Content

• Steps

While marrying a US citizen does not automatically result in citizenship in the United States, it will make it easier for you to apply for longer-term residency, commonly known as a green card. This process can be lengthy with many papers that need to be filled out. However, once the application process begins, you can be sure that you will eventually receive a green card and become a permanent resident of the United States.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Apply for a Green Card while in the United States

1. 

   Collect proof of your marriage. During the process of applying for a green card, the US government will ask for proof of your marital status. This is to prevent fake marriages to gain citizenship. You will have to submit a marriage certificate. In addition, the US employee may ask for the following proof of marriage:
   • Joint bank account, or name spouse as beneficiary of other accounts.
   • If you live together, the house purchase and / or rental agreement must include the names of the two of you.
   • General income tax return.
   • Proof of a long-term relationship, like a phone number record showing you called each other, or a large purchase bill.

2. 

   
   
   Gather the necessary papers. There are two forms that the spouse of the US citizen must file: Form I-130 and Form I-485. Your spouse will be required to complete both forms and submit.
   • Form I-130 is used for citizens who have a relationship with an immediate family member. This form proves that the two are married and the green card application process began.
   • Form I-485 is an application to adjust your status to become a permanent resident of the United States. If you are living in the United States, getting a green card simply means changing your status to a permanent resident. This form is filed after you file Form I-130 and is accepted, so please wait to submit the above form.

3. 

   
   
   File Form I-130. After you fill out the form, you will need to send it to the designated place to begin the green card application process.
   • Depending on where you live, you may be able to apply at one of two locations. Click here to find the right place where you live.
   • The application fee is $ 420. You can pay by check or money order.
   • You will also need to provide a copy of the marriage certificate.

4. 

   
   
   Submit Form I-485 when Form I-130 is approved. After filing Form I-130 and being accepted, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident.
   • Depending on the address and situation, you may be able to submit this form at one of several locations. Click here to find out where you need to apply.
   • The application fee is $ 1,070.

5. 

   Take part in an interview if required. Sometimes, the US government needs to interview both spouses after both applications have been reviewed. In this case, you need to attend the interview. After that, you may get your green card on the spot, or you may have to wait through the mail.
   • If you are living in the United States, the interview may be done at the local US Citizenship and Citizenship Services (USCIS) office.
   • The main purpose of the interview is to decide if the two of you are really married, and often focus on personal details. In this case, you won't have much trouble answering the question, but you and your spouse should research some important points like: when / where did you get married? How many people attended the wedding? Where did you meet? How do you usually assign housework?
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Method 2 of 2: Apply for a Green Card while in another Country

1. 

   Collect proof of your marriage. During the process of applying for a green card, the US government will ask for proof of your marital status. This is to prevent fake marriages to gain citizenship. You will have to submit a marriage certificate. In addition, the US employee may ask for the following proof of marriage:
   • Joint bank account, or name spouse as beneficiary of other accounts.
   • If you live together, the house purchase and / or rental agreement must include the names of the two of you.
   • General income tax return.
   • Evidence of a long-term relationship, like phone number records showing you called each other, or high-value purchases.

2. 

   Ask your spouse to be a US citizen Form I-130. A US citizen spouse must complete Form I-130 and file it at the designated place. This will establish a relationship between the two of you and begin the process of bringing you to the United States.

3. 

   Apply for an immigrant visa. If you live abroad, you will have to apply for an immigrant visa after Form I-130 is approved. There are several steps in the process of performing this procedure.
   • Fortunately, there is no limit to the number of visas issued to the immediate family member of a US citizen. This will reduce visa waiting time.
   • Fill out Form DS-260. This form must be completed online. The link is here. When you finish filling out the form, print it out and bring it to your interview.
   • Submit the required documents to the National Visa Center. Specific documents will be required on a case by case basis. They can range from financial data to proof of your current address.
   • Complete the interview. Once all supporting documents are submitted and approved, the US State Department will want to interview you and your spouse. Make sure to attend this interview and answer their questions honestly.

4. 

   Moved to USA. If all goes well, you will be issued a permanent visa to live in the United States. You use this visa to enter the United States and live with your spouse. After that, you can begin to apply for permanent residence.

5. 

   File Form I-485. Once you have a visa and come to live in the United States, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status to become a permanent resident.
   • Based on your address and situation, you will submit this form in one of several locations. Click here to find an application site.
   • The application fee is $ 1,070.

6. 

   Please wait for the confirmation letter. After you submit your documents, you will have to wait to receive your green card in the mail. Upon receiving the card, you become an official permanent resident of the United States. advertisement