As a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you’re free to marry a foreign national or non-citizen immigrant – but you’ll need to consider immigration laws to move your new spouse to the U.S. permanently.
What happens if you marry a green card holder?
A marriage green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder to live and work anywhere in the United States. A green card holder will have “permanent resident” status until they decide — if they wish — to apply for U.S. citizenship, for which they become eligible after three years.
Can I petition my wife if I am a green card holder?
Can a Green Card Holder Get a Visa for a Spouse? Yes, green card holders can petition for their spouses to join them in the U.S. on a visa. Spouses of lawful permanent residents are eligible for a family second preference category (2A) visa.
Can a green card holder marry an illegal immigrant?
Whether that marriage will get you a green card (U.S. lawful permanent residence) is, however, another matter. If you are an undocumented immigrant in the United States (sometimes referred to as an “illegal alien”), nothing stops you from marrying a U.S. citizen, or most anyone else you wish to marry.
How do you get a green card through marriage?
Once you have determined that you are eligible for a Marriage Green Card, applying is a 3-step process:
- Submit Form I-130 and supporting documents.
- Submit your Green Card application (Form I-485 or Form DS-260)
- Attend your Green Card Interview and receive your Green Card.
When can I apply for citizenship after green card through marriage?
You don’t have to wait until you’ve had a green card for five years to apply for citizenship through the process known as naturalization. Assuming you stay married to and living with your U.S. citizen spouse the whole time, you can apply for citizenship three years after obtaining a green card.
Can a U.S. citizen marry a non U.S. citizen?
Yes, non-citizens can marry within the US. Keep in mind that marriage does not change your immigration status and the marriage may not be recognized in your home country. To get married in the US, you simply need the proper identification to apply for a marriage license in the county in which you are to be married.
What happens if I marry a U.S. citizen?
After you marry a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a green card. While USCIS is processing your application, you can apply for “advance parole,” which gives you permission to travel. Unless you have an emergency situation, USCIS will take two to three months to process your parole.
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2021?
Average time – Seven to 32 months to get a Form I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) approved by USCIS as of early 2021; another six to ten months or longer to get an immigrant visa to come to the United States.