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• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Apply for a Green Card if you already live in the United States
• Method 2 of 2: Apply for a Green Card outside of the United States

Although it is not the case that by marrying a US citizen you automatically have the right to US citizenship, it does make it easier to get a permanent residence permit, or a green card. This process can take a long time and involves a lot of paperwork, but you can be sure that you will eventually have your green card and become a permanent resident of the US.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Apply for a Green Card if you already live in the United States

1. Provide proof of your marriage. As part of the procedure for obtaining a green card, the US government will ask you to provide proof of your marriage. The purpose of this is to prevent people from pretending to be married in order to obtain citizenship. For example, you will have to submit a so-called marriage permit. In addition, the American officials may also request the following proofs of your marriage:
   • Joint bank accounts, or proof that your spouse has been added as a beneficiary to other accounts.
   • If you already live together, deeds and / or rental contracts in which you are both mentioned.
   • Joint tax refund forms.
   • Documents that show that you have been in a relationship for a long time, such as displays of phone calls indicating that you have called, or receipts of purchase receipts for larger purchases.
2. Gather the necessary papers. Anyone married to a U.S. citizen must provide two forms: Form I-130 and Form I-485. Both forms must be completed and submitted by your spouse.
   • Form I-130 allows a citizen to confirm his or her relationship with an immediate family member. This form shows that the two partners are married and is the start of the green card application process.
   • Form I-485 is the application form that converts your status to that of permanent resident of the United States. If you already live in the US, all you need to do to get a green card is change your status to permanent resident. You will submit this form after submitting Form I-130 and after it has been approved, so be sure to submit this last form first.
3. File Form I-130. After you have submitted the form, you must submit it to the appropriate agency to start the procedure.
   • Depending on where you live, you can submit the form at one of two specific locations. Click here to find out what the correct location is given where you are.
   • You will be required to pay a fee of $ 420 to submit this form. You can pay this by check or money order.
   • Also include copies of proof of your marriage.
4. Submit Form I-485 when Form I-130 is approved. Once you have submitted Form I-130 and it has been approved, you can submit Form I-485 to convert your status to permanent resident.
   • Depending on your address and situation, you will have to submit this form to one specific location, from a list of different options. Click here to find out where to submit this form.
   • The cost of completing this form is $ 1,070.
5. If prompted, take part in the interview. In some cases, after all the forms are completed, the US government wants to question both spouses. If so, go to the interview. You may receive your green card immediately afterwards, or you may have to wait until it is sent to you by post.
   • If you already live in the US, this interview will likely be conducted at a local office of the US Immigration and Citizenship Agency (USCIS).
   • The main purpose of this conversation is to determine if a couple is indeed married and it usually focuses on personal details. If so, you will be able to answer the questions without much effort, but you and your spouse will need to go through a few points, such as: When / where were you married? How many people were there? Where did you get to know each other? How do you normally divide the household tasks?

Method 2 of 2: Apply for a Green Card outside of the United States

1. Provide proof of your marriage. As part of the procedure for obtaining a green card, the US government will ask you to provide proof of your marriage. The purpose of this is to prevent people from pretending to be married just to obtain citizenship. For example, you will have to submit a so-called marriage permit. In addition, the American officials may also request the following proofs of your marriage:
   • Joint bank accounts, or the fact that your spouse has been added as a beneficiary to other accounts.
   • If you already live together, deeds and / or rental contracts in which you are both mentioned.
   • Joint tax refund forms.
   • Documents showing that you have been in a relationship for a long time, such as recordings of phone calls indicating that you have called, or receipts for larger purchases.
2. Have your American spouse Form I-130 Submit. The spouse who is a U.S. citizen must complete and submit Form I-130 to the appropriate office. This form confirms your relationship and starts the procedure to have you come to the US.
3. Apply for an immigration visa. If you live abroad, you will need to apply for an immigration visa after Form I-130 has been approved. This application procedure consists of a number of different steps.
   • Fortunately, there is no limit to the number of visas allocated to family members of US citizens. Therefore, you shouldn't have to wait very long for your visa to be approved.
   • Fill out Form DS-260. You must complete this form online. The link is here. Fill in the form, print the page and bring it with you on the day of your interview.
   • Send all necessary documents to the US Visa Application Center (NVC). Which specific documents you will have to submit depends on your situation. It can range from financial information to proof of your current address.
   • Make sure you are present for the interview. After you have submitted all supporting papers and approved them, the US State Department will want to meet with you and your spouse. Make sure you don't miss this interview and answer all the questions they ask you honestly.
4. Emigrate to the US. If all goes well, you will now receive an immigration visa that allows you to enter the US and live with your spouse. Use this visa to enter the US and move in with your spouse. You can then start the procedure to become a permanent resident.
5. File Form I-485. Once you receive your visa and reside in the US, you can submit Form I-485 to convert your status to permanent resident.
   • Depending on your address and situation, you will have to submit this form to one specific location, from a list of different options. Click here to find out where to submit this form.
   • The cost of completing this form is $ 1,070.
6. Wait until you receive the confirmation by mail. After you have submitted all the papers, you will probably have to wait for your green card to arrive. When he arrives, you will be an official permanent resident of the US.