How to Apply for Green Card by Marriage to U.S. Citizen inside the U.S.

How to apply for a green card if married to a U.S. citizen and living in 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 to U.S. Citizen inside the U.S.

1The U.S. citizen spouse completes Form I-130, Petition for Relative, on behalf of the applicant.

2The applicant files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with the I-130 petition with USCIS.

This is called concurrent filing. This option is only available for non-citizens who entered the country with inspection.

3Wait for USCIS to approve the I-485 application.

4Receive a green card in the mail.

If USCIS approves the I-485 application, the applicant will become a U.S. permanent resident and receive their green card in the mail. If the marriage is less than two years old at the time Form I-130 is filed, the applicant will receive a conditional green card, valid for two years. After two years, the applicant can apply to have the "conditions of residence" removed and will receive a 10-year green card.

Other "How To" ARTICLES

Citizenship

Learn how to apply for US citizenship & the US citizenship process. Expert articles on how to Become a US citizen & more.

US Visas

Find out how to apply for a US Visa. Expert articles will help you figure out which US visa is right for you!

Immigration Forms

Learn how to file immigration forms. Expert articles will help you understand the different immigration forms available.

Most Popular

Green card Renewal
Form I-90

Lost or Stolen Green Card
Form I-90

US Citizenship Application
Form N-400

U.S. Green Card Lottery (DV Lottery)

Replace Certificate Citizenship
Form N-565

Immigrant Petition Family Green Card
Form I-130

Adjustment of Status
Form I-485

Visitor Visa

Application for Travel Document
Form I-131

Certificate of Citizenship
Form N-600

Petition to Remove Conditions
Form I-751

Employment Authorization Document
Form I-765

USCIS Forms

Share the page

We are not a law firm, and this site and our software are not a substitute for the advice of a lawyer and do not contain or constitute legal advice. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. This site provides general information on some commonly encountered immigration matters only and was created to allow you to more simply navigate your completion of immigration paperwork using online software. The content on this site should not be relied on to reach conclusions about any person's specific situation. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a user's direction. Customer support is for technical and billing issues only and will not answer legal questions. We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individual's specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. We do not make form recommendations or recommend or provide answers to specific questions on forms, and communications between you and us are not protected by any privilege. Purchase prices do not include applicable government agency filing or biometrics fees, if any. The forms that can be completed using our software can be obtained for free from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as blank forms with written instructions. Automated eligibility quizzes were created using instructions, rules and regulations published by the USCIS and only indicate whether you meet minimum eligibility requirements to apply for the given immigration benefit. Quiz results do not guarantee eligibility or ineligibility as you may or may not be eligible based on reasons not addressed in the quizzes. Your access to and use of this site, including any purchase, is subject to and constitutes your agreement to the website Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Refunds will only be issued if requested within thirty (30) days and before completed application is printed. Exceptions and restrictions may apply; see Refund Policy for details.

Before you continue, please understand that:

How to Apply for Green Card by Marriage to U.S. Citizen inside the U.S.

Steps to Apply for Green Card by Marriage to U.S. Citizen inside the U.S.

1The U.S. citizen spouse completes Form I-130, Petition for Relative, on behalf of the applicant.

2The applicant files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with the I-130 petition with USCIS.

3Wait for USCIS to approve the I-485 application.

4Receive a green card in the mail.

Other "How To" ARTICLES

Most Popular

Share the page

US Citizenship

US Immigration

Green Card

New Articles

US Visas

US Immigration Forms

US Immigration DVDS & Resources