Getting a green card by marrying a U.S. citizen is one of the most common paths to U.S. citizenship. Are you aware of the process? Can you marry a U.S. citizen just to get residency? How much does it cost? Here’s a guide for your rescue! Hopefully, it will cater to all your doubts and queries and provide you with the best possible answer.
Let’s begin from scratch. Having a green card, also called LPR or Lawful Permanent Resident card, implies living and working permanently in the U.S. In case, you’re married to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, you become eligible to get a marriage-based green card. This article will provide you with an overview of the average cost by breaking down the costs associated with obtaining a green card through marriage.
How long do you have to be married to get a green card?
Interestingly, there’s no minimum amount of time you ought to be married to get a green card. However, two years is said to be the ideal duration of a legit marriage. If you’re married to a U.S.-based spouse for less than two years, you’ll be given a Conditional Green Card. USCIS will examine your case carefully to ascertain that your marriage is bona fide.
Cost of filing for a green card from outside the U.S.
It’s to be noted that the final cost for a marriage-based green card filed from outside the U.S. seems to be lower than filing from within. Different forms must be filed by you and your spouse. This process of application is called consular processing. Below is the breakdown of primary expenses:
- Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative and the I-130A supplement) will cost you $535
- Filing Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Fee) will cost you $120
- Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees will cost you $325
- DS-260 (Online Visa Application) will cost you $0
- Filing Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) will cost you $0, however, doctors performing the exam set fees that range from $200 – $400.
- USCIS Immigrant Fee, which must be paid before obtaining the Green Card, will be $220
Note: The payment must be done one by one, according to the process.
Cost of filing for a green card from within the U.S.
The filing fees for applications submitted from within the U.S. are higher than estimated:
- Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative and the I-130A supplement) which pertains to verifying your identity and relationship will cost you $535.
- Filing Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) which is pertained to show the spouse’s financial stability will cost you $0.
- Filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) which is used to change your visa status to a Green Card will cost you $1,225.
- Filing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) which is used in case you want to work while your case is pending will cost you $0, and it’s optional.
- Filing Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) which is used in case you wish to travel outside the U.S. while your case is pending will cost you $0, as it’s optional.
- Filing Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) which is used to verify your sound health condition will cost you $0, however, doctors performing the exam set their fees, which often range from $150 – $300.
Note: Not all forms are essential and most people submit all forms at the same time.
Renewal cost
Simply, possessing a green card doesn’t imply that your aim is achieved. You’ve to keep renewing your green card after obtaining it. In case, you’re married to a U.S.-based spouse for less than two years, you’ll be given a Conditional Green Card. After the completion of two years, you must apply to eradicate the applied conditions.
Filing of Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) will cost you $595.
The green card must be renewed after every 10 years. In case, it’s stolen, lost, or meant to be replaced, you can apply for a new card. Filing Form I-90 {Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)} will cost you $455.
Miscellaneous cost
The miscellaneous cost depends on your circumstances which include
- Vaccination Fees and other medical fees, if you’re diagnosed with a health issue
- Document fees
- Translation fees
- Passport photo fees
- Travel cost
- Shipping cost
- Waiver fees
- Legal fees
What is the Green Card Through Marriage Processing Time? / How long does it take to get a marriage green card after you apply?
The green card through marriage processing time ranges between 10 and 38 months, depending on whether you’re married to a U.S. citizen or LPR and the current location of your residence. USCIS demands the submission of necessary documents and when they do, you must submit it as soon as possible. The longer you procrastinate, the longer your petition will take to process.
The documents required to apply for a green card through marriage can include:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Proof of sponsor’s citizenship or lawful permanent residence
- Proof of the beneficiary’s legal entry to the United States
- Police clearance certificate, if it applies to your situation
- Divorce decrees or death certificates from previous marriages, if applicable
- Medical examination results
- Military records, if applicable
- Bank statements
- Tax returns
- Other supporting documentation that the officer handling your case requires
Apart from these basic documents, other needed documents include:
- Joint utility bills
- Proof that you and your spouse own property together
- A lease that shows both of your names
- Bank statements for accounts you share jointly
- Tax returns that show you filed jointly
- Wedding information, such as invitations, guestbooks, and even photos of both of you at your wedding
- Proof that you’ve taken trips together
- Photos with your spouse
The Green Card Marriage Interview
A green card marriage interview is the last step towards attaining a green card. Our experience of assisting millions of aspiring immigrants has led us to prepare a list of the most basic and probable questions that are raised during the interview. Take a note of the questions mentioned below:
- Where and how did you meet?
- What did you find that you had in common after you met?
- Where was your first date?
- How long were you together before you decided to get married?
- How many people attended your wedding?
- When did you meet each other’s parents?
- Who were your bridesmaids and groomsmen?
- Where was your honeymoon?
- Who takes care of the finances in your family?
- Do you plan on having children?
- Have you ever been on a vacation together?
- When is your spouse’s birthday?
- When was the last time you saw your spouse’s family?
- How many brothers and sisters does your spouse have, and what are their names?
- Where did your spouse go to school?
Note: These couple of questions are the most obvious ones. You’re highly advised to be ready with other essential details related to your spouse.
What is a Stokes interview?
A Stokes interview, also known as a marriage fraud interview, is a kind of interview conducted by immigration authorities to assess the validity of a marriage between a foreign national and a US citizen or permanent resident. The purpose of the interview is to discern whether the relationship is authentic or if it was entered into circumventing immigration laws. The interview typically involves separate questioning of both partners to assess the consistency of their answers and the authenticity of their relationship.
Can You Work While You Wait for USCIS To Approve Your Marriage Green Card?
Yes, you can work while you wait for USCIS to approve your marriage green card if you’ve already applied for an employment authorization document (EAD) along with your green card application.
Once you receive your EAD, you are eligible to work in the United States while your green card application is being processed. It’s crucial to ensure that you’ve the appropriate documentation and authorization before beginning any employment.
Conclusion
Considering the pathways to get legal and permanent entry into the U.S., obtaining a green card through marriage proves to be the most preferable way. However, it’s to be noted that you can’t fake your marriage just to live and work permanently in the U.S., but if you do so, you’ll have to face repercussions for deceiving USCIS.
Hopefully, you’re aware of the application process and costs which vary based on whether you apply from outside or inside the U.S.
Still, carry any doubt? Feel free to contact h1bvisajobs.com! We’re accessible, always and forever.