Marriage-Based Green Card
A Marriage-Based Green Card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) to obtain permanent residence in the United States. It is one of the most common family-based immigration pathways and provides the right to live, work, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
Who is the Visa for?
Foreign nationals legally married to a U.S. citizen
Foreign nationals legally married to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
Eligibility Requirements
Must be in a legally valid marriage (recognized by the country/state where it took place)
Must prove the marriage is bona fide (real and not entered into for immigration benefits)
Spouse must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Must meet admissibility requirements (no major criminal bars, immigration fraud, or health-related grounds)
Forms required: I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if spouse is in the U.S., or consular processing if abroad
Benefit
Must be in a legally valid marriage (recognized by the country/state where it took place)
Must prove the marriage is bona fide (real and not entered into for immigration benefits)
Spouse must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Must meet admissibility requirements (no major criminal bars, immigration fraud, or health-related grounds)
Forms required: I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if spouse is in the U.S., or consular processing if abroad
Visa Duration:
10 years: If marriage >2 years at approval
2 years (conditional): If marriage <2 years (Form I-751 required)
Renewable: Permanent residence
Processing Time:
Varies by USCIS service center and consulate
Typically 12–24 months depending on case type and location
Work/travel authorization (EAD/AP) often granted within 3–6 months after filing
OpenSphere Services:
Petition Prep: Forms I-130, I-485, DS-260 + evidence
Marriage Proof Strategy: Joint docs, affidavits, photos
RFE/NOID Support
Guidance: Green card to citizenship