How to Apply for a Green Card Through Marriage to a Permanent Resident
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a long, often arduous process that begins with getting a green card, which indicates permanent resident status. U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, USCIS, allows permanent residents of the United States to petition for their spouses to receive a green card. There is a limit to the number of people who receive green cards through this method, resulting in a wait time of months or years. Applying for your green card as the spouse of a permanent resident requires you to submit a set of documents to the U.S. government.
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Instructions
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File the Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, with the USICS. This form must be filed by the permanent resident of the U.S.
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Wait for Form I-130 to be approved. File the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, Form I-485.
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Supply the National Visa Center with the following documents: Biographic Information, Form G-325A; Affidavit of Support, Form I-864; Medical Examination Results, Form I-693; and other required supporting documents requested by the National Visa Center.
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4
Wait for the National Visa Center to notify you that an immigrant visa number is available. Pay USICS immigrant visa processing fees.
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Schedule an interview with the USCIS. Prepare to answer questions about your documents, marriage status and other personal information.
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Receive your visa packet and Conditional Permanent Resident stamp from the National Visa Center. Do not open the visa packet.
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Schedule your trip to the United States. Take your visa packet and supporting documentation with you. Present your visa packet to the customs officers at your port of entry. They review the documentation and admit you to the United States, if your documents are acceptable.
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Wait for your green card to arrive in the mail. While you legally become a permanent resident once the border officer admits you to the U.S., your official green card is important for documentation purposes.
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Tips & Warnings
Individuals who currently reside in the U.S., may undergo an expedited green card application. Consult the USCIS for additional information.
The application process typically takes at least six to nine months. Be patient and wait for the USICS to contact you with information about the status of your application.
Arranging a false marriage to a permanent resident of the U.S., for purposes of obtaining a green card is illegal. If your interviewer suspects your marriage is a sham, you may be investigated by the fraud department and subject to criminal charges.
References
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