SpouseBuilding Your Future Together in the United States
Marriage is more than a commitment between two people — for many couples, it’s also the first step toward building a life together in the United States. If you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR), you may be eligible for a marriage-based green card, which grants you lawful permanent residency.
At Abogados Karlin, we know this process can feel overwhelming, with paperwork, interviews, and strict requirements. Our bilingual legal team has more than 40 years of experience helping couples successfully secure marriage green cards and move forward with their lives together.
Table of Contents
Secure Your Marriage Green Card with Confidence
Don’t let paperwork or delays stand in the way of your future together. At Abogados Karlin, we make the marriage green card process simple and stress-free. Call us today for a free consultation.
What Is a Marriage Green Card?
A marriage green card allows the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen or LPR to live and work legally in the United States. After three years of permanent residency, the spouse may apply for U.S. citizenship (if still married to and living with the U.S. citizen spouse).
If the marriage is less than two years old at the time the green card is approved, the immigrant spouse will first receive a conditional green card, valid for two years. The couple must later file to remove the conditions by showing the marriage is still bona fide.
Step-by-Step Process for a Marriage Green Card
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
- Filed by the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse with USCIS.
- Proves the marriage is legally valid and genuine.
- Requires supporting evidence: marriage certificate, joint financial records, photos, affidavits.
- Receipt & Review by USCIS
- USCIS issues a receipt notice confirming the petition is under review.
- Request for Evidence (if needed)
- USCIS may ask for more documentation to prove the authenticity of the marriage.
- Form I-485 or DS-260
- If the foreign spouse is already in the U.S., file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
- If abroad, file Form DS-260 (Consular Processing) at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Both require Form I-864, Affidavit of Support and additional documentation.
- Biometrics & Background Check
- Fingerprints and security screening.
- Marriage Interview
- Conducted at USCIS (if in the U.S.) or at a consulate (if abroad).
- Both spouses may be questioned about their relationship history to confirm it is bona fide.
- Decision & Issuance of Green Card
- If approved in the U.S., the spouse receives their green card by mail.
- If approved abroad, the spouse receives a visa stamp to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
Experienced Legal Help, Delivered with Care and Commitment.
How Abogados Karlin Can Help You
Marriage-based green card cases can be straightforward — but they are also one of the most closely scrutinized immigration processes. A small mistake or missing document can lead to long delays or denials.
We assist couples with:
- Preparing and filing all required forms with USCIS.
- Gathering strong supporting evidence to prove the marriage is genuine.
- Preparing both spouses for the green card interview.
- Handling RFEs (Requests for Evidence) or notices from USCIS.
- Filing to remove conditions after two years on a conditional green card.
- Representing couples if complications arise, including denials or fraud allegations.
Why Choose Abogados Karlin
- Over 40 years of experience in family-based immigration.
- A family-owned, bilingual law firm that treats clients with care and respect.
- A proven record of guiding couples through complex marriage green card applications.
- Transparent, honest guidance every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits do marriage green card holders have?
Marriage green card holders can live and work legally in the U.S., travel more freely, and after three years may apply for citizenship (if married to a U.S. citizen).
How long does it take to get a marriage green card?
Processing times range from several months to over a year, depending on USCIS backlogs, the location of the applicant, and whether the case is processed inside the U.S. or abroad.
How many years do I have to be married before applying?
There is no minimum time. You may apply as soon as the marriage is legally valid. However, if the marriage is less than two years old, the green card will be conditional.
How much does it cost?
Government filing fees vary depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the U.S. Legal fees also vary by case complexity. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can prevent costly mistakes and delays.
What happens at the marriage interview?
USCIS or consular officers ask questions about your relationship history, daily life, and marriage to confirm it is real. Both spouses must be consistent and provide evidence of their life together.
What if my case is denied?
If denied, you may reapply with stronger evidence, file a motion to reopen/reconsider, or in some cases, appeal the decision.
Start Your Green Card Journey Together
Applying for a marriage-based green card is one of the most important steps in your life as a couple. Abogados Karlin is here to guide you through the process with compassion and clarity.
Call us today at (888) 365-1555 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
