Marrying A U.S. Citizen – What You Should Know

If you are seeking to obtain a green card through marriage, there are a few things you should know. The process of getting a green card through marriage is not as simple as just getting married to a US citizen. There are certain steps you must take and certain requirements you must meet in order for your application to be successful. In this blog post, we will outline the process of getting a green card through marriage and what you need to do in order to increase your chances of success.

Eligibility

The first thing you need to do is make sure that you are eligible to apply for a green card through marriage. You must be married to a US citizen or permanent resident in order for your application to be considered. If your spouse is not a US citizen or permanent resident, your application will likely be denied. 

Documentation

The next thing you need to do is gather all the necessary documentation. This includes your birth certificate, passport, proof of termination of any previous marriages, and evidence of your relationship with your spouse such as joint bank statements and lease agreement. You will also need to fill out form I-130 and form I-485. Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation, you will need to submit it along with the appropriate fees. 

Application

After your application has been submitted, you will be scheduled for an interview with a United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. The purpose of this interview is to verify the information on your application and to assess whether your marriage is genuine. You will need to bring all the documentation listed above to this interview, as well as any additional documentation that the USCIS officer requests. 

Once the USCIS officer has determined that your marriage is genuine, you will be granted a green card and will be able to live and work in the United States permanently. 

If you are planning on marrying a US citizen in order to obtain a green card, there are certain things you need to do in order for your application to be successful. Make sure that you are eligible by ensuring that your spouse is a US citizen or permanent resident. Gather all the necessary documentation including evidence of your relationship and fill out form I-130 and form I-485. Finally, schedule an interview with a USCIS officer and be prepared to answer questions about your relationship and provide additional documentation if requested. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining a green card through marriage. Another option is to have an attorney help with the process.

An Attorney Help with the Process

An immigration attorney can provide invaluable assistance to individuals who are considering marrying a US citizen in order to obtain legal immigration status. By making sure all paperwork is accurately completed and filed in accordance with immigration requirements, an immigration attorney can ensure that your immigration process is as smooth as possible. They will also offer important advice on best practices when it comes to demonstrating a legitimate, real marriage in order to gain approval of the green card application. Regardless of the unique circumstances of any particular situation, an immigration attorney can provide the necessary expertise to help navigate this complex legal issue successfully. Contact the attorneys at The VanNoy Firm for a consultation.