Get a Marriage-Based Green Card – Build Your Future in the U.S.

Secure permanent residency and full legal work rights through marriage, and start shaping your life in the United States.
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What Is a Marriage-Based Green Card?

If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you may qualify for a marriage-based green card (spouse green card). This status grants you permanent residency and work authorization in the United States, allowing you to live and work without restrictions.

Marriage-based green card holders may also become eligible for U.S. citizenship. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply after 3 years of permanent residency. In all other cases, the standard wait time is 5 years.

Wondering how to apply for a marriage-based green card in 2025? At Gozel Law, our experienced immigration team can guide you through every step of the process.

Key Benefits

  • Live and work in the U.S. permanently
  • Apply for U.S. citizenship in 3 years (if married to a U.S. citizen)
  • Faster processing compared to other green card categories
  • Access to Social Security and healthcare benefits
  • Legal immigration status for your under-18 children
  • 2-year or 10-year green card based on marriage duration

The marriage green card process begins with Form I-130. To avoid delays or denial, follow a complete marriage green card checklist with all required documents.

Marriage Green Card Checklist (2025 Edition)

  • Form I-130 & I-130A (Petition)
  • Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status – if inside the U.S.)
  • DS-260 Form (Immigrant Visa – if applying from abroad)
  • Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
  • Sponsor's Financial Documents: Last 3 years of Tax Returns, W-2s, Recent Pay Stubs (typically last 3 months)
  • Marriage Certificate and Translated ID Documents
  • Bona Fide Marriage Evidence (e.g., joint lease, bank accounts, photos)
  • I-693 Medical Exam (from USCIS-authorized doctor)

Additional documents may be required depending on your specific case or if you're applying from abroad.

Just got married? Learn how to apply for green card after marriage with Gozel Law’s experienced immigration attorneys.

How to Get a Marriage Green Card (2025)

Application process and important tips from our founding attorney Arif Gozel.

Get a Marriage Green Card - 2025 Updated Guide

Thinking of Applying for a Marriage Green Card?

Let Gozel Law's immigration attorneys handle your entire process — from eligibility review to interview preparation and final approval.

Why Choose Gozel Law?

Hundreds of successful marriage-based green card cases
Complete document preparation and legal guidance
Interview readiness support
Transparent, reliable, and expert service

Client Testimonials

Read real stories and reviews from our clients on Google Reviews.

"Our marriage-based Green Card process went very smoothly thanks to Gozel Law. Attorney Arif and his team were with us every step of the way. We received our Green Card in just 8 months. Being able to receive service in Turkish was a great advantage."

Ayşe and Robert K.

January 2025

"We thought the USCIS interview would be very stressful, but the Gozel Law team prepared us very well. The interview lasted 30 minutes and we were approved immediately. Their professional approach and experience really make a difference."

Mehmet and Jennifer L.

November 2024

"The application process required many documents. The Gozel Law team explained everything in great detail and we didn't miss any paperwork. We now live permanently in America, thank you!"

Fatma and Michael R.

September 2024

2025 Timeline

Marriage Green Card Timeline – 2025 Process Breakdown

  • 1

    This is decided during the I-130 stage, based on whether you're applying from inside the U.S. (Form I-485) or abroad (DS-260).

  • 2

    Submit Form I-130 and supporting documents to USCIS.

  • 3

    USCIS sends a receipt notice within 2-3 weeks (not an approval).

  • 4

    Attend fingerprinting and submit I-693 from a USCIS-approved doctor.

  • 5

    Apply for temporary work and travel permits while your green card is pending.

  • 6

    Attend the USCIS or consular interview. Be prepared to demonstrate the authenticity of your marriage.

  • Receive either a 2-year conditional or 10-year permanent green card. If you receive a conditional card, file Form I-751 after 2 years for permanent status.

Green Card to Citizenship Timeline (Marriage-Based)

  • 3 years of green card status (if your spouse is a U.S. citizen)
  • Minimum 18 months of physical presence in the U.S.
  • Pass English and civics tests
  • If your spouse is not a citizen or you divorce, the requirement extends to 5 years

2025 Updates to the Process

  • Latest form versions required
  • Separate fees for each form
  • COVID-19 vaccination no longer mandatory
  • Fraud screening measures increased

For details, contact us.

FAQ

Marriage Green Card Questions

No, but all documents must remain consistent and traceable to your identity.

Yes. You may apply via consular processing (DS-260) if the marriage is legally valid.

If your marriage is bona fide and your spouse is a U.S. citizen, Adjustment of Status may be possible — but intent and timing are critical.

Yes, if the children are unmarried, under 21, and the marriage to the U.S. citizen or green card holder occurred before the child turned 18, they may qualify as derivative beneficiaries.

If the marriage is under 2 years old, a 2-year conditional green card is issued. After 2 years, you must file Form I-751 to remove conditions.

Yes, during Adjustment of Status, you may apply for both the EAD (Form I-765) and SSN.

It's possible, but not sharing a home can raise concerns. You'll need strong evidence of a bona fide relationship.

If your spouse's income is insufficient, a U.S. citizen or green card holder can act as a joint sponsor via Form I-864.

Joint leases, bills, photos, trips together, child birth certificates, and consistent communication history.

Common reasons include inconsistent information, missing documents, or suspicion of fraud.

Attorney fees can vary, but Gozel Law offers transparent pricing. Learn more about our marriage-based green card attorney fees by contacting us.

Yes, if your spouse is a U.S. citizen and your marriage is bona fide, most visa overstays are forgiven during the Adjustment of Status process. However, legal guidance is strongly recommended.

If you're married to a U.S. citizen, unauthorized work is often forgiven. You can still apply for a marriage-based green card, but it's best to consult with an immigration attorney for case-specific advice.

Need Help With Your Marriage Green Card Application?

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