What is a marriage green card?
A marriage green card, officially known as a “Permanent Resident Card,” is a legal document that allows a foreign national (a non-U.S. citizen) who is married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to live and work permanently in the United States. This card serves as evidence of the foreign national’s lawful permanent resident status.
When a foreign national marries a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, they may be eligible to apply for a marriage-based green card through a process called “Adjustment of Status” if they are already in the U.S., or through a process called “Consular Processing” if they are outside the U.S. The goal of the marriage green card process is to enable the foreign spouse to become a permanent resident of the United States, allowing them to live, work, and study in the U.S. without the need for a visa.
To obtain a marriage green card, the couple must demonstrate to the U.S. government that their marriage is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes. This involves providing substantial evidence of their bona fide marital relationship, such as joint financial documents, shared living arrangements, photographs together, and testimonies from friends and family who can vouch for the authenticity of their relationship.
The process to obtain a marriage green card can be complex and involves several steps, including submitting forms and supporting documents, attending interviews, and undergoing background checks. It’s crucial to follow the immigration laws and guidelines accurately to increase the chances of a successful application.
If you’re considering applying for a marriage green card, it’s recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney or seek guidance from authorized immigration agencies to ensure that you understand the process and requirements and to receive assistance in navigating the application process.
How much does it cost to apply for a spousal visa if the beneficiary resides abroad?
The cost of applying for a spousal visa (also known as a marriage-based immigrant visa) for a beneficiary who resides abroad can vary depending on the specific visa category and the U.S. government fees associated with the process. Please note that fees and processes may change over time, so it’s important to check the official U.S. government websites or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information.
Here’s a general breakdown of the fees associated with the spousal visa application process for a beneficiary residing abroad:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): This is the initial step where the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse files a petition on behalf of the foreign spouse. The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535.
- National Visa Center (NVC) Fee: Once the Form I-130 is approved, the case is usually transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC fee for processing immigrant visa applications is $325.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner is required to submit an Affidavit of Support to demonstrate their financial ability to support the foreign spouse. There is no separate fee for the Form I-864, but it’s a crucial part of the application process.
- Medical Examination and Miscellaneous Expenses: The beneficiary will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. Additionally, there might be other expenses related to obtaining required documents, translations, and travel to the U.S. embassy or consulate for the visa interview.
- Visa Application Fee: The foreign spouse will also need to pay a visa application fee directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa interview takes place. This fee varies by country and is subject to change.
Keep in mind that these fees can change over time, and additional expenses might be incurred based on the specifics of your case. It’s strongly recommended to visit the official U.S. government websites, such as the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, for the most current and accurate fee information. Additionally, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the process and understand the associated costs.
How much does it cost to apply for a marriage green card if both spouses are in the U.S.?
The cost of applying for a marriage-based green card (Adjustment of Status) when both spouses are already in the U.S. can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the U.S. government fees associated with the process. Please note that fees and processes may change over time, so it’s important to check the official U.S. government websites or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information.
Here’s a general breakdown of the fees associated with applying for a marriage green card through Adjustment of Status when both spouses are in the U.S.:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): If the foreign spouse is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, the U.S. citizen spouse needs to file Form I-130 on behalf of the foreign spouse. The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535.
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): The foreign spouse will need to file Form I-485 to apply for the actual green card through Adjustment of Status. The filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,225. This fee includes the cost of biometric services (fingerprinting).
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): If the foreign spouse wishes to work in the U.S. while their green card application is being processed, they can file Form I-765 for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document): If the foreign spouse wishes to travel outside the U.S. while their green card application is pending, they can file Form I-131 for a travel document (Advance Parole).
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): The U.S. citizen spouse needs to submit an Affidavit of Support to demonstrate their financial ability to support the foreign spouse. There is no separate fee for the Form I-864, but it’s a crucial part of the application process.
- Medical Examination and Miscellaneous Expenses: The foreign spouse will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. Additionally, there might be other expenses related to obtaining required documents and translations.
It’s important to note that these fees can change over time, and additional expenses might be incurred based on the specifics of your case. It’s strongly recommended to visit the official U.S. government websites, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, for the most current and accurate fee information. Additionally, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the process and understand the associated costs.
