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.
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.
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 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.
For the past decade we have been helping travelers secure visas to Colombia.
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.
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.
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.
From your first questions, through the application process, until you receive your green card. We are with you every step of the way.
We spend the time to get to know you and your story so your application is perfect the first time.
We will help you every step of the way, so you can focus on the enjoying your new relationship without worrying about the paperwork.
Schedule A ConsultationLearn more about what you need to obtain a Colombian Retirement Visa and how we can help.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.