Getting a Green Card through marriage

It is not uncommon for people from all over the world to want to move to the United States for the chance to live a better life, to find a better job, and to experience a new culture. Marriage to a U.S. citizen can give you the opportunity to become a permanent resident in the U.S. This article explains how to do so.

The Foundation: Love and Commitment

Before applying for a green card through marriage, it is crucial to recognize that a successful relationship is based on genuine love and commitment. The U.S. immigration system takes marriage fraud very seriously and conducts thorough investigations to ensure its legitimacy. Therefore, both parties must enter into the marriage on good and genuine terms.

The marriage ceremony

Once you are in the United States on a valid visa the next step is to obtain a marriage license and a marriage certificate. The marriage license is necessary in order to apply for a green card. In addition, the marriage certificate is necessary to prove to USCIS that you are legally married. Without a valid marriage certificate, you will be unable to apply for a green card.

Change of status: Applying for a Green Card

After your marriage, the next step is to apply for a green card. This grants you lawful permanent resident status in the United States. The application process involves filing Form I-485, also known as the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. In addition to the I-485 form, you will need to submit additional forms and supporting documents, such as:

1. Proof of your marriage’s is real and genuine, including photographs, joint financial documents, and affidavits from friends and family.

2. Proof of your identity and legal status in the U.S., such as a valid passport and visa.

3. A medical examination report conducted by an authorized USCIS civil surgeon.

4. An Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from your U.S. citizen spouse to demonstrate their ability to financially support you.

Following the submission of your adjustment of status application, you and your spouse will be interviewed about your relationship’s bona fides. If Immigration believes you are in a true relationship, you will be granted a conditional Green Card for two years.

Conditional green card

In most cases, when you are married for less than two years at the time of obtaining the green card, you will be granted a conditional green card. These conditions must be removed within the 90-day window before the card expires. To do this, both you and your U.S. citizen spouse will need to file Form

I-751 to request the removal of conditions on your permanent residence. This process is another opportunity for immigration authorities to assess your marriage’s legitimacy.

The Path to citizenship

After getting your green card, you can work towards naturalization. To do this, you need to meet certain requirements. You have to live in the U.S. as a permanent resident for a while, be a good person, and pass a test about the United States. Additionally, you must be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. and complete some paperwork.

If you remain married to a U.S. citizen when applying for your citizenship, you can submit your application three years after obtaining your conditional green card. However, if you have since divorced, you will need to wait for a period of five years before being eligible to apply.

Conclusion

Making the decision to marry a U.S. citizen and apply for a green card is a big one that should be thoroughly considered and committed to. There are a number of requirements and interviews to navigate throughout the process, which can be lengthy and complex. In spite of this, those who enter into marriage out of genuine love and intent can apply for permanent residence and a green card in the United States.

Get help from the Pros

If you’re contemplating marriage and need help with your green card paperwork, contact American Link Immigration Services. We have 32 years of experience helping people make their dreams of living in the USA a reality. Feel free to contact us at 702-818-1183 or visit our website at https://americanlinkimmigrationservices.com/ if you have any questions.

At American Link Immigration Services, we will walk you through each step of the process and make sure all your paperwork is in order. Our team is here to help you achieve your dream of living in the United States. We look forward to helping you!

Note:

The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

If you and your U.S. citizen partner haven’t yet been married and are living in separate countries, you need to apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa. This visa allows you, the foreign national, to travel to the U.S. to marry your U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of arrival. For a visa application to be considered valid, the couple must have met at least once in person within the last two years.