A marriage based green card is one of the most trusted family immigration routes in the United States because it leads directly to long-term stability. For many couples, it becomes the first major step toward U.S. citizenship later on. Some green card holders who obtained a marriage green card wonder what will happen to them if they divorce their spouse. Indeed, this is a difficult situation as the USCIS does not look kindly at immigrants who divorce after they obtain a green card.
This expertise is invaluable in creating a robust application that satisfies all requirements. We are a Washington, D.C.-based Immigration Law firm with a minimum of 20 years of marriage visa lawyer experience in immigration law, having a profound understanding of its intricacies. Typically a one-step process, it includes petition approval, adjustment of status, and simultaneous work authorization issuance within 90 days via an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). USCIS conducts marriage interviews, assessing authenticity with a timeline of three to eight months. Documents like wedding photos, joint bills, and tax returns are scrutinized.
Your green card starts the clock toward citizenship eligibility. Most permanent residents can apply for naturalization after five years. Spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after just three years. You’ll need to demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests, and meet physical presence requirements. Certain criminal convictions can block naturalization or even result...
If you have any criminal record, consult with a green card marriage lawyer NYC before you file a green card application. If you can prove that you married in good faith, the green card application might still be approved. You should contact a VAWA immigration lawyer NYC in order to advise you whether you are eligible to self-petition. Normally, both spouses must sign Form I-751 and you need to file a joint petition to remove your conditional residency and become a permanent residence. If you are divorced, separated or in the process of divorce you may apply for a waiver of the joint filing.
Any marriage green card matter is unique, necessitating a personalized approach. This customized strategy enhances the likelihood of success. A green card through marriage can be a powerful option for a foreign national seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States based on a qualifying marital relationship. For the right applicant, it may provide a direct path to permanent residence through a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse.
We represent both U.S. employers and foreign workers. "It's really hard to tell how this is going to be applied," said Jessie De Haven, senior staff attorney with the California Immigration Project a non-profit that provides legal services to low-income immigrants. Organizations that provide legal and other assistance to immigrants said they were hearing from clients concerned about what the new guidance would mean for them. The Adjustment of Status processing times can be quite lengthy.
Your marriage green card lawyer’s cost is worth every penny if you and your spouse can be together in your new country. While the immigration process is confusing enough for a single professional, getting a conditional green card for your spouse is even more daunting. Only try to petition for a marriage green card with the help of an experienced spouse visa attorney in New York City at Kats Immigration Law, who will guide you through the process. Arrange a consultation before beginning your immigration application.
Spouses of lawful permanent residents fall under the family preference system. If you are married to a U.S. citizen and living in the United States, you may qualify for a green card through Adjustment of Status. Working with an experienced marriage green card lawyer can help you avoid delays and complete your process smoothly. A consular processing application is a complex multi-stage process that typically consists of the following forms and supporting documents (and their required evidence).
Thus, an immigration lawyer's role is pivotal in the marriage green card process, as they facilitate a seamless path towards legal residence. Consult our experienced immigration lawyer today to start your green card journey. When you file for adjustment of status based on marriage to a United States Citizen, all of the forms and supporting documents are filed at once.
Naturalization is the process of applying for and becoming a U.S. citizen and is a key step for those pursuing citizenship through marriage. While you are not required to naturalize to become a U.S. citizen, as a permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for the naturalization process. At the end of the 2-year period of conditional permanent residence, you are required to file a joint petition to have the condition removed from your permanent resident status. Our marriage visa attorneys have extensive experience handling marriage visa cases, with a proven track record of success. We stay up-to-date with the latest immigration laws and policies, ensuring that we provide the most accurate and effective guidance to our clients.
The process for obtaining a Green Card through marriage consists of three key steps. In addition to increasing the quantity and quality of their documentary evidence, parties must also continue to speak credibly about the relationship. USCIS looks for authentic, nonrehearsed answers, as credibility matters more than specific documents. The main purpose of the interview is for the U.S. government to ensure that your marriage is valid – and that you’re not only married so you can immigrate to the United states. Immigration policy continues evolving throughout 2026, with potential additional changes on the horizon. Processing times may shift, travel restrictions could expand or contract, and enforcement priorities might change.
Many people make simple mistakes that lead to delays, denials, or even deportation. As Immigration Attorney John Khosravi from JQK Law explains, it’s possible to get a green card through marriage while an asylum case is pending, but there are key things you must know first. After the couple marries within this 90-day timeframe, the foreign spouse must apply for and receive an Adjustment of Status. He or she will receive a Green Card issued by the USCIS and hence become a permanent United States resident.
The truth, as usual, sits somewhere in the middle, but it is serious, and every Nigerian navigating the U.S. immigration system needs to understand exactly what is happening and why it matters to their case. Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera, called the new policy “a capricious attack on legal immigration” on X. The new policy memo applies only to AOS (Form I-485), which is the final Green Card step. F-1 to H1B COS, H-4 to H1B COS, B-1/B-2 to F-1 extensions — all of these continue to work as before. In short the Immigration Nationality Act(INA) Section 245 itself did NOT change.
Being together in the United States while the application processes, combined with the ability to apply for work authorization simultaneously, makes adjustment of status highly attractive. Perhaps the most significant concern for consular processing cases involves the expanded travel restrictions. Countries like Iran and Venezuela face ongoing holds, with cases essentially frozen indefinitely. The administration has also hinted at potential additions to this list, creating uncertainty for couples from various nations.