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.
1. The U.S. citizen spouse completes Form I-130, Petition for Relative, on behalf of the applicant.
2. The 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.
3. Wait for USCIS to approve the I-485 application.
4. Receive 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.
