To realize the true American dream, you require a green card, a staple for your citizenship. Whether your dream is to work in the U.S. with global leadership or become a part of a community that values freedom and harmony, a permanent U.S. residence permit will allow you to realize it. 

The spouse of a U.S. resident or green card holder can apply for a marriage based green card. However, it must be noted that the process of applying and getting an approval is not as simple. This blog illustrates in detail what exactly you need for a successful submission. 

Eligibility Criteria for a Green Card Through Marriage

First and foremost, to apply for a marriage based green card, your marriage should be legal and authentic. At the same time, your sponsoring spouse should be a legal citizen of the country (a U.S. resident or green card holder).

Here is a detailed overview of the requirements for a successful application: 

• Legal Marriage: The marriage should be recognised by the state where it took place. Moreover, the spouses must obtain marriage licence and marriage certificate. 
• Bona Fide Relationship: You must provide proper proof of an authentic relationship with your partner. Proofs may include joint bank accounts, shared leases, and/or letters from friends and family. 
• Sponsor: The spouse, as listed above, must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. 
• Proof of Finances: The sponsoring spouse is required to prove they can financially support their partner. The relevant information is provided through an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). 
• Legal Record: The foreign spouse must have a clean legal record. This includes criminal history, charges and legal indictments. 

Complete Application Process

The application is subject to change according to the legal route chosen by the applicant as well as alterations made by the authorities.
Listed below is the complete step-by-step guide for a green card married couples can follow:

Step 1

Form I-130: The form is filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident to officially provide recognition of their marriage. 

Step 2

Proof of Marriage: The sponsor must also provide the relevant proof of marriage, i.e., Marriage Certificate. Along with it, they are required to provide their proof of U.S. citizenship and proper verifications suggesting the marriage is Bona Fide. 

Step 3

Form I-485: This form is filed by the foreign spouse who is already living in the U.S. This form is comprehensive, thorough, and requires details such as applicant’s immigration information, background history, criminal records, and medical information. With this form, you can also apply for work permit and travel permit, should there be requirements of such. 

Step 4

Affidavit of Support: This form is filed to illustrate that the sponsoring spouse will be able to financially support their partner. With Form I-864, the sponsor must provide copies of recent tax returns, proof of employment, and bank statements. 

Step 5

Biometrics Approval: The foreign spouse must visit the local USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) Application Support Center to get their biometrics registered and approved. 

Step 6

Medical Exam: The applicant must visit a USCIS approved civil surgeon to get medically tested. The doctor will seal the results in Form I-693 that you have to submit to USCIS along with the form I-485. 

Step 7

Interview: The partners will be required to visit a local USCIS office for an interview. In case of consular process, the applicant will have to visit the consulate or the embassy for the interview. 

Step 8

Approval: If all the application is approved, the applicant will receive the green card via mail. 

Fees for Green Card Through Marriage

To obtain a green card, there are different fees for filing forms. Additionally, for a green card married couples should expect to spend some money on medical tests, postal charges among other expenditures. 

The fee structure for the application, as of 2026, is as follows:

• The fee for filing form I-130 is $675 for in person procession, and $625 for online. 
• The fee for filing form I-485 is $1440. 
• The approximate sum for Government fees can range from $2065 to $2115 for applicants who already live in the U.S. While it can range between $1300 to $1400 for consular processing. 

Conditional & Permanent Green Cards

• If you have been married for less than two years, then you are only eligible for a conditional green card. The conditional residency itself will be valid for two years. 
• To remove conditions, you must file form I-751 within 90 days of the date of expiration. Then you can obtain a permanent green card with a validity of 10 years. 

Apply for a Green Card Now! 

For a green card married couples trust Documitra to help them with the entire process of application. From documentation to filing of forms, and from helping you prepare for the interview to guiding you with submission, we take care of everything. So, why wait any longer? Live the American dream and apply for a green card usa with Documitra now.