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Need a Marriage Green Card Lawyer?
If you’re looking to obtain a green card through marriage, Hussain & Gutierrez Law can help. Our experienced Van Nuys immigration attorneys guide couples through every step of the process, whether you’re applying from within the U.S. or abroad. Call 888-997-3701 today for a free consultation.
What Is a Marriage Green Card?
A marriage green card allows a non-U.S. citizen spouse to live and work in the United States as a lawful permanent resident. It’s based on a bona fide marriage to a U.S. citizen or green card holder. This is one of the most common and closely scrutinized immigration paths.
Two Different Processes: Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status
There are two main paths to obtain a marriage green card:
- Adjustment of Status: For spouses already in the U.S. legally. You file Form I-485 and stay in the country during processing.
- Consular Processing: For spouses outside the U.S. You apply through the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Each route has its own timeline and requirements. We’ll help you choose the right one.
Filing an Adjustment of Status Application
If the non-citizen spouse is already in the U.S., an Adjustment of Status (AOS) is filed along with Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). The process includes:
- Filing I-130 and I-485 concurrently
- Attending a biometrics appointment
- Attending an interview with your spouse
- Submitting extensive documentation to prove your marriage is real
We handle the forms and interview prep so you don’t miss any critical steps.
Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage
To prove your marriage is legitimate, USCIS requires strong documentation, such as:
- Wedding announcements
- Marriage certificates
- Joint tax returns and bank accounts
- Joint credit card accounts
- Shared lease or mortgage
- Joint utility bills
- Drivers’ licenses with matching addresses
- Photos, travel records, and communication history
- Affidavits from friends or family
Our firm ensures your evidence package meets USCIS standards to reduce delays or denials.
Non-Citizen Petitioners
If your spouse is a green card holder (not a U.S. citizen), the marriage green card process can still be completed, but may take longer due to visa quotas. Hussain & Gutierrez Law monitors waiting times and filing windows to keep your application on track.
Conditional Green Cards
If your marriage is less than 2 years old when the green card is approved, you’ll receive a conditional green card valid for 2 years. Before expiration, you must file Form I-751 to remove conditions and prove the marriage is still valid.
We help you file on time and prepare evidence to avoid USCIS challenges.
Additional Interviews
Marriage-based green cards often require interviews to verify legitimacy. In some cases, USCIS may separate spouses and ask tough questions. Hussain & Gutierrez prepares you with mock interviews and legal coaching so you walk in with confidence.
Why Choose Hussain & Gutierrez Law?
With decades of experience in immigration law, our team helps families reunite and build a future in the U.S. We guide you through every step of the green card process. No guesswork, no confusion.
- Free initial consultation to assess your options
- Bilingual attorneys fluent in Spanish and English
- Proven success in complex marriage-based immigration cases
Call 888-997-3701 to schedule your free consultation with a Van Nuys Marriage Green Card Lawyer.
Have a question? Ask our marriage
green card lawyer
The timeline depends on your specific situation. If you’re applying from within the U.S. through Adjustment of Status, it may take 10–14 months. If applying from outside the U.S. via Consular Processing, it may take 12–18 months. Processing times can vary depending on USCIS backlogs.
To prove your marriage is bona fide, USCIS looks for evidence such as:
- Joint bank statements or tax returns
- A shared lease or mortgage
- Photos from events or trips
- Affidavits from family or friends
- Proof of communication or travel together
Our team will help you gather and organize these documents to meet USCIS standards.
Yes, you can apply for a work permit (EAD) at the same time as your green card application (Form I-485). Typically, you’ll receive the work permit within 3–5 months, allowing you to work legally while your green card is being processed.
If your interview is denied, you may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). You’ll have a chance to respond with additional documentation. If USCIS still denies your case, you may be placed in removal proceedings. Hussain & Gutierrez can help appeal or refile.
You can still apply, but visa availability may delay your case. Your petition will fall under the F2A category, which can have waiting times. We monitor the Visa Bulletin monthly to help you plan your application timing.
