A [marriage green card](/immigration-resources/marriage-based-green-card-guide) allows a foreign spouse of a [U.S. citizen](https://www.usa.gov/[naturalization](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/10-steps-to-naturalization^)^) or a [green card holder](/immigration-resources/green-card-immigration-guide) to live and work anywhere in the United States. This article aims to provide comprehensive information about the timeline and process of obtaining a marriage green card in the U.S. It will help you understand the steps involved, the estimated time frames, and the potential issues that could arise during the process. 

Whether you are already married or planning to marry a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, this article will guide you through the journey of obtaining a marriage green card. It will provide insights into the estimated timelines, costs, requirements, and common reasons for delays. It will also shed light on your ability to work and travel while your application is pending. 

Understanding this process is crucial as it can help you plan better and set realistic expectations. So, let's dive in and start this informative journey.

This article is specifically designed for individuals who are married or planning to marry a U.S. citizen or a green card holder and are seeking to obtain a marriage green card. This could include both U.S. residents and those living abroad. 

If you fall into any of these categories, this article will be a valuable resource for you. It will guide you through the entire process, from understanding the initial requirements to successfully obtaining a marriage green card. 

Remember, every journey begins with a single step. In this case, that step is gaining a comprehensive understanding of the process. So, whether you're already married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, or planning to tie the knot soon, this article will provide you with the necessary information to navigate the marriage green card process.

Overview of the Marriage Green Card Process

The process of obtaining a marriage green card in the U.S. involves several steps. It's important to understand these steps to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Here's a brief overview:

Understanding these steps is crucial as it helps you prepare for what lies ahead. Each step has its own requirements and timelines, which we will discuss in detail in the following sections.

Timeline for Obtaining a Marriage Green Card

The timeline for obtaining a marriage green card can vary depending on several factors, including where you and your spouse live and whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. 

If both you and your spouse live in the U.S., the process generally takes between 12.5 to 22.5 months. This includes the time it takes for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process the petition, your green card application, and to schedule your interview.

If the Spouse Applying for the Green Card Lives Abroad

If you live abroad, the timeline can vary. 

Please note that these are estimated timelines and the actual processing time can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications received by USCIS and the embassy or consulate, and whether your application is complete and free of errors.

Also, be aware that there has been a recent update that has caused a backlog in the processing of applications under the F-2A family-based category, which includes spouses and unmarried children of U.S. green card holders. This is likely to result in longer wait times. 

Understanding these timelines can help you plan better and set realistic expectations. In the following sections, we will discuss the costs, requirements, and common reasons for delays in the process.

The cost of obtaining a marriage green card can vary depending on where the application is filed. It's important to budget for these costs to avoid any financial surprises during the process.

If the Application is Filed Inside the U.S.

If you're applying from within the U.S., the total cost is $1,760. This includes:

If the Application is Filed Outside the U.S.

If you're applying from outside the U.S., the total cost is $1,200. This includes:

Please note that these are the standard government filing fees and do not include any additional costs such as medical examination fees, translation fees, or postage fees, which can vary.

Also, be aware that the government occasionally updates these fees, so it's always a good idea to check the latest fees on the USCIS website before you file your application.

In the following sections, we will discuss the requirements for a successful application, common reasons for delays, and your ability to work and travel while your application is pending.

Requirements for a Successful Application

To ensure a successful marriage green card application, there are several requirements that you must meet. These include:

Meeting these requirements is crucial for a successful application. In the following sections, we will discuss common reasons for delays in the process, your ability to work and travel while your application is pending, and what happens if a spouse dies during the application process.

While the marriage green card process is generally straightforward, there can be delays. Understanding the common reasons for these delays can help you avoid them and ensure a smoother process. Here are some common reasons:

In the following sections, we will discuss your ability to work and travel while your application is pending, what happens if a spouse dies during the application process, and the timeline for becoming a U.S. citizen.

Working and Traveling While the Application is Pending

While your marriage green card application is pending, you may wonder about your ability to work and travel. Here's what you need to know:

Once you have filed your green card application, you can apply for a work permit, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), by filing Form I-765 with USCIS. This permit allows you to work in the U.S. while your green card application is being processed. It typically takes about 5-7 months to receive your work permit after you file your application.

If you need to travel outside the U.S. while your green card application is pending, you will need to apply for a travel document, also known as Advance Parole, by filing Form I-131 with USCIS. This document allows you to travel abroad and return to the U.S. without abandoning your green card application. It typically takes about 5-7 months to receive your travel document after you file your application.

Please note that if you leave the U.S. without obtaining Advance Parole, USCIS may consider your green card application abandoned, and you may not be allowed to return to the U.S.

In the following sections, we will discuss what happens if a spouse dies during the application process, the timeline for becoming a U.S. citizen, and the importance of seeking legal assistance.

What Happens if a Spouse Dies During the Application Process?

The death of a spouse during the marriage green card application process can be a challenging and complex situation. Here's what you need to know:

If the U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse dies during the application process, the foreign spouse can still obtain a green card under certain circumstances. This is known as "[widow(er) of a U.S. citizen](/immigration-resources/ir5-visa-guide)" status.

To qualify, you must have been married to a U.S. citizen at the time of their death and not have been legally separated or divorced. You must also not have remarried and must be able to prove that you entered the marriage in good faith and not for immigration benefits.

If you meet these requirements, you can self-petition for a green card by filing Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with USCIS. You must file this form within two years of your spouse's death.

Please note that this is a complex area of immigration law, and it's recommended to seek legal assistance to navigate this process.

In the following sections, we will discuss the timeline for becoming a U.S. citizen and the importance of seeking legal assistance.

Once you have obtained your marriage green card, you may be wondering about the next step: becoming a U.S. citizen. This process is known as naturalization, and here's what you need to know about the timeline:

As a spouse of a U.S. citizen, you can apply for naturalization after three years of being a green card holder, provided you have been living in marital union with your U.S. citizen spouse for those three years. If you are not married to a U.S. citizen, the general rule is that you must wait five years after obtaining your green card to apply for naturalization.

The naturalization process involves several steps:

Remember, becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone in your immigration journey. It comes with many benefits, including the right to vote, the ability to sponsor family members for green cards, and protection from deportation.

In the following sections, we will discuss the importance of seeking legal assistance for a greater chance of success in your immigration journey.

Navigating the marriage green card process can be complex and challenging. While it's not a requirement, seeking legal assistance can significantly increase your chances of success.

An experienced immigration attorney can guide you through the process, help you understand the requirements, prepare your application, and represent you in interactions with USCIS. They can also help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or denials, and advise you on how to handle any issues that may arise during the process.

Legal assistance can be particularly helpful in complex situations, such as if you have a criminal record, previous immigration violations, or if your spouse dies during the application process.

While hiring an attorney involves a cost, the benefits often outweigh the cost, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of immigration law and ensuring a smooth and successful application process.

In the final section, we will wrap up and recap the key points discussed in this article.

Obtaining a marriage green card in the U.S. is a significant step in your immigration journey. It involves several steps, each with its own requirements and timelines. Understanding this process is crucial for a successful application.

In this article, we've covered the estimated timelines for obtaining a marriage green card, the costs involved, the requirements for a successful application, common reasons for delays, and your ability to work and travel while your application is pending. We've also discussed what happens if a spouse dies during the application process, the timeline for becoming a U.S. citizen, and the importance of seeking legal assistance.

Remember, while the process may seem daunting, with the right information and guidance, you can navigate it successfully. Whether you're just starting your journey or are in the midst of the process, we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights to help you along the way. Good luck with your application!

Are you or your spouse a foreign national aiming to live and work in the U.S.? This guide outlines the steps for obtaining a marriage green card, including filing a petition and attending an interview. It also covers the varying timeline and cost, requirements to meet, and how to avoid common delays. Information on work permits, travel documents, and conditions for securing a green card after a spouse's death is also included. This guide can be a valuable resource in your journey towards U.S. citizenship.

U.S. Marriage Green Card: Process, Timeline, and Requirements

After you've filled the application, our expert team reviews your entries to maximize your chance of success before submission. Or if you want to avoid our online application, you can speak with our professionals who can fill your application while they are on the phone with you.

Here are the steps to apply for your visa.

Whether your goal is to get your Green Card or just to get a Visa for the United States, you've came to the right place. Our expert consultants are here to make the process easy on you and to maximize your chance of success of your United States Visa approval.

We know that the process is complicated and it can be hard to get started. With our easy to use technology, My-Visa-UAS lets you get started applying for your United States Visa today. Every applicant receives a personalized review of their application by our team of experts before submission to ensure that your application is correct and to maximize your chance of success.

Personalized U.S. Visa Consulting and Service

1 out of every 3 VISA applications for the United States are denied, and this is usually due to oversights and not having the necessary support. Our combination of an online application and expert human review maximizes your change of success.

When you apply in your language, you will save countless time and effort. In addition, by ensuring that your application is correct, you will avoid delays and the need to reapply.

Most Visa assistance services charge hundreds of dollars for their services. Our service is much cheaper and more efficient. Save your money for your trip to the United States by applying with our service.

By using our service, you greatly reduce the risk of clerical errors and your application being denied. Our experts will review your application and ensure that it is correct.

When you enroll in our service, we'll keep you up to date with any updates to your Visa application through text message or email. You will also receive a guide with tips for your interview, and we'll even schedule the interview for you.

If your application is rejected for any clerical error (which happens in 1-2 weeks), we'll help you apply again immediately at no additional cost. Our custom service is our number 1 priority, and we work tirelessly to help ensure that your application is approved.

Our advisors are available to help you get your visa to the United States and your can begin anytime.

Are you ready to apply for your Visa to the United States?

Increase the Chance of Your Visa Being Approved

Save Precious Time

Save Your Money

Rest Assured

Stay informed

Unlimited Re-Applications

What Are The Benefits?

'The experience with My-Visa-USA was incredible. Not only was it very affordable, but their online form was easy to use and saved a lot of time. I appreciate the entire My-Visa-USA team for making the visa application process so straightforward. Now, thanks to their help, I am happily living in the United States.'

'I am very grateful to My-Visa-USA. The visa application process was easy and efficient. I saved a lot of money and time. Their customer service was also exceptional; they were always available to answer all my questions. Thank you, My-Visa-USA!'

'My-Visa-USA made the visa application process incredibly easy. I didn't have to deal with long phone calls or visit a physical office. The online form was simple and affordable. Thanks to My-Visa-USA, I can now fulfill my dream of studying in the United States.'

'Applying for a visa always seemed like a complicated and expensive process, but with My-Visa-USA, it was the opposite. The process was simple, efficient, and most importantly, affordable. I am very grateful to My-Visa-USA for making this dream come true.'

'I am impressed with the ease and speed of the visa application process with My-Visa-USA. Their team of experts was very helpful and always available to answer my questions. And all of this at a lower price than other services. I will definitely recommend My-Visa-USA to my friends and family.'

My-Visa-USA provides a personalized, affordable, and efficient US Visa consulting and application service. Apply for various types of US visas, including tourism, business, immigration, study, and humanitarian in your native language. Maximize your chance of success with our expert review and guidance throughout the process. Start your US Visa journey today with My-Visa-USA!

My-Visa-USA is not affiliated with any United States government agency and does not represent any government entity, embassies, or consulates. Our services include advice and assistance throughout the visa application, immigration, or citizenship process. However, the final decision on the visa application is made by the Consular Officer of the United States Embassy or Consulate.

Our company specializes in consultancy for obtaining US visas. We provide support services and handle the paperwork on your behalf. In addition, we have experts dedicated to each step of the process to increase your chances of approval for the US visa.

No, although we have the experience of several immigration lawyers with whom we work, we do not offer legal services. We only provide you with digital tools and proven expertise to increase your chances of acquiring the US visa. If you need legal advice, we can put you in touch with one of our associated lawyers.

The duration depends on several factors, including the capacity of the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country.

The fee required by the United States government is paid whether the visa is accepted or not, and it is non-refundable. Our advice aims to increase the likelihood of your visa being approved.

If there is not enough time for you to be granted a visa, or if you prefer not to apply for one, it is preferable that your company changes the route and chooses one that does not go through the United States.

The possibility of obtaining a visa more quickly depends on: 1. The need to travel due to the death of an immediate relative or serious illness, 2. You or a minor child requiring urgent medical treatment, 3. Attending an urgent business meeting, 4. Making an unexpected visit for various reasons. To learn about other cases in which you may be able to travel more quickly, start the visa application process, or request more information, do not hesitate to contact us.

Are you affiliated with the United States Embassy?

Why should get my Visa with My-USA-Visa?

Is My-Visa-USA a law firm?

How long does it take to obtain a US visa?

If my visa is denied, will I get a refund?

My flight is tomorrow, can I apply for a transit visa?

Can I get a visa sooner?

Not sure if you qualify?

Select the reason for your trip:

Our service is quick, cheap, and easy to use. Our experienced team will assist you from application to interview

You can get a head start filling in the details we need to process your application

Start Applying for Your United States Visa Today

Ready to Get Started?

Click the 'Sign Up' button at the top of the page, and enter your email to register an account.

Answer questions about yourself and your past after creating your account. We will use your responses to put together your U.S. Visa Applicaton.

Make your payment in the 'Payment' page of the online portal when you are ready to submit your application. We accept all major credit cards.

After reviewing your entries in the My-Visa-USA application, we'll fill the real application for you. You'll just need to sign it and submit it.

If an interview is necessary (in some circumstances it is not), we'll schedule your interview for you at any United States Embassy worldwide that you choose.

Assuming you have had a successful application process, which 9/10 applicants do, you'll receive your visa and be ready to travel to the United States!

Create an Account

Enter your information in the portal

Make Payment

Finalize Your Real Application

Attend Your Interview

Receive Your Visa

The Secure Route to Your Visa

Hear From Satistfied Customers

My-Visa-USA: Quick, Cheap, Easy United States Visa Application Service

Learn the ins and outs of the Visa Application process while you fill out the form in your native language. When you're finished, we'll ensure its accuracy and assist you in signing and sending your official application.

Start Your Visa Journey Today: Use Our Guided Service

An expert visa consultant reviews every part of your application before submission. You'll get assistance with difficult sections, preparing necessary documents, interview preparation, and more.

With My-Visa-USA, you have access to expert visa consultants and immigration consultants. We know the system well and will help you avoid mistakes and problems applying for the U.S. Visa

Don't bother with the hassle of filling tedious government forms in a foreign langugae. With our easy-to-use system, just answer some questions about yourself and handle putting together your official application. 

Our team is available to you 7 days a weeks. Reach out to a friendly customer service representative with any questions you may have.

Personalized Assistance

An Experienced Team

Easy-To-Use Tools

Professional Customer Service

US Visa & Immigration Blog

Immigration Resources

US Visa & Immigration News

Visa, TPS, and Humanitarian Parole services coming soon!

Enter your email address below to receive the latest news and updates from us. We will keep you updated any news, updates, or changes in the Visa application process.