What is a marriage green card?
A marriage green card, officially known as a “Permanent Resident Card” or “Form I-551,” is a legal document that allows a foreign national (an immigrant) who is married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident to live and work in the United States permanently. It signifies that the immigrant has been granted lawful permanent residency status, commonly referred to as a “green card,” through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Obtaining a marriage green card involves a formal immigration process where the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse sponsors their foreign spouse for permanent residency. This process typically includes submitting various forms, providing documentation to prove the authenticity of the marriage, attending interviews, and undergoing background checks to ensure the legitimacy of the marriage and the eligibility of the immigrant for permanent residency.
The marriage green card is an important step for couples who wish to build their lives together in the United States. It grants the immigrant spouse the right to live and work in the U.S. without time limitations, and after a certain period of time, the individual can also apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet the eligibility criteria.
It’s important to note that the process for obtaining a marriage green card can be complex and may involve changes in regulations and requirements over time. We recommend checking the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consulting with legal professionals to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the marriage green card process.
What immigration forms must be filed to apply for a marriage green card?
The specific immigration forms that need to be filed to apply for a marriage green card (adjustment of status) may vary depending on your individual circumstances, including whether you are married to a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. The most common forms typically include:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: This form is the first step in the process and is filed by the sponsoring spouse (either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident) to establish the qualifying relationship with the immigrant spouse.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: This is the main form used to apply for the actual green card. It’s filed by the immigrant spouse to request adjustment of status from a non-immigrant status to that of a lawful permanent resident.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support: This form is filed by the sponsoring spouse to demonstrate that they have the financial means to support the immigrant spouse at or above the required income level.
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: This form allows the immigrant spouse to apply for a work permit while their green card application is being processed.
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: Also known as a “re-entry permit,” this form allows the immigrant spouse to apply for permission to travel abroad while their green card application is pending without abandoning their application.
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: This form is used to show that the immigrant spouse has had the required medical examination and vaccinations.
- Form G-325A, Biographic Information (no longer required as of 2019): Previously required, this form collected biographical information about both spouses. However, it is no longer required as of 2019.
Therefore, I strongly recommend visiting the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consulting with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the required forms and the application process for obtaining a marriage green card.
Marriage green card checklist of required documents
While the specific documents required for a marriage green card application can vary depending on individual circumstances and changes in immigration regulations, here is a general checklist of common documents that applicants typically need to include or provide as part of the application process. Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and you should always refer to the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative:
- Copy of U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse’s proof of status (such as passport, birth certificate, or green card).
- Copy of marriage certificate.
- Proof of any prior marriages (if applicable), including divorce or death certificates.
- Proof of the bona fide nature of the marriage, such as joint financial documents, photos, correspondence, affidavits from friends and family, etc.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status:
- Passport-style photos (as per USCIS specifications) for both spouses.
- Copy of the immigrant spouse’s birth certificate (translated if not in English).
- Copy of the immigrant spouse’s passport (including visa and entry stamps).
- Copy of the Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon).
- Certified copies of police clearance certificates from each country the immigrant spouse has lived in.
- Proof of any name changes (such as marriage certificates, court orders, etc.).
- Certified copies of all court records related to criminal charges, arrests, or convictions (if applicable).
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support:
- S. citizen or permanent resident spouse’s federal tax returns for the most recent three years.
- Proof of current employment and income (pay stubs, employment verification letter, etc.).
- Any additional financial documentation required to meet the income threshold.
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization:
- Passport-style photos (as per USCIS specifications).
- Copy of the Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
- Copy of any previously issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if applicable.
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document:
- Passport-style photos (as per USCIS specifications).
- Copy of the Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
- Detailed explanation for the need to travel while the green card application is pending.
- Other Supporting Documents:
- Joint financial documents (bank statements, joint leases, shared bills, etc.).
- Evidence of joint assets and property.
- Affidavits from friends, family members, or other individuals who can attest to the authenticity of the marriage.
- Any other relevant documentation to prove the genuine nature of the marriage.
Remember that USCIS requirements may change, so it’s crucial to consult the official USCIS website or an immigration attorney for the most current and accurate information regarding required documents for a marriage green card application.
