How to Apply for Green Card by Marriage to U.S. Citizen Outside the U.S.
How to apply for a green card if married to a U.S. citizen if the foreign-national spouse is living outside the U.S. The spouse of a U.S. citizen is their immediate relative. There are unlimited green cards available for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
Steps to Apply for Green Card by Marriage Outside the U.S.
1. The U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130, Petition for Relative, on behalf of the green card applicant.
2. Wait for the I-130 petition to be approved.
Once the I-130 is approved, the USCIS will forward the approved petition to the National Visa Center, which will process and forward the visa package to the U.S. embassy or consulate near the applicant’s home
3. Attend the visa interview.
Once the I-130 is approved, the U.S. embassy or consulate will request the applicant attend a visa interview. The interview will take place at the embassy or consulate.
4. Receive an immigrant visa.
If the visa interview goes well, the applicant will receive an immigrant visa. Immigrant visas are visas for permanent residence.
5. Travel to the U.S.
The applicant can now travel to the U.S. with their immigrant visa. The applicant will receive a stamp in their passport upon entering the U.S. and will officially become a permanent resident.
6. Receive green card in the mail.
Once inside the U.S., the applicant will be mailed a two-year conditional green card. After two years, the applicant can apply to have the “conditions of residence” removed and will receive a 10-year green card.
