How to Become a Permanent Resident through Marriage
An applicant can apply for U.S. permanent residence if his/her spouse is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. The applicant can apply for U.S. permanent residence from inside or outside the U.S.
Steps to Become a Permanent Resident through Marriage
If applying from inside the U.S.:
1. The U.S. spouse (sponsor) completes Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (to prove that he/she has enough money to support the applicant).
2. The sponsor submits Form I-130 along with the required documents that prove the applicant’s relationship with the relative, documentary proof of the spouse’s U.S. citizenship or legal permanent status if the spouse is a green card holder, and necessary photographs.
3. The applicant’s spouse mails the package to the appropriate USCIS or U.S. embassy address.
4. The applicant waits for the Notice of Action or NOA1, which is a letter from USCIS acknowledging receipt of the package.
It will include a case identification number that can be used to track the application on the USCIS web site.
5. After the visa petition is approved, the applicant receives the second Notice of Action or NOA2.
The NOA2 is the notice of approval. Once the applicant has received this, it indicates that the I-130 process is complete.
6. After USCIS approves the application, the applicant’s spouse should submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
If applying from outside the U.S.:
1. The U.S. spouse (sponsor) completes Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (to prove that he/she has enough money to support the applicant).
2. If the I-130 is approved, the applicant is informed and completes Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application.
3. The applicant schedules a visa interview at the embassy or consulate in the country where they live and takes the required medical exam.
4. The applicant attends the visa interview.
If the interview is successful, the applicant will be granted immigration visa.
5. On his/her arrival in the U.S., the applicant will get a visa stamp at the port of entry (POE) by an immigration officer, and in few days, will receive a plastic green card delivered to the U.S. mailing address.
