A marriage green card, also known as a spousal visa, is a type of visa that allows a foreign national to live and work in the United States with their U.S. citizen spouse. The marriage green card is a way for married couples to stay together and build a life in the United States.
Are You Eligible for a Marriage Green Card?
To be eligible for a marriage green card, you must meet certain requirements. First, you must be married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Second, you must prove that your marriage is legitimate and not just for the purpose of obtaining a green card. This can be proven by providing evidence of joint financial accounts, shared living arrangements, and other documentation that shows that you have a real and ongoing relationship.
Additionally, you must not have a criminal record or other legal issues that would make you ineligible for a green card. If you have previously been deported or have violated immigration laws, you may not be eligible for a marriage green card.
Is it Illegal to Get Married for a Green Card?
It is illegal to get married solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card. This is known as marriage fraud and is a federal crime. Immigration officials take marriage fraud very seriously and can deny a green card application, as well as prosecute those involved in marriage fraud.
However, if you are genuinely in love and want to get married to an U.S. citizen, you can apply for a marriage green card. It is important to note that the immigration process is complex, and you will need to provide substantial evidence to prove that your marriage is legitimate to citizenship and immigration services (USICS).
How Long to be Married for Green Card?
There is no specific time that you need to be married before applying for a marriage green card. However, you will need to provide evidence that you have a real and ongoing relationship with your spouse. This means that if you have only been married for a short time, you will need to provide additional evidence to prove the legitimacy of your relationship.
How Do You Apply for a Marriage Green Card?
To apply for a marriage green card, you will need to submit Form I-485 to the citizenship and immigration services, which is an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form is used to apply for a green card when you are already in the United States.
You will also need to submit Form DS-260, which is an Online Immigrant Visa Application. This form is used to apply for a green card when you are outside of the United States.
In addition to these forms, you will need to provide a variety of supporting documents, such as your marriage certificate, financial records, and other documentation that proves the legitimacy of your relationship.
Overall, obtaining a marriage green card can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is an important step for couples who want to build a life together in the United States. If you are considering applying for a marriage green card, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who offers immigration services and can guide you through the process and help ensure a successful outcome.
Spouse Green Card Holder
A spouse green card holder is a foreign national who has obtained a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Once the green card is obtained, the spouse can live and work in the United States permanently, as long as they do not violate any immigration law or commit any crimes. The spouse green card holder has the same rights and responsibilities as any other green card holder, including the ability to apply for citizenship after a certain period of time. The spouse green card holder can also apply to bring a spouse to USA or other family members to the United States, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Overall, the spouse green card is a valuable tool for couples who want to stay together and build a life in the United States.
When Can a Green Card Holder Apply for Citizenship?
A green card holder can apply for U.S. citizenship, also known as naturalization, after they have met certain eligibility requirements. Generally, green card holders must have had their green card for at least 5 years before they can apply for citizenship. However, if the green card holder obtained their green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, they may be eligible to apply for citizenship after 3 years. Additionally, the green card holders must meet other requirements, such as being physically present in the United States for a certain amount of time, demonstrating good moral character, and passing an English and civics test. Once a green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen, they have the same rights and responsibilities as any other citizen, including the right to vote and the ability to travel with a U.S. passport.
Petition to a Married Son
Petitioning for a married son to obtain a green card can be a complex and lengthy process. To begin the process, the U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent must file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of their married son. The petition will establish the relationship between the parent and the married son, and will provide evidence that the married son is eligible for a green card. The processing time for the Form I-130 can vary depending on the backlog of applications, but it typically takes several months to a year for the petition to be approved.
Once the Form I-130 is approved, the married son will need to wait for an immigrant visa to become available. The wait time for an immigrant visa can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the country of origin and the number of available visas in the relevant category. The wait time can be several years or even decades, particularly for applicants from countries with a high demand for immigrant visas.
It is important to note that the petitioning process for a married son is separate from the application for the green card itself. Once the immigrant visa becomes available, the married son will need to apply for a green card and go through additional steps to demonstrate their eligibility for permanent residency. Overall, petitioning for a married son can be a lengthy and complex process, and it is important to work with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure a successful outcome.
