How Long to Get a Green Card After Marriage in the U.S

Getting a green card through marriage is a common path to U.S. residency. If you’re in Houston and recently married a citizen or green card holder, your wait time can vary, typically 1 to 2 years, depending on your case. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer, like Abogada Kim Bruno, can help you avoid delays and guide you through every step of the process. This blog will walk you through the timeline, legal process, and complexities of getting a marriage-based green card in the U.S.

What Is a Marriage-Based Green Card?

Through a marriage-based green card, the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder gains permanent residency and the right to work in the United States. It is one of the most common and reliable routes to lawful permanent residency. Once approved, the foreign spouse becomes a permanent resident and may apply for U.S. citizenship after three years of marriage to a U.S. citizen.

This pathway helps unite families while allowing foreign spouses to enjoy lawful residence and work rights in the U.S. For many couples, it marks the first major milestone in building a life together in the country.

Key USCIS Updates in 2025

Navigating the marriage green card process means staying current with immigration policy. USCIS rolled out several notable updates in 2025 that applicants should know.

Recent changes to forms and procedures have been implemented by USCIS:

Form I-130: While the form remains unchanged, the USCIS webpage now includes clear warnings against marriage fraud, encouraging the public to report suspected abuse.
Form I-485: A new version dated 01/20/25 is required for all filings from April 3, 2025. It includes changes related to fee processing and medical exam submissions.
Form I-693: As of January 22, 2025, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required.
Form I-129F: For K-1 visa applicants, a stricter version is required starting May 1, 2025.
Filing Requirements: All forms must use the same version, and individual checks are now required for each form submitted.

These updates signal a push toward greater accuracy and fraud prevention.

Marriage Green Card Overview

Before you begin, it helps to understand the big picture. Marriage-based green card applications include steps, costs, and timelines that vary depending on where the couple resides.

Processing Time: Approx. 9.2 months (varies)
Application Cost: $3,005 (domestic applicants), $1,340 (foreign applicants)
Step One: File Form I-130 to verify the validity of the marital relationship.
Eligibility: Marriage must be legally valid and entered in good faith
Approval Rates: Form I-130 (84.5% – 90.4%), Form I-485 (over 90%)

2025 Marriage Green Card Costs

Understanding the cost structure helps applicants budget appropriately. Costs can vary significantly depending on whether the spouse lives in the U.S. or abroad.

For Couples Living in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)

Form I-130: $675
Form I-485: $1,440
Form I-765 (Work Authorization): $260
Form I-131 (Travel Authorization): $630
USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235
Total Government Fees: $3,005

For Couples with Spouse Abroad (Consular Processing)

Form I-130: $675
State Department Processing: $325
Form I-864: $120
USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235
Total Government Fees: $1,340

Additional Expenses

Medical Exam: $150 – $600
Translations: $15 – $50 per page
Document Authentication: $20 – $150 per document
Future Cost: Form I-751 (removal of conditions): $750

Required Documentation

Gathering strong documentation is crucial. USCIS will assess your paperwork to verify the legitimacy of your relationship and your eligibility.

Identity and Relationship Documents

Legal marriage certificate
Divorce or death certificates (if previously married)
Foreign spouse’s birth certificate (with translation if not in English)
Proof of legal entry (I-94, visa stamp)
Sponsor’s proof of U.S. citizenship or residency

Evidence of a Genuine Marriage

Joint financial documents (bank accounts, insurance policies)
Property or lease agreements
Utility bills in both names
Photos and travel records together
Communication logs (emails, texts, social media)
Affidavits from family and friends
Children’s documents (if applicable)

The Marriage Green Card Process in 3 Steps

The process may differ depending on whether the foreign spouse is inside or outside the U.S. These three main steps outline what every couple can expect.

Step 1: File Form I-130

The U.S. citizen or green card holder files Form I-130 to establish a valid relationship.

Required documents include:

Filing fee: $675
Sponsor’s proof of status
Marriage certificate
Evidence of a bona fide relationship
Divorce documents (if needed)

Step 2: File Form I-485 or DS-260

For Spouses in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)

Form I-130 and Form I-485 can be filed concurrently.
Processing time: approx. 9.2 months
Additional documents: Birth certificate, passport, medical exam (Form I-693), Form I-864, tax returns, pay stubs, photos, Forms I-765 and I-131 (optional)

For Spouses Abroad (Consular Processing)

National Visa Center (NVC) forwards documents to the consulate
Required forms: DS-260, police certificates, financial support forms, passport, medical exam
Estimated NVC processing: 1-2 months

Step 3: Interview and Approval

U.S.-Based Couples

Both spouses attend the USCIS interview
The green card arrives within 2-3 weeks of approval

Couples Abroad

Foreign spouse attends an interview at the U.S. embassy
Visa issued for entry; green card mailed within 2-3 weeks

Approval and Denial Trends (FY2023 – FY2024)

Understanding past approval trends can help you prepare. In general, marriage-based petitions are approved at high rates when documentation is strong.

I-130 Approval: 84.5% – 90.4%
I-485 Approval: Over 90%
Backlog: Over 1.9 million pending I-130 cases

Challenges for Green Card Holders’ Spouses

Spouses of green card holders are in a different visa category (F2A), which may delay green card issuance due to limited visa availability.

Limited visa availability under the F2A category
Long backlogs in countries like Mexico, India, China, and the Philippines

Common Reasons for Denial

To avoid denial, applicants should understand USCIS’s top concerns and submit a complete, well-documented application.

Insufficient evidence of a real marriage
Criminal or immigration violations
Medical inadmissibility
Inadequate financial sponsorship

After Green Card Approval

Receiving the green card is a major achievement. Next steps depend on how long you have been married at the time of approval.

Conditional Green Card (Marriage Under 2 Years)

Valid for 2 years
Must file Form I-751 jointly before expiration
USCIS reassesses the authenticity of the marriage

Permanent Green Card (Marriage Over 2 Years)

Valid for 10 years
Renewal does not require proof of marriage authenticity

Path to U.S. Citizenship

Many foreign spouses want to eventually become U.S. citizens. Marriage-based green card holders may naturalize faster than most.

Eligible after 3 years as a permanent resident, married to a U.S. citizen. Requirements include:

3 years of continuous residency
18 months of physical presence
Good moral character
English and civics test
Oath of Allegiance

Marriage Fraud Warnings

Marriage fraud is taken very seriously. Submitting false information can lead to criminal penalties and immigration consequences.

Marriage fraud is a federal offense with penalties of up to 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and removal of the foreign spouse. USCIS and ICE may conduct interviews, home visits, and background checks to verify marriages.

Avoiding fraud and submitting a truthful, well-documented application is critical to success.

Looking for a Green Card? Abogada Kim Bruno Is Here to Help (H2)

At Abogada Kim Bruno, we understand the challenges couples face during the immigration journey. Whether you need help filing your forms, preparing for your interview, or responding to USCIS requests, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next confident step toward your green card.