At Cameron Moore Law, we are committed to helping couples navigate the complex process of obtaining a marriage-based green card. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and are seeking to live and work in the United States, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
What Is a Marriage-Based Green Card?
A marriage-based green card is an immigration benefit that allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to become a permanent resident of the United States. This process involves several stages, including proving the legitimacy of the marriage, undergoing background checks, and meeting various legal requirements.
The Marriage-Based Green Card Process
The process of obtaining a marriage-based green card typically involves the following steps:
- Form I-130 Petition: The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the legitimacy of the marriage and the relationship between the spouses.
- Form I-485 Application: If the foreign spouse is already in the U.S., they can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply for a green card. If the foreign spouse is outside the U.S., they will go through consular processing to apply for a green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Biometrics and Background Checks: Both spouses will need to undergo background checks and biometric screenings as part of the application process.
- Interviews: The couple will likely be required to attend an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer or at a U.S. consulate to verify the authenticity of the marriage.
- Approval and Green Card Issuance: Upon successful completion of the process and approval of the application, the foreign spouse will receive their green card.
Proving the Legitimacy of Your Marriage
One of the key aspects of the marriage-based green card process is proving that your marriage is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes. This involves providing various types of evidence, including joint financial documents, photos and correspondence, and affidavits from family and friends.
Common Challenges in the Marriage-Based Green Card Process
While the marriage-based green card process is straightforward in many cases, it can also present challenges, such as document issues, interview concerns, and background checks.
Our experienced team at Cameron Moore Law can help you navigate these challenges and ensure a successful outcome. We will provide personalized guidance, thorough review of your documentation, and effective representation throughout the entire process.
Contact Cameron Moore Law
To schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in obtaining your marriage-based green card, please contact us today.
