Being eligible for U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card) based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) is a great start -- but now you've got to actually get the green card. Expect a months- or years-long process of filling out forms, providing documents, attending interviews, and waiting for the gears of a busy government bureaucracy to grind along. You'll need persistence and patience -- but in the end, it should pay off.
Applying for a Marriage-Based Immigrant Visa: Overview
Learn the application procedures if you're an immigrant seeking to apply for a U.S. marriage-based visa.
Applying for a Green Card Based on Marriage to a U.S. Permanent Resident: Overview
Married to a U.S. green card holder? Here's how that person can sponsor you to immigrate to the United States.
Married a U.S. Citizen: Can I Enter on My B-2 Visa Before Filing for a Green Card?
Since my B-1/B-2 is still good, can I just use this to visit my spouse while we wait for my immigrant visa to come through?
Can fiancé enter on Visa Waiver, get married, and get a green card?
A common misuse of the VWP may lead to a finding of visa fraud and inadmissibility.
Strategies for Applying for Marriage-Based Visa If Couple Lives Abroad
Steps you will need to take if you are a U.S. citizen living abroad (or you are a U.S. green card holder traveling abroad for an extended period of time), and you are married to a foreign citizen who wishes to receive a U.S. green card based on your marriage.
Chart: What to Expect When Sponsoring a Fiancé or Spouse for a Green Card
Find out how long it takes to get a fiancé or spouse visa--and how to do it.
How Long Is the Wait for an Immigrant's Priority Date to Become Current?
How would-be immigrants in the "preference categories" can track their progress toward visa availability using the State Department's Visa Bulletin.
How Becoming a U.S. Citizen Can Speed Up Immigration for Foreign Spouse
Difference between sponsoring a spouse in a preference category (husband or wife of a U.S. lawful permanent resident) and as an immediate relative (husband or wife of a U.S. citizen.)
Preparing an I-130 Petition for Immigrating Spouse of a U.S. Permanent Resident
If you are a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) married to a citizen of another country, and want to petition for your spouse to receive a U.S.
Can't Get Marriage Certificate: How to Prove Legal Marriage for U.S. Immigration
To support their Form I-130, most couples submit a marriage certificate. But what do you do if your government doesn't provide these?
Preparing I-130 Petition for the Immigrating Spouse of U.S. Citizen
If you are a U.S. citizen wishing to sponsor your foreign-born husband or wife for a U.S. green card, here's how to fill out the form that starts off the process.
Filling Out Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse and Beneficiary
As of 2017, all immigrating spouses must fill out Form I-130A to include with the I-130 petition.
Received a NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) After Marriage-Based Green Card Interview: What to Do?
A strong NOID response may be your final chance to succeed in your case.
Seeking Green Card Based on Second Marriage? Expect Extra USCIS Scrutiny
USCIS has become doubtful as to whether the documentation it receives showing termination of a prior marriages--particularly divorce decrees--are the real thing.
When Adjustment of Status Is Possible for the Immigrant Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
Learn more about how the adjustment of status process works for the immigrant spouse of a U.S. citizen.
What the Medical Exam for a U.S. Green Card Involves
What to expect in terms of examination, vaccinations, and more at your doctor's exam for U.S. lawful permanent residence.
Applying for Adjustment of Status as the Widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen
Procedural steps to get a U.S. green card if your petitioning husband or wife is deceased.
Documents to Bring to Your Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status Interview
Here is some guidance on what to bring to a personal interview at a district office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Should We Open a Joint Bank Account Just to Satisfy USCIS That Our Marriage Is Bona Fide?
Opening a joint bank account is a good idea only if you'll really use it as a joint account!