Applying for U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card) based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is relatively straightforward, and a commonly used path to a green card.
But there is still lots to know -- particularly if you have been laboring under the common misconception that marriage offers immediate or automatic U.S. citizenship. The truth is that applicants must still get through a long and demanding application process, and prove that their marriage is both valid and real, before being awarded a U.S. green card. Some will wish to enter the U.S. before getting married, on a nonimmigrant, fiance visa. Find out the details on all these possibilties here.
Legal Requirements for a Marriage-Based Visa or Green Card
Married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident? Here's how to apply for U.S. lawful permanent residence, otherwise known as a marriage-based immigrant visa or green card.
Legal Requirements for a K-1 Fiancé Visa
Circumstances under which a foreign national's planned marriage to a U.S. citizen qualifies him or her for a U.S. fiance visa.
Living in the U.S. and Married to a U.S. Permanent Resident: What Are the Immigration Options?
How your eventual eligibility for a green card may be complicated by long waits and inadmissibility issues.
Marriage-Based Green Card: Your Children's Eligibility
How a foreign national spouse can include children in the immigration process.
How Spouses and Minor, Unmarried Children of Permanent Residents Can Change Visa Category
A green card holder's spouse and children may move faster or slower in their quest for a green card depending on things like whether the petitioner becomes a U.S. citizen.
Entered the U.S. Illegally, Married a U.S. Citizen: Can I Get a Green Card?
As a foreign national living in the U.S. after entering unlawfully, your marriage to a U.S. citizen may not, unfortunately, create a straightforward path to a U.S. green card.
When Religious or Traditional Marriage Ceremonies Are Valid for Immigration Purposes
How to find out whether U.S. immigration authorities will accept the civil or religious document you received in your country upon getting married.
What's a Valid, Bona Fide Marriage for U.S. Immigration Purposes?
The basic requirement for a good faith marriage is that the parties intend to share a life together as spouses and are not only marrying to seek an immigration benefit.
Same-Sex Marriage a Basis for U.S. Lawful Permanent Residence (a Green Card)
If you are a noncitizen in a same-sex relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, everything you will read about the rules for marriage-based visas or green cards should apply to you, too.
Risks of Entering the U.S. as a Tourist, Then Applying for Marriage-Based Green Card
Arriving in the U.S. as a tourist expecting to then apply for a green card based on marriage can result in an accusation of visa fraud.
What's Better for Low-Income Couples: K-1 Fiancé Visa or Marriage-Based Immigrant Visa?
When it comes to both direct expenses and ability to prove sufficient income, the K-1 fiance visa can present greater hurdles than a marriage-based immigrant visa.
K-1 Fiancé Visa or Marriage Visa: Which Is Better for Me?
If you are in a relationship with a U.S. citizen, and think that you are ready to take the next step and make your home in the U.S., you may consider applying for either a marriage-based visa or a fiancé(e) visa with which to enter the United States. However, these visas have very different requirements, and allow you to do different things on differing timelines.
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.
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.
How to Prove You're a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident
Your best proof that you are either a U.S. permanent resident or a conditional permanent resident (who received status either as an investor or as the spouse of a U.S. citizen) is a green card.