other Required Forms
Forms requiring submission along with Form I-485 include:
- Form I-693: Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
- Form I-864: Affidavit of Support, showing there is adequate means of financial support
Biometrics Appointment
After the I-485 application is received, the foreign national spouse is scheduled for a biometrics appointment. Fingerprints and photographs are taken as part of the USCIS background check.
Proving Marriage Validity
Unfortunately, some people engage in sham marriages to obtain a green card. The USCIS requires that couples prove their marital union is valid. Such evidence may include:
- Joint ownership of property, such as a mortgage or deed
- Lease with both names showing that you live at the same address
- Joint bank accounts or bills in both names
Items such as wedding photos can add credence to your claim.
The Green Card Interview
As part of the marriage-based green card process, both spouses must attend an interview with a USCIS officer. In addition to reviewing personal information and residential history, the officer will ask questions about the relationship to determine whether the marriage is genuine.
Typical questions may include:
- How did you meet?
- When was your first date?
- Who proposed to whom?
- Where did you go on your honeymoon?
- What are your spouse’s favorite foods?
After the green card interview, the USCIS officer decides on the application. The interview is a critical part of the process. An immigration law attorney can help prepare you.
Contact a Florida Immigration Attorney at Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.
For more information about obtaining a spousal visa, contact an experienced immigration lawyer at Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., today. If you applied for a green card through marriage on your own and received a Request for Evidence from the USCIS, we can help.
About Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.
Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., led by attorney Aniefiok Bassey, provides comprehensive immigration services to individuals, families, and businesses in Florida and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, the firm assists clients with a wide range of immigration matters, from family reunification and green cards to business visas and deportation defense. The diverse, multilingual team is dedicated to supporting clients through the complex immigration process, with a special focus on citizenship, asylum, and LGBTQ+ immigration needs. They offer affordable initial consultations and are committed to delivering personalized, strategic guidance for achieving clients’ immigration goals.
