Green Card Through Marriage: The Process Explained
Updated October 31, 2026. Sources: USCIS.gov.
Not legal advice. GreenCardBlog.com is an independent information site, not a law firm and not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. Immigration rules, fees and timelines change. Always confirm details on USCIS.gov and consider speaking with a licensed immigration attorney about your situation.
The basic path
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident starts by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative for their spouse. What happens next depends on where the spouse is:
- In the U.S. and eligible to adjust status: the spouse files Form I-485 to apply for the green card without leaving the country. Spouses of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives and can often file I-130 and I-485 together.
- Outside the U.S.: after I-130 approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center and an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate.
Eligibility details matter (for example how the spouse entered the U.S.), so read USCIS's family of U.S. citizens pages or speak with an attorney.
Conditional vs. 10-year card
If you've been married less than two years when you become a permanent resident, USCIS issues a 2-year conditional green card. You then file Form I-751 in the 90 days before it expires. See our I-751 guide and USCIS on conditional residence.
Evidence of a real marriage
USCIS looks for proof the marriage is bona fide: joint lease or mortgage, joint bank accounts, shared bills, insurance, photos over time, and affidavits from people who know you as a couple. Expect an interview in many cases.
Main USCIS fees
Fees below come from the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055), edition dated 10/26/26, as read on October 31, 2026. Fees change; check USCIS for current fees before you file. Filing with the wrong fee can get your form rejected.
| Form | Online | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 (general filing) | $625 | $675 |
| I-485 (applicant 14 or older) | $1,390 | $1,440 |
Other forms, such as a work permit or travel document filed with a pending I-485, have their own fees; check the fee schedule.
When to talk to a lawyer
Prior visa overstays, entry without inspection, prior marriages, past removal proceedings or any criminal history can change the strategy. Those are good reasons to get a consultation before filing.
More green card guides
- How to Renew Your Green Card (Form I-90), Step by Step
- Green Card Renewal Fee: What Form I-90 Costs
- I-485 Processing Time: How to Check Your Real Wait
- Green Card Replacement: Lost, Stolen or Damaged Card
- I-751 Removal of Conditions: When and How to File
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