Bringing Your Spouse to Live in the U.S.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, children, parents, or siblings for a green card

Consult and Assess Now

Application Criteria for Spouse of U.S. Citizen & Permanent Resident

  • Can sponsor a green card for husband/wife (no visa quota or priority date wait)
  • Can file Form I-130 and Form I-485 at the same time
  • Marriage validity is closely examined; strong evidence is required
  • Can sponsor a green card for husband/wife but subject to priority date wait under the F2A category
  • Can not file Form I-130 and Form I-485 concurrently (must wait until the priority date is current to file Form I-485)

Marriage-Based Green Card Application Process

1.Adjustment of Status (If the Beneficiary is Already in the U.S.)

A.For Spouses of U.S. Citizens (No Priority Date Wait)

  1. Submit Form I-130 and Form I-485 together (and optionally I-765 and I-131)
  2. Attend biometrics/fingerprinting appointment
  3. Attend marriage green card interview
  4. Upon approval: green card issued

B.For Spouses of Permanent Residents (Subject to Priority Date Wait)

  1. Submit Form I-130
  2. Wait for priority date to become current
  3. Once current (Chart B): fileForm I-485 (and optionally I-765 and I-131 at the same time)
  4. Attend biomerics/fingerprinting appointmentand receive Combo Card (EAD + Advance Parole)
  5. Once curent (Chart A):USCIS adjudicates the green card
  6. Attend marriage green card interview
  7. Upon approval: green card issued

2. Consular Processing (If the Beneficiary is Outside the U.S.)

  1. Submit Form I-130
  2. Once passed, wait for NVCcase creation; then submit Form DS-260 and other civil documents
  3. Attend U.S. consulate interview(spouses of permanent residents will have to wait for their priority date to become current first)
  4. Upon approval: receiveimmigrant visa 
  5. Enter the U.S.and await green card by mail

Tips:
The average case processing time is around 12 to 18 months for spouses of U.S. citizens and 30-36 months for spouses of permanent residents. The average processing time for I-485 is approximately 12 to 16 months, depending on USCIS field office.