How to Become a Permanent Resident Through Marriage
Becoming a US Permanent Resident is a big step for any immigrant, but it requires filing a ton of paper work and enduring long processing times. If you have a legitimate marriage to a US citizen, becoming a Green Card holder is a matter of filling out lots of forms, and attending various interviews and appointments.
The USCIS has strict rules about earning Permanent Residency through marriage. To ensure the Green Card application process runs as smoothly as possible, follow these steps.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Go the Unites States Citizenship and Immigration Services website uscis.gov. All the forms you need to file are downloadable from that website. Be wary of other sites that off the forms or charge a fee. All of the forms are free to download and print. You only need to send the government a check for processing fees when you mail them.
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The citizen spouse will need to fill out forms I-130 (the basic petition to have the immigrant become a permanent resident) and I-864 (a form one fills out to prove the couple has enough money to support the immigrant spouse) Everybody will file at least these two forms. Depending on other conditions, there are more.
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If the immigrant spouse is already living in the US on a different type of visa (ie travel visa, student visa, work visa, refugee) then he or she has to complete I-485, request to change status. If the spouse is living overseas and does not yet have a visa to enter the country legally, best to obtain one first before starting the process.
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Additionally, the immigrant will have to submit to a medical exam performed by a Civil Surgeon (if the immigrant is within certain age limits). It has to be performed by a registered Civil Surgeon and cannot be done by another doctor. The USCIS has a list of these special doctors by geographic area. The immigrant and the doctor fill out the form I-693.
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If you have to fill other forms, it will be indicated on the basic ones. For example, the instructions for the I-130 say that you need to fill out several copies of the G-325 form. If you are unclear about anything, call their toll free number.
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Make sure you have all the supplemental information gathered before you mail the packet. If you forget something or fill out something incorrectly, the gov't will send you a letter with instructions on how to fix it, but they will halt your application until you fix the problem. Also, plan on paying about $1500 in filing fees.
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If you think your situation is more complicated, or you are really lost, don't hesitate to contact an immigration lawyer. they can help you figure out which forms to file and how to gather your supporting documents.
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After you have filed all the correct forms, the next step will be a biometric assessment for the immigrant (icluding fingerprints) and an interview for the couple. The USCIS will schedule these for you, but you may be able to reschedule them if you contact USCIS early enough. The entire process can take between 6 months and a year for final approval.
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Tips & Warnings
When/if your application is approved have a party with friends and relatives to celebrate!
Related Searches
Resources
- Photo Credit become a permanent resident
Comments
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Meri Rees
Mar 01, 2009
Well written article. I had to laugh though because I went to the article thinking about students who marry becoming state residents... -
woot
Feb 27, 2009
Great article with useful details.
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elkim
Dec 08, 2008
Yes, I know that Permanent Residency is not automatic. I've been through the whole process as well. The biometrics and the interview are certainly another hassle in addition to the all paperwork!
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miasavc
Dec 08, 2008
Informative post.However, I want to add that you don't become a permanent resident right away just by filing. An interview is required after the biometrics is done. I went thru the whole process & yes, having all the supplemental information is a great idea to make sure your application is approved.
