Green Card Through Marriage

When it comes to building a life together with your spouse in the United States, applying for a Green Card through marriage is often an essential step. This process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. 

At N400 Harbor Immigration Law, we are committed to helping families stay united by simplifying the Green Card process and providing the support they need to succeed.

Why Trust Us With Your Green Card Application?

At N400 Harbor Immigration Law, we take pride in offering compassionate, honest, and effective legal support. Every marriage has its unique story, and we work closely with you to ensure your application reflects the strength and authenticity of your relationship. Here’s how we can help:

Comprehensive Assistance

From the first step to the last, we provide guidance to help you stay confident and organized. Our services include:

  • Assessing Eligibility: We help you determine whether you meet the requirements to apply, whether you’re a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident sponsoring your spouse.
  • Document Preparation: We guide you through compiling the necessary paperwork, including Form I-130, Form I-485, and supporting documents.
  • Timely Submission: We ensure all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time to avoid unnecessary delays.
  • Interview Preparation: A critical part of the process, the Green Card interview, can feel nerve-wracking. We’ll help you prepare for it, from understanding the types of questions asked to practice responses that highlight the validity of your marriage.

Steps to a Marriage-Based Green Card

Here’s a snapshot of what the Green Card process involves:

1. Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130)

The U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse files this petition to establish the marriage’s legitimacy. It’s the foundation of the application.

2. Visa Availability

If the foreign spouse is outside the United States, there may be a waiting period for visa availability based on their category.

3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

  • Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): If the foreign spouse is already in the U.S., this step allows them to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country.
  • Consular Processing: If the spouse is abroad, the application is completed at a U.S. consulate in their home country.

4. Biometrics Appointment

Both spouses must attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and background checks.

5. Interview

A USCIS officer interviews the couple to verify the marriage’s authenticity. Passing this interview is critical to approval.

6. Conditional Green Card

If the marriage is under two years old when the application is approved, a conditional Green Card is issued, valid for two years.

7. Removing Conditions (Form I-751)

To receive a permanent Green Card, the couple must jointly file a petition to remove the conditions within 90 days before the two-year Green Card expires.

Common Challenges and How We Help You Overcome Them

The Green Card process isn’t without its hurdles, but we are here to help you every step of the way. Here are some common concerns and how we address them:

Insufficient Proof of Marriage

Proving that your marriage is genuine can be tricky. We help you compile compelling evidence, such as shared financial records, photos, travel history, and even affidavits from friends and family.

Complicated Immigration Histories

If your spouse has overstayed a visa or faced immigration issues in the past, we work with you to address these challenges and find solutions that support your case.

Preparing for the Interview

We provide mock interviews, sample questions, and personalized feedback to help you feel confident and well-prepared.

Let’s Work Together

Your life with your spouse in the U.S. starts with taking the right steps toward permanent residency. Whether you’re just beginning the process or facing challenges along the way, N400 Harbor Immigration Law is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s take this journey together.