Marriage Green Card Lawyer | U.S. Permanent Residency Through Marriage
A marriage-based green card allows a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor their spouse for permanent residency in the United States. Whether you are married to a U.S. citizen, engaged, or preparing for a spousal petition, the marriage green card process requires careful documentation, strict evidence, and accurate legal preparation.
At AB Legal Consult, we help couples navigate the entire process — from filing the initial petition to preparing for interviews — ensuring that your case is thorough, well-documented, and compliant with USCIS standards.
What Is a Marriage Green Card?
A marriage green card gives the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident the right to:
• Live permanently in the United States
• Work for any employer without restrictions
• Travel internationally
• Apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements
The process varies depending on whether the spouse is inside the U.S. or abroad, and whether the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
Marriage Green Card Eligibility
To qualify, the couple must show:
• A lawful marriage (valid in the place where it was performed)
• A bona fide relationship (real marriage, not for immigration benefits)
• Financial sponsorship by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• No disqualifying criminal or immigration violations
• For spouses inside the U.S.: lawful entry is required
Evidence of a real marriage may include:
• Joint leases, mortgages, or utility bills
• Photos and travel history
• Joint bank accounts
• Communication records
• Affidavits from family or friends
• Insurance policies or shared financial obligations
We help organize and present this evidence clearly.
Marriage Green Card Process for Spouses in the United States (Adjustment of Status)
U.S. citizens may sponsor spouses who are already in the U.S. through a process called Adjustment of Status.
This typically includes:
• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
• Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status)
• Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
• Form I-765 (Work Authorization)
• Form I-131 (Advance Parole)
Most applicants receive:
• A work permit
• A travel document
• Then a green card interview
If approved, the spouse receives a 2-year conditional green card (if married less than 2 years) or a 10-year permanent green card (if married more than 2 years).
Marriage Green Card Process for Spouses Abroad (Consular Processing)
Spouses living outside the United States complete the green card process through a U.S. consulate.
This process includes:
• Filing Form I-130
• National Visa Center (NVC) processing
• DS-260 immigrant visa application
• Medical examination
• Consular interview
Upon approval, the spouse receives an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
Conditional Green Cards (2-Year)
If the marriage is less than two years old at the time of green card approval, USCIS issues a conditional green card.
To remove conditions (Form I-751), the couple must show ongoing evidence of a genuine marriage.
Evidence may include:
• Updated joint financial documents
• Shared property or lease agreements
• Birth certificates of children
• Travel history
• Photos and affidavits
We assist with both joint filings and waivers if the couple has separated.
Common Challenges in Marriage-Based Cases
Marriage green card applications can face delays or denials due to:
• Insufficient proof of a bona fide relationship
• Inconsistent interview answers
• Missing financial documents
• Criminal or immigration violations
• Prior visa overstays or misrepresentation
• Issues with foreign divorce records
• Cultural or language differences that raise questions
We identify potential issues early and prepare a strong, well-organized case.
The Marriage Green Card Timeline
Processing times vary but generally include:
• I-130 approval: several months
• Interview scheduling: varies by location
• Employment authorization: usually 3–6 months (for AOS)
• Green card approval: typically 8–14 months
We keep you informed throughout the process.
How AB Legal Consult Helps With Marriage Green Cards
We offer complete legal support, including:
• Eligibility assessment and strategy
• Preparation of all USCIS forms
• Guidance on financial sponsorship requirements
• Organization of relationship evidence
• Interview preparation for both spouses
• Handling RFEs and complex cases
• Support for I-751 removal of conditions
• Assistance for couples facing long-distance or cultural challenges
Our goal is to present the relationship clearly and convincingly.
Start Your Marriage Green Card Process Today
Whether your spouse is inside the U.S. or abroad, we are ready to help you navigate the process with confidence. Our firm provides personalized guidance to help couples build strong, well-documented applications that increase the likelihood of approval.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a marriage green card lawyer.