Green Card Through Marriage
Protect your marriage with a flawless immigration strategy. Secure the right to live in the United States alongside the one you love.
Secure the right to reside with your spouse in the United States.
Secure the protection of your future together and family stability.
Apply for your citizenship and obtain a United States passport.
What Is a Marriage-Based Green Card
A Marriage-Based Green Card allows spouses of U.S. citizens and permanent residents to obtain the right to live in the United States. The process requires validation of the marriage.
The granting of the Green Card varies according to the length of the marriage. Recent marriages are granted two-year status, but as the expiration date approaches, one can apply for ten-year status, which is granted to established marriages.
Another benefit of the Marriage-Based Green Card is full freedom for the immigrant to work and start a business in the United States. After three years of marriage, the resident becomes eligible for U.S. citizenship.
Who is the Marriage-Based Green Card for?
The Marriage-Based Green Card is for spouses of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. It applies to all couples who have legally married and wish to build a life together.
It is for all individuals seeking legal security to live with those they love in the United States. Eligibility requires documentary proof of a genuine and financially stable relationship.
The Marriage-Based Green Card applies to both newlyweds and long-established marriages. It is the pathway for those who plan to fully integrate into American society and economy.
Eligibility Criteria for the
Marriage-Based Green Card
Qualified petitioner
The Green Card application must be filed by a U.S. citizen or by someone who holds lawful permanent residence in the country.
Valid marital status
The marriage must be valid under the laws of the jurisdiction where it was performed, and any previous marriages must be officially dissolved.
Proof of bona fide Marriage
Requires the submission of genuine evidence of cohabitation, such as photographs and joint accounts, to validate the legitimacy of the marriage.
Admissibility Assessment
The beneficiary must be deemed eligible by the U.S. government. For certain grounds of inadmissibility, a waiver may be requested.
Financial Stability
It is necessary to demonstrate the financial means to support the spouse in the United States, in accordance with the income requirements established by law.
Shared Life Plan
It is essential to demonstrate that both parties intend to establish a single household in the U.S., living under the same roof as a family unit.
Protect your marriage and your future in the United States. Rely on our expertise to guide you through the marriage-based Green Card process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need to be married to obtain a Green Card?
There is no minimum length of marriage required to obtain a Marriage-Based Green Card. There is, however, a difference in the type of Green Card issued, based on the years of marriage. Individuals who have been married for less than two years receive a conditional Green Card, valid for 24 months. Those who have been married for more than two years receive a permanent Green Card, as it is valid for 10 years.
How does the Marriage-Based Green Card work?
The process begins with the petitioner — a U.S. citizen or permanent resident — submitting forms and documentary evidence to U.S. immigration authorities to request status for the spouse. Following review and a bona fide marriage interview, the U.S. government issues the permanent residence, allowing the spouse to legally live and work in the country.
Does getting married in the U.S. grant a Green Card?
Marriage does not automatically grant a Green Card to the spouse. The marriage only grants the right to petition for the spouse's visa. Once the petition is filed, it is necessary to follow the full Marriage-Based Green Card process, which includes proving the legitimacy of the marriage and obtaining approval from immigration authorities.
How to apply for a Marriage-Based Green Card while living in Brazil?
The application is filed through Consular Processing. The petitioner initiates the request in the United States and, after approval by the NVC, the spouse undergoes medical examinations and the interview at the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro to obtain the visa.
Does the Marriage-Based Green Card include children?
Yes, unmarried children under the age of 21 may be included as derivative beneficiaries. They receive permanent resident status alongside the parent, ensuring family unity in the United States.
How long does the Marriage-Based Green Card take?
The average timeframe ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the location and whether the process is through Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing. Factors such as the quality of the evidence submitted to prove eligibility may influence the speed of the process. For this reason, it is recommended to retain an immigration law firm to handle the Marriage-Based Green Card process. Proper legal guidance has a direct impact on the success of the case.
How long is the Marriage-Based Green Card valid?
The conditional Green Card is valid for two years and requires renewal. The permanent Green Card, on the other hand, is valid for 10 years. In both cases, the permanent residence itself is maintained as long as the eligibility criteria are met.
Can the Marriage-Based Green Card be denied?
Yes. The main grounds for denial include insufficient proof of a genuine marriage (bona fide), insufficient financial means of the petitioner (the spouse who files the immigration petition), criminal history, or errors in completing the forms.
Can someone married to a U.S. citizen be deported?
Marriage does not prevent deportation if the immigrant commits serious crimes or immigration violations. Full protection against removal is only acquired after obtaining U.S. citizenship.
How much does the Marriage-Based Green Card process cost?
The cost of the Marriage-Based Green Card involves USCIS government fees (such as I-130 and I-485), medical examinations, and translations. The amounts vary depending on the location of the application and may be subject to annual adjustments by U.S. authorities. The services of an immigration law firm must also be factored into the total cost. Having the assistance of a specialist with knowledge of U.S. immigration law can make the difference between building a married life in the United States or not.
Understanding the Steps to Your Green Card
Eligibility Assessment
A precise evaluation of your profile, conducted at no cost to you, as part of our commitment to transparency. We assess whether you meet the rigorous criteria established by U.S. immigration law (USCIS) to apply for a Green Card.
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Meeting with a Specialist
We review every detail of your profile and analyze the specifics of your case to determine the best visa option for you. We answer your questions and manage expectations so you have full clarity and confidence before we begin building your case.
Legal Strategy Development
The legal expertise behind the Green Card process is what determines the strength of a case. We develop a detailed technical narrative focused on transforming your background and qualifications into persuasive arguments for review by the USCIS officer.
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Document Collection
We provide comprehensive support in organizing the evidence that truly carries weight in the U.S. immigration process. We work alongside you to ensure that the documentation presented accurately supports the legal argument developed for your case.
Filing the Application
This is the final stage of preparation. We consolidate the strategy and documentation into a robust dossier and formally file your U.S. immigration application with the relevant authorities, officially beginning your legal journey on American soil.
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Post-Filing Follow-Up
Our commitment is to provide full transparency on the progress of your journey toward the Green Card. We monitor every status update with USCIS and act swiftly on any additional requests, ensuring proactive case management through to the final decision.
Green Card in Hand
The definitive achievement of your U.S. immigration journey. The United States is no longer a dream but your new home. You and your family gain the right to live, work, and thrive in the country, with all the benefits of a global citizen.
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Don't delay your happily ever after. Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on what matters: your home.
Far more than just immigration processes, we bring life plans to life
Higor Medeiros
Excellent service. A meeting where they patiently explained our options for immigrating to the USA. We were very satisfied and would definitely recommend YOUSA.
Maria Luísa Moreno
Excellent service! They answered all my questions with great patience and dedication. I started my process with YOUSA and recommend them to anyone looking for a trustworthy attorney.
Maila Fernandes
We had a consultation with Dr. Otávio and he was extremely professional and insightful. We hired YOUSA confident that we are well advised to succeed in our case.
Leandro Alves Duarte
YOUSA is a very honest and serious firm. It has excellent staff who are also very personable. Congratulations on the outstanding work.
Don't waste time in your life. Have an agile and efficient strategy to obtain your legal status in the U.S. and live with the one you love.
Otavio Haverroth Silva
Attorney at law
We believe that connecting skilled immigrants is a transformative force for the development of the United States.
We are committed to your dream of living in the United States. Your U.S. immigration journey is what drives our everyday work.
We are selective about the cases we take
We believe in immigration cases with a legitimate background and a realistic chance of approval. That is our priority.
We operate with transparency
We work to transform the complexity of each case into a smoother and more transparent journey for our clients.
We take care of everything for you
We listen to your story, understand your dream, develop a legal strategy, and support you until you receive your Green Card.
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