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Green Card Through Marriage Process 2020

Chicago Immigration Law Office

You and your girlfriend have been dating for a while. You are thinking about getting married and starting a marriage-based green card case now. You wonder how to get your spouse a green card so that you can live together in the United States.

What are the requirements for civil marriage?

You and your spouse need to apply for a marriage license in person or online to start this process. Then, both of you need to attend a wedding ceremony and obtain a marriage certificate, which is required to start this marriage green card process.

What forms and documents do I file for a marriage-based adjustment of status case?

You and your spouse need to submit multiple USCIS forms and documents, sharing various background information with them. You and your spouse also need to show a bona fide relationship by documenting that you are living together, comingling financial resources, and presenting yourselves as a couple to the public.

What is the new Public Charge Rule?

Your spouse will be also subject to the I-944 public charge test. You and your spouse must submit the following types of information and documents: household income, household assets and resources, liabilities and debts, US credit report and score, US health insurance, public benefits, and education and skills documents.

How long does it take for USCIS to send receipt and biometrics notices?

If you submitted all required forms, documents, and filing fees, USCIS will accept your case package. First, you will receive a text message if you submitted a G-1145 about 10-14 days after your initial submission. Next, USCIS will cash out your filing fee, which is currently $1760, and mail written receipt notices to your mailing address. If USCIS is open to the public, USCIS will notify you of a biometrics appointment about 30 days after the initial submission. If USCIS is not open to the public, previous biometrics may be used.

How long does it take to get work permit after marrying a US Citizen?

Your case will be initially reviewed by the National Benefits Center, which oversees preparing green card and applications that require interviews at USCIS field offices. When the National Benefits Center completes its initial review, your case will be transferred to a local USCIS field office. USCIS will send you an employment authorization (aka work permit) and advance parole (aka travel permit) documents about five to six months after the initial submission. If USCIS is open to the public, USCIS will schedule an interview for you and your spouse by mailing an interview scheduling notice about 30 days ahead of the scheduled interview date.

How do I prepare for my green card marriage interview?

You and your spouse must attend this interview together. You are expected to bring certain original documents with you. It is highly recommended that you bring additional bona fide documents as well.

When you enter the building, you need to go through security check. Then, proceed to your interview area. When an interviewing officer is ready, you will be called for an interview.

What happens at green card interview marriage?

The local field office policy or your case records will determine whether you will be interviewed together or separately.

During the interview, the officer will ask questions to both foreign and USC or LPR spouse about the following matters:

  • Biographic information such as name, DOB and address
  • Previous marriage, immigration, employment and criminal records
  • Foreign spouse’s last US entry and timing of marriage and
  • Bona fide relationship

How long does it take to get green card through marriage?

After the interview, USCIS will conduct additional background check. When the additional background check is clean and the local field office approves your case, then you will receive a green card soon.

Your green card through marriage processing time and cost are subject to changes. Check with USCIS or your attorney to be informed.

🎞️ Watch our Youtube Explainer Video: https://youtu.be/3rRsmqz2P58
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.
Chicago Immigration Law Office
Francis Law Center - Immigration Law
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