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Marriage Green Card Lawyer
SimVisa is home to Americaâs most trusted Chicago marriage green card attorneys. From reuniting loved ones to interpreting the nuances of immigration law, we're here to help. Contact us today to start your immigration journey.
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Hire an Attorney
With SimVisa, you have the option of receiving full-service legal support - for every aspect of your case - with immigration lawyers from a top-quality immigration law firm.
Step 1: Initial Consultation with SimVisa
Step 2: SimVisa Fills Out Your Immigration Applications
Step 3: SimVisa Prepares Application Package with Evidence
Step 4: A SimVisa Attorney Reviews Your Application Package
Step 5: SimVisa Submits an Application to USCIS For You
Step 6: SImVisa Handles All Communications with USCIS
Step 7: SimVisa Monitors Your Case From Start To Finish
How It WorksAOS -$3,200Get startedConsular - $2,900Get started*prices do not include government fees and may vary based on case complexitySelf-File
Have you started your application and then gotten confused? Are you worried you might make a mistake or leave out important supporting documents? SimVisa is the solution. We understand you might want to save on lawyer fees and file on your own. You can relax because SimVisa will prepare your application under the supervision of an immigration attorney. You will even get a one hour video conference with an immigration attorney after SimVisa prepares your forms.
Step 1: SimVisa collected information and documents from you through our online portal
Step 2: Simvisa fills out your forms and prepares your supporting documents
Step 3: A SimVisa immigration attorney goes over your filled-out application and supporting documents with you (1-hour video consultation)
Step 4: Simvisa finalizes your packet with attorney approval
Step 5: We deliver your packet to your door
Step 6: You file with USCIS
How It Works*prices do not include government fees and may vary based on case complexity
Exploring Marriage-Based Visas
Marriage-based visas are a means to unite families in the United States. There are several visa types within this category, each of which serves a different purpose and caters to specific situations and relationships.
Spousal Visa (CR1 Visa)
The CR1 visa, also known as a conditional resident visa, is designed for spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for less than two years. This visa allows a foreign national spouse to enter the U.S. as a conditional resident for two years, after which they can be granted permanent residency.
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Spousal Visa (IR1 Visa)
The immediate relative visa, or IR1 visa, is available to spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for at least two years. It offers immediate relatives permanent residency status, allowing couples to build their lives together in the U.S.
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*prices do not include government fees and may vary based on case complexity
K-1 FiancĂŠ(e) Visa
The K-1 visa, also called the fiancĂŠ(e) visa, is meant for foreign nationals engaged to U.S. citizens. It allows the citizen's partner to enter the U.S. for the purpose of getting married within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.
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*prices do not include government fees and may vary based on case complexity
All You Need to Know
Who Qualifies for a Marriage Green Card?
Obtaining a marriage green card is a significant milestone in your journey to building a life together in the U.S. To ensure a smooth application process, it's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria that both spouses must meet.
1. U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Sponsorship
To qualify for a marriage green card, you must have a sponsoring spouse whoâs either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Your spouse's immigration status will determine the specific path you follow.
2. Valid Marriage
The heart of your application lies in demonstrating the authenticity of your marriage. The U.S. government takes great care to prevent fraudulent marriages for immigration purposes. You'll need to provide concrete evidence that your union is genuine and not a mere practical arrangement.
Evidence of a bona fide marriage may include joint financial records, photographs, shared assets, and affidavits from friends and family who can vouch for the legitimacy of your relationship.
3. Medical and Criminal Admissibility
Your spouse must also meet specific admissibility criteria, which will require them to undergo a medical examination and background check to ensure a clean criminal record.
An approved panel physician must perform the medical examination. This exam is intended to verify that the foreign national spouse is free from contagious diseases that may prevent their entry into the U.S.
Immigration authorities also conduct criminal background checks on all applicants. Since certain criminal convictions can result in inadmissibility, it's essential to understand how any past convictions may affect your application.
4. Age Requirements
Both you and your spouse must meet the minimum age requirement to obtain a marriage green card. Typically, both spouses must be at least 18 years old.
How to Obtain a Marriage Green Card
Here are the basic steps involved in securing a marriage-based green card, or Permanent Resident Card.
1. Verify Your Eligibility
If youâre a U.S. citizen or a green card holder with a valid, recognized marriage, you may be eligible to sponsor your foreign national spouse for a permanent marriage green card.
2. Submit Form I-130
As the sponsoring spouse, you must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Doing so establishes your relationship and initiates the application process.
3. Await Approval and a Visa Number (If Applicable)
After the approval of Form I-130, the case will be transferred to the National Visa Center for further processing. If youâre a U.S. citizen, your spouse may proceed to the next step; if youâre a lawful permanent resident (LPR), they may need to wait for a visa number to become available due to annual quotas.
4. Apply for Adjustment of Status or Go Through Consular Processing
If your spouse is already in the U.S., they can apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident; if theyâre abroad, they must undergo processing at the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.
5. Schedule a Biometrics Appointment and Visa Interview
Next, your spouse must attend a biometrics appointment and an interview, if one is required. The interview is designed to assess the validity of the marriage and the general authenticity of the relationship.
6. Get Conditional Permanent Residency (If Applicable)
If the marriage is less than two years old when the green card is granted, your spouse will receive a two-year conditional green card. You can remove the conditional status by jointly filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within 90 days before the card expires.
7. Receive Your Green Card
Once USCIS approves your spouseâs application, theyâll receive a permanent green card granting them lawful permanent resident status.
Navigating this process requires precision, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of the relevant immigration laws. SimVisaâs marriage visa lawyers can make it much easier. Contact us today to pursue a marriage-based green card with confidence.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Green Card?
Currently, the average waiting period for a marriage-based green card is approximately 20 months (this projection is based on the most recent available USCIS data). Hereâs a helpful table that can give you a better idea of what to expect in your situation:
![](https://assets-global.website-files.com/63a3049cfd55c5990d4651c0/63c6471eb8a2d2fb14100469_Subtract.webp)
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Contact Our Immigration Lawyers. Let's Build Your Love Story Together!
Contact usWhy Choose SimVisa for Marriage Immigration?
SimVisa offers marriage immigration services defined by experience, personalization, and a focus on results. Here are some of the ways our attorneys can help you and your spouse start a new life together in the U.S.
Unparalleled Legal Knowledge
Our Chicago-based immigration lawyers work extensively with marriage-based visas. With over 15 years of experience, we understand the intricacies of the process.
Tailored Solutions
Every couple's story is unique. We offer personalized strategies to ensure that your application reflects your individual circumstances.
Comprehensive Support
From documentation to interview preparation, weâll be there to guide you through every step and simplify the complex process of marriage-based immigration.
Proven Success
Our track record speaks for itself. Countless couples have successfully united with the help of our dedicated legal team.
State-of-the-Art Digital Tools
By embracing the latest technology, weâre able to offer seamless virtual assistance that allows us to meet your immigration needs conveniently and efficiently.
You deserve to work with a law firm that can make your dreams of marriage in the U.S. a reality. Contact us today to take the crucial first step.
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What Our Clients Are Saying
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FAQs About Marriage Green Card Applications
Our clients have a lot of questions. Here are the answers to some of those most frequently asked.
What is a marriage visa?
A marriage visa allows a foreign national to enter and reside in the United States based on their marital relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. It applies to both married couples (CR-1 visa) and those intending to marry (K-1 visa).
You may not require a marriage visa if your spouse is already in the U.S. Instead, you can apply for an adjustment of status to become a green card holder. This process will enable you to legally reside and work in the U.S. as a permanent resident.
What is a marriage green card?
A marriage green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a legal document that grants foreign nationals lawful permanent resident status in the United States based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A green card allows the foreign spouse to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
What happens if the marriage is less than two years old?
If your marriage is less than two years old, the foreign spouse will receive a conditional green card valid for two years. You must file jointly to remove the conditions and obtain a permanent green card within 90 days before the card expires.
How do I sponsor my spouse for a marriage green card?
As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to establish the relationship. Once the I-130 is approved, your spouse can proceed with the green card application process.
Is an interview required for a marriage green card?
Most applicants are required to attend an interview as part of the green card application process. This interview serves to verify the legitimacy of the marriage and confirm the foreign spouseâs eligibility.
Can my spouse work while their marriage green card is being processed?
Yes. If the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen, the foreign spouse can apply for a work permit (Form I-765) concurrently with their green card application. This allows them to legally work in the U.S. while their green card is pending.
How long does it take to get a marriage green card?
The processing time for a marriage green card varies based on factors like the applicant's country of origin, the specific USCIS center handling the case, and the complexity of the application. Generally, the process takes anywhere from 12 to 30 months or more.
How much does a marriage green card cost?
Immigrating to the U.S. on a marriage visa can cost several thousand dollars in filing fees and other expenses. Form I-130, for example, has a filing fee of $535, while Form I-485 is currently $1,140. Other related expenses could include translations of required documents, medical examinations, and travel costs to attend your interview.
Whatâs the difference between marriages to U.S. citizens and permanent residents?
Marrying a U.S. citizen and marrying a lawful permanent resident present distinct immigration pathways. When the sponsoring spouse is a green card holder, you can expect the following conditions:
- Visa number wait time: Spouses of green card holders must wait for a visa number to become available;
- Longer wait for a green card: Due to limited visa numbers, the process can be significantly longer.
If the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen, the timeline is generally faster, and the process is a bit less complex.
How do I prove a bona fide marriage?
Proving the authenticity of your marriage is a crucial part of being approved for a marriage green card. Here are some key points to consider:
- Documentation: Gather documents that showcase the genuine nature of your relationship, including joint leases or mortgage agreements, shared utility bills, and joint bank account statements;
- Photographs: Compile photographs taken throughout your relationship reflecting various intimate moments, such as family gatherings, holidays, vacations, and snapshots of daily life;
- Communication: Present a record of consistent communication, which may include emails, text messages, phone records, and letters;
- Affidavits: Obtain affidavits from family members, friends, and acquaintances who can vouch for the legitimacy of your marriage;
- Joint activities: Outline joint activities, hobbies, and interests you share to demonstrate that your bond extends beyond the legal aspects of marriage;
- Social media: Showcase your relationship on social media platforms; posts, comments, and photos can add an extra dimension to your evidence;
- Evidence of cohabitation: If you live together, be prepared to provide documentation of shared living arrangements, including lease agreements, utility bills, or correspondence addressed to both spouses;
- Special circumstances: If you have children together, offer their birth certificates or adoption records as evidence; if you've faced certain challenges, such as medical emergencies, include documentation of those experiences;
- Interview preparation: Be ready for an interview with USCIS officials â make sure to review your relationship history, as the interviewer may ask questions about your life together;
- Legal guidance: Work with an experienced immigration attorney, as theyâll be able to help organize your evidence, prepare affidavits, and guide you through each step.
Remember, the goal is to paint a comprehensive, convincing picture of your relationship. Strong evidence that highlights various aspects of your life together can significantly strengthen your case.