Many engaged couples want to know, “How long does it take to get a Green Card after marriage?” The timeline for getting a Green Card depends on several factors, including when you and your spouse submit the required paperwork to the United States government and how long the government takes to approve it. A Green Card attorney can help you finish the application process and guide you through the interviews with U.S. government agents.
Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C., has been serving the immigrant community for many years. Our well-respected team celebrates those who want to live, work, marry, and travel to and from the United States. Our experienced green card lawyer can assist you with all aspects of the marriage-based Green Card application, such as gathering and submitting the required evidence.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Green Card After Marriage?
There is no set timeline for how long it takes to get lawful permanent resident status after you get married. It depends on how quickly you turn in the required forms, how long the government takes to process your request, and when agents can conduct the interview. You also need to follow the formal Green Card application process, which involves you completing Form I-485 and your fiancé completing Form I-129F. The U.S. government would then need to review the evidence and decide whether you have met the criteria for a marriage-based Green Card.
Can I Apply for a Green Card Immediately After Getting Married?
Yes. You can apply for a Green Card right after you get married. The United States government does not make people wait to start the application process for marriage-based lawful permanent resident status. However, you may also want to meet other timing requirements, such as getting married within 90 days of being admitted to the United States. You can still apply for a Green Card if your marriage takes place after these 90 days. However, your application may be processed faster if you do not wait longer than 90 days to get married.
Step-by-Step Process for Requesting a Green Card Through Marriage
The Green Card through marriage timeline can start in several ways. First, you may apply for K-1 immigrant status, which allows you to be admitted to the United States so you can marry a United States citizen or a Green Card holder. You and your fiancé would complete and submit several forms, such as Forms I-485 and I-129F.
You would also need to show United States agents documentation, including your birth certificate, information about your wedding or engagement, and approved official photos of you and your spouse. The United States government may interview you and your fiancé to learn more about you, your relationship, your marriage, and your purpose for being in the United States. The government will ask questions and review evidence to see if your marriage is based on genuine love and commitment, and you meet the criteria for a marriage-based Green Card.
Interview and Biometrics Appointment Wait Times
You and your spouse will need to participate in an interview with U.S. immigration officials.
During this meeting, agents may ask you many different questions about your situation, such as your country of origin, why you left, how you met your spouse or fiancé, and your reasons for wanting to get married. If an interview appointment is not available right away, you may have to wait longer for the government to interview you and process your Green Card request.
Processing Delays: Common Causes and How To Avoid Them
One of the factors for how long it takes to get a marriage-based Green Card is the length of time it takes for the government to process your request. You need to submit several documents and completed forms to make the initial request, which helps the U.S. government understand more about you, your marriage, your reason for being in the United States, and other matters.
Additionally, you need to have an interview with the United States immigration officials, where they will ask you questions so they can decide if you are eligible for a Green Card and determine if your marriage is based on love. If you do not turn in all the information the government requests, this can increase the processing time for your application. Additionally, your processing time may be delayed if the government does not have an appointment time available soon after you complete the required steps.
Temporary Work and Travel Authorization While Waiting
You can apply for permission to work and travel while you are waiting for the United States government to review and make a decision about your Green Card application. One of the travel authorizations you can apply for is advance parole, which gives you temporary lawful status so you can leave the United States and seek reentry when your trip is over.
Make sure to submit these authorization requests before traveling out of the United States. If you skip this step, you may be barred from returning because you do not have the required paperwork. Also, keep in mind that having advance parole does not guarantee that you will be allowed back into the United States. You still need to go through the inspection process with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Contact an Experienced Green Card Lawyer from Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C.
Getting married is an exciting time of new opportunities and a chance to start a life with someone you love. A love-based marriage with a United States citizen or a Green Card holder can also be one way for an immigrant to seek lawful permanent resident status. How long it takes to get a Green Card after marriage depends on many factors, such as processing times and when the applicants can submit all their paperwork.
Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C., helps people apply for a Green Card after they marry a United States citizen or Green Card holder. Medya Ansari is a compassionate and knowledgeable immigration lawyer who has devoted her career to serving immigrants. If you have questions about getting a marriage-based Green Card, call Medya and her team today at 408-292-7995 and schedule a consultation.
