How Can You Apply For A Marriage Green Card

After you have decided that you are eligible to apply for a Marriage Green Card it is just a three-step process.

• Send Form I-130 with supporting documents.
• Send your Green Card Application (Form I-485, Form DS-2260).
• Participate in your Green Card Interview to receive your Green Card.

Step 1. Submit Form I130

Filling out Form I-130, the “petition for an alien relative” is the first step to applying for a Marriage Green Card. The I-130 petition serves to prove that you are a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder and have a valid marriage. You must also submit your marriage certificate and other documents to prove your marriage is valid. You could also attach a joint mortgage, joint bank statement, or photos of your

spouse from the wedding or after marriage. After you have completed the I-130 file package, you will need to mail it to the correct USCIS address.

Step 2. Apply your Marriage Green Card

Next, you will need to apply for permanent residence in the United States. How you go about applying for permanent residency in the United States will depend on where you live at the time you apply.

Change of status

You must file Form I-485 if you’re currently living in the United States. This is the “Adjustment of Status” type. This allows you to “adjust your status” from your existing visa to a Marriage Green Card. You must normally file the following forms in addition to the Form I-485:

• Your birth certificate.
• Documentation proving your legal entry to the United States, such as your I-94 travel record and prior visa.
• Documentation proving your medical exam for immigration.
• Documents proving that your spouse can financially support you in the United States.

If your spouse is a U.S. Citizen then your Form I-485 will be submitted at the same time that your Form I-135. This is known as filing “concurrently”.

However, if your spouse has a Green Card, you will need to wait several months before you submit your Form I-485. When it is time for you to submit your Form I-485, the government will inform you.

Consular Processing

Consular Processing is used to apply for a Marriage Green Card if you live outside the United States. Consular Processing allows you to wait in your country until USCIS approves the Form I-130. After USCIS approves your form I-130, they will forward your file to the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will send you an email or mail notice depending on the information you requested when you submitted your Form I-130. This notice will give you important information about your case and tell you when you can submit your NVC filing package.

The following items will be included in your NVC filing package:

Required Government filing fees are $445 These fees are usually paid online. However, you should consult the NVC, Consulate or Embassy for more information.

Your Form DS260. This is the actual Green Card application that you will submit online.

You must provide proof of your nationality. This usually includes a copy your passport photo page and your birth certificate.

Certificates of police clearance from the relevant countries in which you have lived since 16 years old

You must prove that your spouse is a U.S. Citizen/Green Cardholder and can financially support you. This includes Form I-864 (also known as the “Affidavit of support”) and other evidence such as returns and pay slips.

Signature Immigration Services offers a simple web application that will help you prepare your Form DS260.

Step 3. Attend your Green Card Interview and receive your Marriage Green Card

Green Card interviews are the final step in the process of applying for a Marriage Green Card. This interview serves two purposes: to verify your legitimacy and to decide whether or not to grant you a Green Card.

Interviewing officers will ask questions about your relationship and daily activities. They may also inquire about your future plans. If your case contains any facts that could suggest fraud, you should expect additional questions. This includes:

• A large age gap exists between you and your spouse.
• Knowing your spouse for less than two years prior to marriage.
• Your spouse may have a different cultural background.
• Online, you may see different addresses for your spouse.
• Depending on how you applied to your Marriage Green Card, the interview will take place.

You can adjust your status with Form I-485

After reviewing your application, the USCIS will send you an appointment notice to schedule a Green Card interview at the nearest USCIS office. You and your spouse must both attend the interview.

A USCIS officer will interview you about your relationship and daily activities. He or she may also ask questions about your future plans. Interviews are conducted to ensure that you and your spouse are trying to create a life together, not just to obtain a Green Card. If your case contains any evidence that could suggest fraud, you can expect additional questions from the interviewing officer. These questions include:

• A large age gap exists between you and your spouse
• Knowing your spouse for less than two years prior to marriage
• Your spouse may have a different cultural background
• Online, you may see different addresses for your spouse.

If the USCIS officer is satisfied that you and your spouse are legally married, they will approve your application. Your Green Card will be sent to you by mail within 2–3 weeks.

Consular Processing Form DS-260 was used if you have applied

Once the National Visa Center has reviewed your Form DS260 and any supporting documents, the U.S. Embassy in your country will send you an appointment notice to schedule a Green Card interview. You and your spouse do not have to attend the Green Card interview abroad.

The consular officer will then decide whether or not to approve your application. Unless the officer feels that further investigation is necessary, a decision is typically made within one week. You will receive a visa to allow you to travel to the United States if the officer approves your Green Card request. A U.S. border agent will officially admit you into the United States at your point of entry. Your new Green Card will be sent by USCIS to your U.S. postal address.

Please visit our website Signature Immigration Services, for more information about marriage green card.