Marriage-Based Green Card Process & Timelines 2025-2026: A Complete Guide
Obtaining a green card through marriage is a common pathway to U.S. permanent residence. While the process is straightforward in theory, timelines can vary significantly depending on whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder and if you are applying from inside or outside the United States. This guide breaks down the steps and current processing times for 2025-2026.
Overview: Two Main Paths
The process splits into two primary tracks based on your location:
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Adjustment of Status (AOS): For applicants who are already in the U.S. They file forms to “adjust” their status to permanent resident.
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Consular Processing: For applicants who are outside the U.S. Their case is processed through a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: File the Petition (Form I-130)
The U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse (the “petitioner”) must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS. This form establishes the legitimate marital relationship.
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Processing Time: 8 to 11 months for USCIS to approve.
Step 2: The Application Path Diverges
After the I-130 is approved, the next step depends on your situation.
Path A: Adjustment of Status (Inside the U.S.)
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Who it’s for: Applicants physically present in the U.S.
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Key Advantage: If married to a U.S. Citizen, you can file Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) concurrently with the I-130, which speeds up the process.
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Steps:
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File Form I-485, along with applications for a work permit (EAD) and travel document (Advance Parole).
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Attend a biometrics appointment (1-2 months after filing).
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Receive work permit (2-5 months after filing).
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Attend a green card interview at a local USCIS office (8-14 months after filing).
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Path B: Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)
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Who it’s for: Applicants living outside the U.S.
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Steps:
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After I-130 approval, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).
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Complete NVC processing (submit civil documents and Form DS-260), which takes 4-6 months.
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Attend a medical exam and an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate in your home country.
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If approved, you receive an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. and become a permanent resident.
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Step 3: The Green Card Interview
Both paths require an interview where a USCIS officer or consular official will ask questions to verify the authenticity of your marriage. Be prepared to provide evidence of your life together (joint bank accounts, leases, photos, etc.).
Step 4: Approval and Receiving the Green Card
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If approved, you will receive your green card in the mail within a few weeks.
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If your marriage was less than 2 years old at the time of approval, you will receive a Conditional Green Card valid for 2 years.
Conditional Green Cards & Removing Conditions
If you have a conditional green card, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence within the 90-day window before it expires.
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When to File: 90 days before your 2-year green card expires.
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Processing Time: 12 to 18 months.
Estimated Timelines for 2025-2026
| Scenario | Approximate Total Timeline |
|---|---|
| U.S. Citizen Spouse (Applicant in the U.S.) | 9 – 14 months |
| U.S. Citizen Spouse (Applicant outside the U.S.) | 14 – 20 months |
| Green Card Holder Spouse (Applicant in the U.S.) | 20 – 36+ months |
| Green Card Holder Spouse (Applicant outside the U.S.) | 24 – 36+ months |
Why the long wait for Green Card Holder spouses? They fall under a “family preference” category with annual visa limits, often creating a backlog. They must wait for a visa to become available (“priority date current”) before proceeding with Step 2.
Key Tips for a Smooth Process
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File Concurrently If You Can: If you are in the U.S. and married to a U.S. citizen, filing the I-130 and I-485 together is the fastest option.
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Be Accurate and Complete: Errors or missing information on forms are a major cause of delays.
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Respond Quickly to RFEs: If USCIS sends a “Request for Evidence,” reply promptly and thoroughly.
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Keep Copies of Everything: Make copies of every form and document you send.
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Maintain Evidence of Your Marriage: Continuously gather proof of your shared life (bills, leases, photos, insurance).
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Consult an Attorney: For complex cases (like prior immigration violations), seek professional legal help.
Understanding these steps and timelines will help you and your spouse navigate the marriage-based green card process with confidence, reducing stress and avoiding common pitfalls.
