How to Apply for a Green Card Through Marriage?

By Asım Kılınç, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm

In today's article, I'll answer the question of how to apply for a Green Card in Turkey by marrying an American citizen or in other marital situations, and I'll also delve into the details. Marriage is one of the most frequently chosen methods for applying for a Green Card in the US under the family-based immigration category. This process requires compliance with both your spouse and immigration regulations. Here's what we'll cover in this article:

• How to Get a Green Card Through Family?
• When Does a Green Card Arrive After Marriage?
• Can a Spouse Benefit from a Green Card?
• How Much Does a Green Card Cost?
• How to Get a Green Card Through Marriage in the USA?

How to Get a Green Card Through Family?

If you are married to a US citizen or Green Card holder, your spouse must apply to USCIS on your behalf. The application process involves the following steps:

• Form I-130 Petition: The U.S. citizen spouse completes the "Petition for Alien Relative" form and submits it to USCIS. This form proves the marriage is bona fide. Relevant documents include a marriage certificate, photos of the couple together, and joint property or bank account information.
• National Visa Center Process: Once Form I-130 is approved, the application file is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC collects the necessary documents and schedules an interview at a US Consulate.
• Form I-485 Adjustment of Status: If eligible, applicants residing in the US can adjust status to permanent residence. Temporary work and travel permits may be granted during this process.
• Supporting Documents and Evidence: Includes wedding photos, joint bank accounts, letters from family and friends, marriage history, and proof of cohabitation.
• Interview Process: USCIS interviews the couple to verify the legitimacy of the marriage.
• Final Evaluation: USCIS makes the final decision and issues a Green Card if approved.

When Does a Green Card Arrive After Marriage?

If your spouse is a US citizen, the process typically takes 10–13 months. If your spouse is a Green Card holder, it can take 2–3 years due to quotas. Preparing documents accurately and completely can speed up the process.

Can a Spouse Benefit from a Green Card?

Spouses of Green Card holders can also apply. These applications fall under the “F2A” category, which covers spouses and unmarried children under 21. Wait times vary due to quotas, but applications from US citizen spouses are processed faster.

How Much Does a Green Card Cost?

Typical USCIS fees are:

• Form I-130: $625 (online) / $675 (paper)
• Form I-485: $1,440 (includes biometrics)
• Form I-765: $260 (optional work permit)
• Medical Exam: $300–$500

Additional costs include attorney fees ($2,000–$5,000), translation ($100–$300), and travel expenses.

How to Get a Green Card Through Marriage in the USA?

If you're legally in the US (tourist or student visa), you can apply for adjustment of status after marriage. Avoid visa violations and submit complete, accurate documents to avoid delays.

Getting Married After Getting a Green Card

Green Card holders can bring their spouses through the family-based immigration process, but it takes longer than if married to a US citizen. USCIS carefully reviews marriage validity, requiring complete relationship documentation.

Applying for a Green Card through marriage can be successfully completed with correct documentation and attention to detail. Contact us through our website or LinkedIn for assistance and browse our blog for more articles.