As a UK-based citizen who is married to a U.S. based citizen you might get a marriage-based green card (permanent residency). Through the process, you will be in a position to live and work in the U.S. with your spouse together. Well here is what you have to know.
1. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a marriage-based green card:
1. You should be lawfully married to a U.S citizen (marriages between people of the same sex are accepted).
2. You have to have a good, real marriage (It should be bona fide and not a fake marriage); not just in order to receive immigration benefits.
3. The citizen spouse in U.S. should also be able to support you financially.
2. The Application Process
There are two main paths depending on where you currently live:
A. Beyond the U.S. application (Consular Processing)
If you’re in the UK, your U.S. spouse files:
1. Form I-130 (Petition of Alien Relative) – to prove the relationship.
2. After being approved, you will apply immigrant visa (CR-1 or IR-1) at the U.S embassy in London.
3. Once inside U.S. you will be given green card.
Processing Time: 12-18 months
B. Under filing inside of U.S. (Adjustment of status)
If you’re already in the U.S. (e.g., on a visa waiver or other visa), you can:
1. Submit form I-130 and form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) combined.
2. Go to a biometrics appointment and marriage interview.
3. be awarded a conditional (2 years) or permanent (10 years) green card
Processing Time: 10-14 months
3. Temporary vs. Permanent green cards
In case of a marriage of less than 2 years -> 2-year conditional green card.
More than 2 years of marriage together → 10-year permanent green card.
Before expiration of the 2-year card, file Form I-751 in order to lift the conditions (in case there are any).
4. Required Documents
1. Marital certificate
2. Evidence of good marriage (marriage bank accounts, photographs, leases, etc.)
3. Financial papers of the sponsor (pay stubs, tax returns)
4. Medical test (I-693)
5. Passport like film photos
7. Next Steps: Citizenship
After 3 years of holding a green card (if still married to a U.S. citizen), you can apply for U.S. citizenship via naturalization.
Need Help Planning Your Green Card Strategy?
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