Timeline for Obtaining a Green Card Through Marriage

Timeline for Obtaining a Green Card Through Marriage

Obtaining a green card through marriage is a common path for many individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States. The process involves several steps and can vary in duration depending on individual circumstances. Typically, the timeline includes submitting the marriage-based green card application, attending an interview, and receiving a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is important to understand the expected timeline to navigate the process efficiently. Watch the video below to learn more about the timeline for obtaining a green card through marriage.

How long does it take to get a Green Card through marriage

Obtaining a Green Card through marriage to a U.S. citizen is a common pathway for many individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States. However, the process of obtaining a Green Card through marriage can vary in terms of timeline and complexity. In this article, we will explore how long it typically takes to get a Green Card through marriage.

One of the key factors that can impact the timeline for obtaining a Green Card through marriage is whether the spouse seeking the Green Card is already in the United States or is residing abroad. If the spouse is already in the U.S., the process may be faster compared to a situation where the spouse is outside the country.

For spouses who are already in the United States, the typical process involves filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the I-130 petition is approved, the spouse can then file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This process is often referred to as concurrent filing and can significantly shorten the overall processing time.

After filing the necessary forms, the couple may be required to attend an in-person interview with USCIS as part of the Green Card application process. The interview is an opportunity for USCIS to verify the authenticity of the marriage and assess the eligibility of the spouse for a Green Card.

The timeline for obtaining a Green Card through marriage can also be influenced by the workload and processing times of USCIS. In some cases, the process may be delayed due to backlogs or other administrative factors. It is important for applicants to stay informed about the current processing times and to follow up with USCIS if there are any delays in their case.

For spouses who are residing abroad, the process of obtaining a Green Card through marriage may involve additional steps. In these cases, the U.S. citizen spouse will need to file Form I-130 with USCIS, and once the petition is approved, the spouse will need to go through consular processing at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

Consular processing typically involves an interview with a consular officer to determine the spouse's eligibility for a Green Card. The timeline for consular processing can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the workload of the embassy or consulate where the interview takes place.

Overall, the timeline for obtaining a Green Card through marriage can range from several months to over a year, depending on various factors such as the location of the spouse, the complexity of the case, and the processing times of USCIS and the Department of State. It is important for couples to be patient and diligent throughout the process and to seek guidance from an experienced immigration attorney if needed.