Marriage-Based Green Cards
Navigating the Path to Permanent Residency Through Marriage
The journey to obtaining a Marriage-Based Green Card is a path filled with hope, commitment, and complex legal steps. At Novo Legal Group, we specialize in turning the union of international couples into successful stories of shared residency in the United States. With extensive experience in this area, our team is committed to providing detailed guidance, comprehensive support, and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the marriage-based green card process.
Understanding Marriage-Based Green Cards
A Marriage-Based Green Card allows the foreign-national spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) to live and work permanently in the United States. This process involves several stages, each requiring meticulous attention to detail and thorough documentation.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for a Marriage-Based Green Card:
- The marriage must be legally valid and recognized in the place where it occurred.
- The marriage must be bona fide (genuine), not solely for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits.
- Specific conditions apply if marrying a U.S. citizen versus an LPR.
The Process: A Detailed Overview
Filing the Petition
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is filed by the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse. This form establishes the marital relationship.
- Supporting documents, such as marriage certificates, joint financial statements, and photographs, are critical to demonstrate the authenticity of the marriage.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- For spouses already in the U.S., the next step is Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to become an LPR.
- For spouses outside the U.S., Consular Processing is the route, involving an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Interview and Biometrics
- Both spouses typically attend an interview with a USCIS officer to verify the legitimacy of the marriage.
- Biometric data collection is also part of the process.
Conditional Residency and Removal of Conditions
- If the marriage is less than two years old, the foreign-national spouse initially receives conditional residency.
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, must be filed jointly by both spouses within the 90 days before the second anniversary of receiving conditional residency.
Permanent Residency and Beyond
- Once approved, the foreign-national spouse becomes a permanent resident.
- This status opens the path to applying for U.S. citizenship in the future, should the spouse desire.
Why Choose Novo Legal Group?
Our detailed and personalized approach sets us apart. We understand the emotional and logistical nuances of marriage-based immigration and are dedicated to providing a supportive and knowledgeable environment for our clients. Our goal is to make your journey toward a shared future in the U.S. as smooth and stress-free as possible.