Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa: How to Obtain It

Please note that as of June 2022 the CDC no longer requires travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID pre arrival to the US

If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you can become a lawful permanent resident by meeting certain requirements. This process is known as the Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa, and it is probably one of the most popular green cards. Learn more about it in the article below.

What is the Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa?

The Marriage Green Card is a document that allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder to live and work in the country. In other words, to become a permanent resident in the U.S.

There are some conditions to consider before applying for a Marriage Green Card, including how much it costs, and who is eligible for it. This information is available in the following guide, so we recommend you to continue reading below.

Who can get the Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa?

This document is available only for spouses of U.S. citizens (whether the person is American by birth, naturalization, or also a permanent resident).

To be eligible for a Marriage Green Card, you must meet these criteria:

• You are legally married to a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder). Your marriage must be officially recognized by the government in the country where you and your spouse got married.
• Your marriage is legitimate, which means, you will have to offer USCIS some documents that confirm that you and your spouse are actually living and building a life together.
• You are not married to anyone else (the same goes for your spouse).

All About the Marriage Green Card

How much does it cost to apply for the Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa?

Be aware that this process is not cheap, as it is considered one of the priorities for green card applicants (for being an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen). Nonetheless, the total price of this process can vary a little depending on extra expenses, like vaccinations and plane tickets if the spouse is outside the United States.

The government filing fee for the Marriage Green Card is USD1,760 if the applicant lives in the U.S. However, if the applicant is outside the U.S. the price goes to USD1,200.

Remember that we are mentioning only filing fees, not other expenses like Medical examination, the Financial Support Form if the spouse lives outside the US, and the State Department Processing.

If the spouse is living outside the U.S., we recommend contacting the USCIS to have the specific fees for other expenses required (like the ones mentioned before).

How long does it take to process my Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa?

The total time for you to get a Marriage Green Card varies depending on whether you are already in the United States and whether you are married to a Green card holder or a U.S. citizen per sé.

This process can go anywhere from 9 to 36 months, but to help you get a better idea, keep this in mind:

• If you live in the U.S. with a U.S. citizen spouse, then you can get your Green Card anywhere between 10 to 12 months.
• If you live in the U.S. with a Green card holder, you can obtain your Green Card anywhere between 29 to 38 months.
• If you live abroad and you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can wait between 10 to 17 months.
• If you live abroad and you are married to a Green card holder, you will have to wait between 23 to 33 months.

In iVisa.com we are ready to help you with this process very soon by offering you an automated service that will simplify everything. Since it is not available yet, we are still ready to assist you with this complete guide.

Can I apply for the Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa online?

Only part of this process can be done online as it needs a final interview before getting the green card.

Completing Form I-130 through USCIS and completing the Green Card application is possible through the USCIS website, so both processes are online. After finishing these steps, it is necessary to mail them to the corresponding USCIS office and it is also necessary to attend an Interview before getting the final approval.

How do I submit my Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa?

Applying for the Spousal Visa is not too complicated, but it has a few steps to follow.

Once you verify that you meet all the requirements needed to obtain a Marriage Green Card, you have to do the following:

• Step One: Submit Form I-130 and any other supporting documents. Remember that this is important as it verifies that you have a legal marriage to a U.S. Citizen or Green Cardholder. After the I-130 filing package is complete, you must mail it to the proper USCIS address.
• Step Two: You must apply for the Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa. If you live in the U.S. you must do an “Adjustment of Status” (file Form I-485), while if you live abroad, you have to use a “Consular Processing”.
• Step Three: The final step in this process is the green card interview. The interviewing officer’s main goal is to evaluate the authenticity of the union.

Once you are ready with the interview, you will only have to wait for the final result (approval or denial) and get your Green Card. If you offer all the valid documents and your marriage is authentic, then do not worry, you will likely have the Green Card approved.

Required Documents

The list of requirements varies a little depending on your situation. In fewer words, it depends if you are living in the U.S. or not.

Regardless of the case, these are the mandatory documents:

• Form I-130 (submitted).
• Form I-485 or Form DS-260 (submitted).
• Valid Passport or document that shows your identity.

If you are currently living inside the United States, you will also need:

• Your birth certificate.
• Proof of your lawful entry into the United States
• Proof of your immigration medical examination
• Other documents showing that your spouse will be able to financially support you in the United States.

If you are living outside the U.S., you will need these to complete the Consular Processing:

• The required Government filing fees ($445).
• Your Form DS-260 (the green card application).
• Proof of your nationality. It is usually a copy of your birth certificate and passport photo page.
• Police clearance certificates from relevant countries where you have lived since age 16.
• Proof that your U.S. Citizen or Green Cardholder spouse will be able to financially support you. This includes Form I-864, which is called the “Affidavit of Support”.

Tips for Filling out the Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa

Take into account these recommendations before applying for your Marriage Green Card:

• It is not mandatory to hire an immigration lawyer to apply for this document, but if you feel like it can be too difficult for you, then feel free to do it. Just be aware that these lawyers are expensive.
• Remember that if you are applying for this document from abroad, you will have to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy in your home country.
• Get ready with the documentation before submitting anything else, so that you do not waste time in vain.
• All the documents you fill in and sign by hand must be meticulously revised, and remember to fill them out with black ink.

How does applying with iVisa.com work?

iVisa.com is here to assist with your visa and travel items needs. We know applying for a visa can be very tedious, and that’s why our full service includes the following:

• Online forms with simple language. Our application forms make complex government language easy to understand.
• Team of experts to review your documents. We’ll review your entire application to make sure your application is error-free.
• 100% government compliant photos. Use our photo service to get exactly the right photo, all from the comfort of your home. Just take a selfie and our experts will ensure it meets the correct requirements for your visa type.
• Guidance every step of the way. Our 24/7 customer service team is always available to help you on your application journey.

Remember that we do not offer an online process to get the Family First Preference (F1) Visa for Unmarried Sons and Daughters yet, but we might do it in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I live in the U.S., can I work while I wait for my Marriage Green Card?

In case you applied for the Green Card while you were already living in the US, then yes!

Do I have to attend an Embassy interview if I live outside the U.S. and want to get a Marriage Green Card?

Yes, this is a mandatory step for spouses of U.S. citizens living abroad.

Is it safe to use iVisa.com to get my Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visas?

We do not offer the Spousal Visa | Marriage Green Card | Immigrant Marriage Visa but be aware that our services are 100% reliable thanks to our automated system. Besides, we have an excellent team ready to help you process your documents easier.

I have more unresolved questions, where can I find more info?

Applying for a visa can be complicated, especially when traveling to the U.S. or getting a green card, which is why at iVisa.com we are ready to help you solve your doubts about it. Soon enough will be able to help you get the Marriage Green Card more easily, but in the meantime, feel free to contact our customer service center for more help about this document or other travel documents you are planning to get.