Colombia's Top Immigration Law Firm

Marriage Green Card: Spousal Visa

Get personalized expert guidance and spousal visa support for to be with your a spouse in the U.S. Let us help you navigate the marriage green card process smoothly and be with your loved one in the United States.

About The Marriage Green Card

Who Is It For? 

For individuals who want to be in together in the United States but are married in Colombia (or another country).

How Long Does It Last?

If you have been married for less than 2 years, you may be granted a conditional green card that is only for 2 years. After 2 years you will be eligible to apply for a removal of conditions and receive a regular 10 year green card.

We Specialize in Providing Guidance and Counsel to Those Seeking US Immigration Services From Colombia.

Whether you're looking to eventually become a US Citizen, or you just want to spend a long period of time in the country, we can advise you on the best process.

Work 1:1 With A Member of Our Team Throughout your entire process:

Our commitment to personalized service means that you will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a dedicated immigration professional who will assist you every step of the way.

Reduced Stress

Focusing solely on Colombia and the United States streamlines our firm's operations, ensuring that you will consistently collaborate with professionals who possess expertise in your specific circumstances, and who are exclusively dedicated to the Colombian and U.S. immigration landscape.

Focused on US and Colombian Immigration Processes

Whether you're looking to secure a U.S. visa, obtain Colombian residency, or explore opportunities that bridge both nations, our dedicated team is well-equipped to provide tailored guidance, ensuring your journey is as smooth and successful as possible.

Your Partners

Daniela Cordoba
Founder and Lead Attorney

Daniela Cordoba is a lawyer specializing in immigration and commercial law. Daniela Cordoba has helped individuals and businesses live and operate in Colombia for over a decade. She also has training in compliance with the respective accreditations to serve as Compliance Officer.

Mike Funkhouser
Co-Founder and Client Support Lead

Mike co-founded Colombian Visa Services after moving to Colombia from the United States and finding the process of obtaining a visa difficult and frustrating. Daniela helped make the process so simple and stress-free that he partnered with her to provide the to help others.

Over 1,200 Visas Accepted

For the past decade we have been helping travelers secure visas to Colombia.

Personalized Support

We work with you 1:1 to ensure you not only have the best chance of getting approval, but that you have every one of your questions answers.

Fluent in English and Spanish

You don't have to worry about having to translate emails or communication, our team is fluent in English and can help you with whatever you need.

The Marriage Green Card Process

1. Establish Your Relationship

Establish the marriage relationship by filing a Form I-130.

2. Adjustment of Status

Apply for the green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485) if you’re living in the U.S. or Form DS-260 if you’re a foreign national living abroad

3. Interview and Wait for Approval

You'll attend an in person interview and wait for approval. The total time for applying for a marriage based green card is 9-12 months.

Man putting a ring on a woman's finger.
Requirements

Eligibility Requirements For A Marriage Green Card

These are the specific requirements to apply for a US Marriage green card however you may be required to submit additional documentation throughout the application process to prove the validity of your relationship.

Prove that the marriage exists.
A key step in the application process is proving that a legally valid marriage exists, typically this is done through an official marriage certificate.
Evidence of a relationship and building a life together in the United States.
Typically this can be joint bank accounts, both individuals listed on a mortgage or lease, bills, or life insurance policies.
Minimum Income Requirement
US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Spouse must have income that is at least 125% of the federal poverty level.

Peace of Mind Throughout Your Application Process

From your first questions, through the application process, until you receive your green card. We are with you every step of the way.

Contact Us Today To Learn More

Why Our Clients Love Us

We spend the time to get to know you and your story so your application is perfect the first time.

"I found the services rendered by Daniela Cordoba at Colombian Visa Services to be very professional, welcoming and, most importantly, efficacious.  What I was not able to do on my own for 8 months of trying,  Colombia Visa Services did in 2 months.  Daniela was always very prompt in responding to whatever questions I asked her via e-mail.  The initial free contact conversation was extremely beneficial.  The challenge was being able to remember all the helpful information that Daniela was sharing with me."

Robert R

"I would highly recommend Colombian Visa Services to anyone who needs advisory obtaining a Colombian Migrant Visa. Their exceptional service, combined with their expertise and efficiency, truly set them apart from other services. I am so grateful to have worked with them and will definitely use their services again when I need to renew. Thank you, Colombian Visa Services!"

Sophie M

"Colombian Visa Services were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. They were always available to answer my questions and provide guidance, which gave me a lot of confidence and peace of mind. They were also incredibly friendly and patient, which made the whole experience a pleasure."

Andy S

We are so very happy with Colombian Visa Services and Daniela! Years ago we were able to do our documents ourselves and it was so easy. As the years went, we had to get help with different visa services. The last we had was really not efficient and let my wife's documents lapse and it was a 6 month nightmare to get everything fixed. Daniela really KNEW what she was doing, was super helpful and professional and was so eager to help! My wife's renewal came in the VERY NEXT DAY! I highly recommend Colombian Visa Services to anyone who needs help getting or renewing their documents! Fast! Efficient! Knowledgeable! And very reasonably priced! And best of all, Daniela speaks English perfectly!

John G

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Contact Us Today

We will help you every step of the way, so you can focus on the enjoying your new relationship without worrying about the paperwork.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about what you need to obtain a Colombian Retirement Visa and how we can help.

How long does it take to get green card after marrying?

The time it takes to obtain a green card (lawful permanent residency) after marrying a U.S. citizen can vary depending on several factors, including where the application is processed and any individual circumstances that may affect processing times. Typically the entire process can take 8-14 months. Here is an overview of the typical timeline:

Filing the Petition: After getting married to a U.S. citizen, the next step is to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. Once USCIS approves the petition, it establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen spouse and the foreign spouse.

Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: The foreign spouse can choose to apply for a green card through adjustment of status if they are already in the United States, or through consular processing if they are residing abroad. Adjustment of status involves filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, while consular processing involves completing immigrant visa processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Biometrics Appointment: If applying for adjustment of status, the foreign spouse will typically be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature for identity verification.

Interview: USCIS may schedule an interview as part of the green card application process to verify the authenticity of the marriage and assess eligibility for permanent residency. This interview is typically conducted for adjustment of status applicants.

Approval and Green Card Issuance: If USCIS approves the green card application, the foreign spouse will receive their green card, granting them lawful permanent residency in the United States.

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Can my wife stay in US while waiting for green card?

Yes, your wife can typically remain in the United States while waiting for her green card if she applies for adjustment of status (Form I-485) after marrying you, a U.S. citizen.When she applies for adjustment of status, she can concurrently file Form I-485 along with Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) based on your marriage.

This allows her to apply for lawful permanent residency (green card) without leaving the United States.Once the adjustment of status application (Form I-485) is pending with USCIS, she can generally remain in the United States and may also be eligible to apply for a work permit (Form I-765) and travel document (Form I-131) while her green card application is pending.

It's important to note that there are certain exceptions and circumstances that may affect her ability to remain in the United States while awaiting her green card, such as if she entered the U.S. on a different type of visa that has expired or if she is otherwise ineligible to adjust status. In such cases, it's advisable to consult with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance on her specific situation.

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How long does it take to bring spouse to USA with green card?

The time it takes to bring a spouse to the USA with a green card (lawful permanent residency) can vary depending on several factors, including the immigration pathway used, the country of origin of the spouse, and any individual circumstances that may affect processing times. Typically the timeline is around 12-15 months for a US citizen and 35-40 months for a green card holder. Here are some common scenarios:

Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: If a U.S. citizen marries a foreign national, they can file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for their spouse. Once the I-130 is approved, if the spouse is outside the U.S., they will go through consular processing to obtain an immigrant visa, which typically takes several months. If the spouse is already in the U.S., they may be eligible to adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident, which can also take several months.

Marriage to a Green Card Holder: If a green card holder (permanent resident) marries a foreign national, they can also file Form I-130 for their spouse. However, the processing times may be longer compared to marriage to a U.S. citizen due to visa availability and preference categories.

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How do I get permanent residency in USA through marriage?

Obtaining permanent residency (green card) in the USA through marriage typically involves the following steps:

Eligibility: Ensure that you and your spouse meet the eligibility criteria for marriage-based green card application. Generally, you must be legally married and your marriage must be recognized as valid by U.S. immigration law. Additionally, there are requirements related to admissibility, such as not having committed certain crimes or immigration violations.

File Form I-130: The first step is for the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen or green card holder and the foreign spouse.

Wait for I-130 Approval: Once USCIS approves Form I-130, it confirms the validity of the marriage and establishes the relationship between you and your spouse.

Choose Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: If the foreign spouse is already in the United States, they may be eligible to adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, concurrently with Form I-130. If the foreign spouse is outside the United States, they will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad to obtain an immigrant visa.

File Form I-485 (If Applying for Adjustment of Status): If the foreign spouse is already in the United States, they can file Form I-485 along with Form I-130 once the I-130 is approved. This form is used to apply for adjustment of status to permanent residency.

Attend Biometrics Appointment (If Applying for Adjustment of Status): If applying for adjustment of status, the foreign spouse will typically be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature for identity verification.

Attend Interview (If Required): USCIS may schedule an interview as part of the adjustment of status process to verify the authenticity of the marriage and assess eligibility for permanent residency.

Receive Green Card: If USCIS approves the adjustment of status application or if the foreign spouse successfully completes consular processing, they will receive their green card, granting them lawful permanent residency in the United States.It's essential to carefully follow all instructions provided by USCIS and adhere to the requirements for the green card application process. Additionally, consulting with an immigration attorney can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your specific circumstances.

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Should I marry my spouse In Colombia or in the United States?

Typically, if your plan is to be with your partner in the United States as soon as possible, the the K1 Fiancé visa is the fastest route to have your spouse be physically present with you in the United States.

However, if you're not in a rush to go to the United States, marrying your spouse in Colombia and applying for a marriage green card can be the fastest way for your spouse to obtain a green card.

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Can I stay in America if I marry a US Citizen?

If you marry an American citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residency) in the United States. Once you receive your green card, you will have the right to live and work permanently in the United States. However, the process of obtaining a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen involves several steps, and you must meet certain eligibility requirements.Here's a general overview of the process:

Marriage: You must be legally married to a U.S. citizen. The marriage must be valid and recognized under U.S. law.

File Form I-130: Your U.S. citizen spouse must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the relationship.

Adjustment of Status: If you are already in the United States, you may be eligible to adjust status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder) by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, concurrently with Form I-130.

Interview: USCIS may schedule an interview to verify the authenticity of the marriage and assess your eligibility for permanent residency.

Receive Green Card: If USCIS approves your adjustment of status application, you will receive your green card, granting you lawful permanent residency in the United States.

Once you have a green card, you can live and work in the United States indefinitely. However, it's essential to maintain your status and comply with U.S. immigration laws. Additionally, if you obtained conditional permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you will need to file a petition to remove the conditions on your green card within the required timeframe.

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