Marriage Green Card

Marriage-Based Green Card (Adjustment of Status – Inside the U.S.)

✅ Who qualifies:

• Husband is currently in the U.S.

• Entered the U.S. legally (even if visa expired)

• Married to a U.S. citizen (not just a green card holder)

• Marriage is genuine, not for immigration benefits

🧭 Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Prepare the Petition and Adjustment Package

All the following forms are filed together in one package:

1. Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative

2. Form I-130A – Supplemental Info about Beneficiary (husband)

3. Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

4. Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support (financial sponsorship from wife)

5. Form I-693 – Medical Exam Report (by a USCIS-approved doctor)

6. Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional, free with I-485)

7. Form I-131 – Application for Advance Parole (optional, free with I-485)

8. Form G-1145 – (Optional) to receive SMS/email updates

9. Supporting documents (see below)

Step 2: Include Supporting Documents

• Marriage certificate

• Copy of U.S. citizen’s passport or naturalization certificate

• Husband’s birth certificate, passport, and current visa (if applicable)

• Proof of legal entry (Form I-94)

• Proof of a real marriage: joint lease, joint bank accounts, wedding photos, etc.

• 2 passport-size photos of both spouses

🟡 If Marriage is Less than 2 Years

• The husband will get a 2-year Conditional Green Card

• Must file Form I-751 jointly to remove conditions within 90 days before it expires

📌 Important Conditions:

1. Marriage Certificate:
   She must have an official, government-issued marriage certificate before filing.

2. Genuine (bona fide) marriage:
   The couple should have entered the marriage in good faith, not solely for immigration purposes. Evidence like photos, lease agreements, joint accounts, etc., helps prove this.

3. Husband is in the U.S. legally:

   • If the husband entered the U.S. legally (even if overstayed), he can file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) while remaining in the U.S.

   • If he entered illegally, the process becomes more complex and may require waivers or consular processing.

📝 Summary:

• ✅ When to apply: Anytime after obtaining the official marriage certificate

• 🕐 Ideal time: As soon as possible to start the timeline for work permit, travel permit, and permanent residency

• 🛑 Do NOT delay if the husband’s visa has expired or will expire soon