How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through Marriage?

If you’ve recently married an American citizen and plan to live together in the United States, your next step should be to apply for a marriage-based green card. The first thing you’ll need to do is check if you qualify for the green card. Secondly, you must obtain all the documents needed to apply for a green card through marriage.

Sometimes, the application process can be a complex procedure that requires you to involve an experienced marriage green card lawyer. One of the main concerns for potential green card applicants is how long it takes to process the application–unlike the O-1 visa processing time, which is typically short because the it is only a non-immigrant employment based visa requiring the submission of only Form I-129, the processing time for a marriage-based green card is usually longer because there are numerous documents, forms and processes involved. This article explains the duration of the process to obtain a marriage green card.

For a comprehensive overview of the marriage green card, see our ultimate guide to marriage green card.

What Is a Marriage Green Card?

A marriage green card is a permanent resident card issued to an immigrant who marries a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S. The card allows the foreign national to permanently reside and work in any part of the U.S. After three years of residing in the U.S. without legal trouble, the foreign national is eligible to apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen.

Obtaining a green card through marriage is one of the easiest and fastest ways to become a permanent resident of the U.S. However, it’s important to understand that being married to a U.S. citizen alone doesn’t earn you any immigration status; rather, it qualifies you to apply for a green card and other immigration benefits.

How Long Will It Take to Get a Green Card Through Marriage?

As noted above, the time it takes to get your marriage-based green card depends on several factors, including your current country of residence, availability of the needed documents, and any legal issues you could face. Here is a breakdown of the possible amount of time your marriage green card application process might take:

Married to a U.S. citizen

If you’re married to a U.S. citizen and live in the U.S., you’ll need to wait about ten to fifteen months for your marriage green card to be processed, depending on the state where you file your application. If you currently live outside the U.S., you’ll have to wait about eleven to seventeen months for your green card.

If your spouse is a U.S. citizen and you’re currently living in the U.S., you have the option to file form I-130 and form I-485 simultaneously. The processing of these forms will take approximately ten months. Then, you’ll be invited for an interview, after which your application will be approved or rejected. The interview and approval process will take about one to two months.

If you’re applying for marriage from abroad and married to a U.S. citizen, you’ll be required to submit form I-130, which proves you’re married to your spouse–this will take about seven to ten months to process. Next, you’ll need to apply for a green card, which will take about one to two months. You’ll be invited for an interview before your application is approved or denied, which will take another one to two months.

Married to a Green Card Holder

If your spouse is a U.S. green card holder and you’re currently living in the U.S., the waiting period for your marriage green card is about twelve to twenty six months. If you’re currently residing outside the U.S., your marriage green card might take between twelve and thirty to be processed.

If you live in the U.S., you must submit form I-130 to prove you’re married to your spouse, which takes six to twelve months to process. Then, you’ll need to submit your green card application (form I-485), which takes another twelve months to process. The interview and approval might take one to two months or longer.

If you live abroad and your spouse is a green card holder, you must submit a proof of marriage form (I-130), which takes six to twelve months to process. Then, you’ll submit your green card application form (I-485), which is usually processed within one to two months. The interview and approval process will take one to two months–or longer. 

Of course, mishaps or misunderstandings can lengthen the process even further, which is why a skilled and qualified attorney, such as those at Xu Law Group, can help make sure you obtain your green card as swiftly as possible.

Why Hire a Marriage Green Card Attorney

An immigration lawyer at Xu Law Group can help with your green card marriage application, forms, documents, supporting evidence, interview preparation, and receive government agency notices on your behalf, and ensure your green card petition happens smoothly. Immigration law can be confusing. We have successfully handled hundreds of marriage green card cases for our clients. No matter what the challenge is facing each couple, we are ready to represent you throughout this unique journey. Your experience working with us will be nothing short of world-class. From the cutting-edge immigration tech tool we developed to make the process friendly, fast, and accurate, to the personal care you will receive from our legal team, we are here to ensure your success at every step of the way.

Request a Marriage Green Card Consultation

By submitting this form, you agree to receive email and SMS updates from Xu Law Group.

Ready to work with us? Let’s Talk.