A marriage green card grants the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident the right to live and work permanently anywhere in the United States. With this "permanent resident" status, they can remain in the U.S. indefinitely and have the option to apply for U.S. citizenship after three years, if desired.
If you're a spouse seeking a green card while in the United States, your application package, known as Greenbroad, will include all the necessary forms to work, travel, and ultimately obtain your green card:
Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative (establishes your marriage relationship)
Form I-130A: Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
Form I-485: Application for Adjustment of Status (applies for the green card)
Form I-864: Affidavit of Support (demonstrates financial support)
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization (allows you to work)
Form I-131: Application for Travel Document (allows you to travel)
Form G-1145: e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (for online updates)
Form I-693: Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
By submitting this complete package, you'll be on your way to obtaining your green card and enjoying the benefits of permanent residency in the United States.
The I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is a crucial form in the family-based immigration process, allowing U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to establish their relationship with certain foreign relatives seeking a green card.
For U.S. Citizens:
Spouse
Unmarried child (any age)
Married son or daughter
Sibling (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)
Parent (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)
For Lawful Permanent Residents:
Spouse
Unmarried child (under 21 years old)
Approval of the I-130 petition is the first step in the process. It does not automatically grant a green card, but it recognizes the qualifying family relationship. The foreign relative must then meet further requirements, such as visa availability, admissibility, and financial support.If the foreign relative is abroad, they can apply for an immigrant visa with the approved I-130. If they are already in the U.S., they can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
Remember, the I-130 is just the beginning. It's crucial to fulfill all other immigration requirements to obtain a green card. Always consult the official government website for the latest guidelines and procedures.
If you're a spouse applying for a green card from outside the United States, your initial Greenbroad application package for USCIS will consist of the following essential forms:
Marriage relationship form I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative
Supplemental information form I-130A - Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
Online notification application G-1145 - e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
To obtain a marriage-based green card when both you and your spouse are in the United States, you'll need to file and submit the following forms:
I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative
I-130A - Supplemental Information
I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence
I-1864 - Affidavit of Support
I-693 - Report of Medical Test and Vaccination Record
I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization
I-131 - Application for Travel Document
Greenbroad LLC is not a law firm. The services and information provided are not legal advice and do not substitute the same level of advice, opinion, guidance or recommendation that a licensed immigration attorney can provide. Greenbroad is not affiliated with the USCIS. The purchase price of services does not include USCIS government filing fees.
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