If you are looking to apply for a marriage-based green card, to be able to plan ahead, you will need to know how long this will take.

The marriage green card application process involves multiple steps and varies depending on whether the spouse is applying from within the US or from abroad.

For applicants already in the US, the process usually involves filing Form I-130 and Form I-485 together. Those applying from outside the US follow consular processing, which includes Form I-130 and attending an interview at a US embassy or consulate. In both cases, applicants must submit proof of a genuine marriage, pass background checks, and attend an interview.

The overall timeline can range from 10 to 24 months depending on where the applicant lives, the type of application, and how quickly required documents are submitted. Delays are common if forms are incomplete or if additional evidence is requested.

Mistakes in the application, failure to attend interviews or submitting insufficient proof of the marriage can lead to processing delays or denial. Staying informed about the latest USCIS guidelines, keeping records organized and responding to requests on time are important for avoiding issues during the process. Legal advice can be helpful, especially in cases involving prior immigration history or legal complications.

In this guide, we look at the marriage green card time line, both for spouses of US citizens and spouses of other green card holders, as well as those applying from the United States and overseas. We provide practical guidance in respect of the green card application process and the timescales that you can expect.

 

What is a marriage based green card?

 

A marriage-based green card is an immigrant visa aimed at the spouse of a US citizen or the spouse of a lawful permanent resident (or green card holder) and can be applied for from inside or outside the United States. Having a green card, also referred to as a Permanent Resident Card, will enable you to live and work permanently in the USA.

To be eligible for a marriage green card, you must be classed as a “spouse”, which is defined as a legally-wedded husband or wife, where merely living together does not qualify a couple for immigration. To qualify for a green card on the basis of your marriage, you must also be sponsored by your husband or wife who is either a United States citizen or a US lawful permanent resident, where a lawful permanent resident is a green card holder.

 

Marriage Green Card processing

 

Marriage based green card timelines can vary significantly, depending on whether you are a spouse applying for an adjustment of status from inside the United States or pursuing immigrant visa processing abroad. It will also depend on whether you are the spouse of a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident, where these categories of green card are classed entirely separately. Spouses of US citizens fall under the category of green cards for “immediate relatives” (IR1), while spouses of lawful permanent residents are categorised as “family based preference immigrants” (second preference F2A).

The number of immigrants applying as immediate relatives is not limited each fiscal year, where immigrant visas for immediate relatives of US citizens are always available. In contrast, for those applying in the family based preference category, United States law limits the number of immigrant visas that are available each year in certain visa categories. If applying for a marriage green card as the spouse of another green card holder, this means that even if USCIS approves your immigrant visa petition, you may not immediately receive an immigrant visa number due to these numerical limitations. US law also limits by country the number of visas available in certain categories. For limited categories, the availability of immigrant visa numbers will depend on the date that your petition was filed, known as your priority date, as well as the number of others waiting for the same category of visa.

Priority dates are posted monthly on the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, providing up-to-date priority dates for cases being processed by the NVC. While the NVC attempts to contact all green card applicants when their visa number is available, you can also use the Visa Bulletin to check whether a visa is ready for your I-130 petition. If an immigrant visa is available and NVC has not yet contacted you in relation to your application for a marriage green card, you can contact the NVC using their Public Inquiry Form.

 

Marriage Green Card application process

 

The steps that you must take to apply for a marriage green card will vary depending on your situation. For example, you could be the spouse of a US citizen already living in the United States and looking to adjust from nonimmigrant to immigrant status. Equally, you could be the spouse of a lawful permanent resident looking to apply from overseas. You could also be the spouse of an American applying to enter the United States in immigrant status or the spouse of a green card holder living with them in the US and looking to become a lawful permanent resident yourself so you can work without restriction.

However, in all cases, your US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse must file a petition on your behalf with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). This can either be done electronically or through the traditional paper process via the mail. While most immigrant visa petitions are filed within the United States, it may be possible for an I-130 petition to be filed from outside the United States for spouse petitioners living overseas at the time of filing. Importantly, a petition cannot be filed for a spouse until the wedding has taken place.

The purpose of an I-130 petition is to establish the existence of a qualifying spousal relationship where you, as the beneficiary of that immigrant petition, are wanting to come to or remain in the United States as a lawful permanent resident. As part of the petition process, your US spouse must demonstrate to USCIS that the marriage is genuine and made in good faith, and not a sham for the purposes of unlawfully procuring a green card.

As the beneficiary of the I-130 petition, you must complete and sign Form I-130A (Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary). This is to collect additional information from you as the spouse beneficiary, including your address and employment history. If you are overseas, Form I-130A must still be completed, although you do not have to sign this. However, your Form I-130A must be submitted to UCSIS together with Form I-130.

Importantly, an approved petition does not grant you automatic lawful permanent resident status or the permission to immigrate immediately to the United States. You will still need to obtain your immigrant visa, although the paperwork for marriage green cards can sometimes be filed at the same time as the Form I-130. If you are applying from overseas, you will need to submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application). If you already in the United States, you will need to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), where you are applying to adjust from nonimmigrant to immigrant status. Form I-485 can be concurrently filed with Form I-130, so prior to approval of the underlying immigrant visa petition, if you are either the spouse of a US citizen living in the United States or if an immigrant visa number is available.

If applying for a marriage green card from overseas, your I-130 petition must be approved by USCIS before your case can then proceed to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). After USCIS approves your petition, they will automatically transfer your case to the NVC for pre-processing. The first pre-processing step is the creation of your case in the NVC system. Once this is complete, you will be sent a Welcome Letter by either e-mail or physical mail. Once you submit your form, fee and supporting documents, your case will be reviewed to ensure that you have provided all the documentation required to schedule your visa interview. Visa interviews for green cards are based on the availability of appointments offered at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.

For spouse based I-485 applications, USCIS also requires an immigrant visa interview, where both you and your petitioning spouse will be required to attend. Your petitioning spouse will also be required to submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), together with supporting documentation, when you submit your adjustment application with USCIS or once you have been scheduled for an immigrant visa interview with an overseas consular officer. This is to show that they have the financial means to support you, in this way preventing you from becoming a public charge as a lawful permanent resident.

 

How long does a Marriage Green Card take?

 

The timeline for obtaining a marriage-based green card in the United States varies based on several factors, including whether the foreign spouse is applying from within the US or abroad, and whether the sponsoring spouse is a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR).

 

Stage	Description	Estimated Time
Form I-130 Filing	Petition filed by US citizen or permanent resident spouse to establish the relationship	10 to 14 months (citizens) Up to 30+ months (permanent residents)
NVC Processing	Case transferred to the National Visa Center for fee payments and document submission	2 to 4 months
Consular Interview	Interview at a US embassy or consulate for applicants abroad	Wait times vary by location
Visa Issuance and Entry	Visa issued if approved; green card mailed after arrival in the US	Up to 90 days after US entry
Adjustment of Status	For applicants in the US, file Form I-485 to become a permanent resident	8 to 14 months
Medical Examination	Required exam by a designated physician before interview or adjustment filing	1 to 2 weeks, including results
Work and Travel Authorization	Optional forms filed with adjustment to request EAD and advance parole	3 to 6 months
Green Card Delivery	Green card mailed after approval or entry	2 to 6 weeks

 

 

1. Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

 

The process begins with the US citizen or LPR spouse filing Form I-130 with USCIS to establish the qualifying relationship. Processing times for Form I-130 can vary depending on the service center and the petitioner’s status. For example, as of early 2025, USCIS reports median processing times ranging from approximately 10 to 14 months for US citizens petitioning for a spouse, and longer for LPRs. ​

 

2. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

 

Once USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case is forwarded to the NVC. The NVC assigns a case number and requests the applicant to submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application), pay applicable fees, and provide supporting documents, including the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). After all documents are submitted and reviewed, the NVC schedules an interview at the appropriate US embassy or consulate. ​

 

3. Consular Interview and Visa Issuance

 

The timing of the consular interview depends on the embassy or consulate’s workload and local conditions. Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination by an embassy-approved physician before the interview. If the visa is approved, the applicant will receive their passport with the visa and a sealed immigration packet. Upon entry into the US, the immigrant visa holder becomes a lawful permanent resident, and the green card is typically mailed within 90 days of entry, provided the immigrant visa fee has been paid. ​

 

4. Adjustment of Status (For Applicants Within the US)

 

If the foreign spouse is already in the US, they may apply for adjustment of status by filing Form I-485 concurrently with or after the I-130 petition. USCIS processing times for Form I-485 vary but generally range from 8 to 14 months. Applicants must also undergo a medical examination and may choose to submit Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) with the I-485 application or bring it to the interview. Submitting it with the initial application can help avoid delays. ​

 

5. Employment and Travel Authorization

 

While the adjustment of status application is pending, applicants may apply for employment authorization (Form I-765) and advance parole (Form I-131) to work and travel legally. These applications can be filed concurrently with Form I-485. Processing times for these ancillary benefits are typically 3 to 6 months.​

 

6. Overall Timeline Estimates

 

These timelines are general estimates and can vary based on individual circumstances, USCIS workload and other factors:

 

• Spouse of US Citizen (Inside the US): Approximately 12 to 20 months.
• Spouse of US Citizen (Outside the US): Approximately 14 to 24 months.
• Spouse of LPR (Any Location): Approximately 24 to 36 months, depending on visa availability and processing times.​

 

Applicants are encouraged to regularly check USCIS processing times and the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for the most current information.​

 

Delays in Marriage Green Card processing

 

In addition to the long waiting times for processing, priority dates and interviews, there are a number of reasons why delays can occur during the marriage green card process. Some common reasons can include problems with proving that your marriage is bona fide or issues in satisfactorily meeting the financial requirement. Delays can also occur if there are errors or omissions in the application or if additional information is required by USCIS.

To maximise the prospects of a successful outcome, and to minimise any unnecessary delay, you are strongly advised to seek the assistance of an immigration specialist before applying.

 

Need assistance?

 

Whether you are living in the US or overseas and you are looking to apply for a US Green Card to join your spouse in the USA, we can help.

As specialist US immigration and nationality attorneys, we are on hand to help non-American spouses with Green Card applications. Contact us for expert advice.

 

Marriage Green Card FAQs

 

How long does it take to get a marriage green card in the US?

The timeline typically ranges from 10 to 24 months, depending on the case type and processing location.

 

Does it matter if the spouse is applying from inside or outside the US?

Applicants inside the US use adjustment of status, while those outside go through consular processing, which affects the overall timeline.

 

What forms are needed to start the process?

Most cases begin with Form I-130. If the applicant is in the US, Form I-485 is often filed at the same time.

 

Is there a faster process for spouses of US citizens?

In general, yes. Spouses of US citizens are considered immediate relatives and do not face annual visa caps, which may reduce waiting time.

 

What can cause delays in the marriage green card process?

Delays can result from incomplete forms, missing documents, background check issues, or requests for additional evidence.

 

Will I have to attend an interview?

Most applicants are required to attend an interview to confirm the validity of the marriage and eligibility for the green card.

 

Can I work while waiting for my green card?

If you are in the US and file Form I-765 with your green card application, you may receive work authorization while your case is pending.

 

Can I travel outside the US while my application is pending?

Only if you also file for and receive advance parole using Form I-131. Leaving the US without it may result in case abandonment.

 

Do we need to be married before applying for the green card?

The green card process based on marriage requires a legal marriage before filing Form I-130.

 

Is the process different for same-sex couples?

Same-sex married couples have the same rights and follow the same process as opposite-sex couples under US immigration law.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Green Card	A document granting lawful permanent residence in the US, allowing the holder to live and work permanently.
Marriage Green Card	A green card issued to the foreign spouse of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident based on marriage.
USCIS	United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for processing immigration applications.
Form I-130	A petition filed by a US citizen or permanent resident to establish the family relationship with the foreign spouse.
Form I-485	An application used to adjust status to permanent resident for applicants already inside the US.
Consular Processing	The procedure for obtaining a green card from outside the US through a US embassy or consulate.
Biometrics Appointment	A required appointment where fingerprints and photographs are taken for background checks during the green card process.
Interview Notice	A letter from USCIS or a consulate informing the applicant of the date and time of their green card interview.
Request for Evidence (RFE)	A notice sent by USCIS requesting additional documentation to support an application or petition.
Adjustment of Status	The process by which an eligible person in the US applies to become a lawful permanent resident without leaving the country.