Immigration Marriage Laws

Many people who want to get a green card in the U.S. think because they have married, or are going to marry a citizen or another green card holder, immigration marriage laws say they automatically qualify. This is far from the case. Even though in most instances it does make the process easier, and a little faster, there is still a lot of paperwork to be done and a lot of money needs to be spent. Just applications fees alone will be in access of $1200, and this doesn't include a number of other items, one of which will be your attorney's fee.

This article is going to give you the process you or your attorney will be required to go through to apply for your green card via immigration marriage laws. As in anything pertaining to law, it involves a number of factors, and each case is different. However, below are the basic steps that must be followed. Legalities are usually a little boring, but I will try to keep it as short and simple as possible.

1 - Get married, but remember the immigration departments are going to check your paperwork thoroughly. They frown on anything that makes it appear the marriage was solely for receiving a green card. If you are not married yet, but hope to do so in the states, the person living outside the U.S. must apply for a fiancé visit visa. This process could take as long as six months or more.



2 - To get a green card thorough the immigration marriage laws, the applicant must get a medical exam by a physician that has been approved by the immigration authorities. You can ask them to send you a list of the approved physicians in your area, or find it on the internet. After you have had the exam, you must send the ORIGINAL copy to the immigration department along with your application.

3 - Get all needed documentation available that the immigration department requires for your particular situation. Be sure you have EVERY document they require. If you are missing one document, you are wasting your time filing the application and slowing the process down. All that will happen in this instance is weeks, or possibly months later, you will be informed that you are missing a document that is required to finish your application, and they can go no further until they receive it. Some of the documentation you will need is:

A - Marriage certificate - if you have already been married you will need the original copy.
B - Divorce papers - You will need copies of the divorce papers of any previous marriages either of you have been in.
C - Police report - The immigration department requires a signed copy of a police report from the applicant's home country showing they are not wanted for any crimes at the present, and have not been convicted of any serious crimes in the past.
D - Photos - The applicant must present two recent passport size photos with their application.

These are some of the basic things you are going to need to do and have when you apply for your green card based on U.S. immigration marriage laws. As stated earlier, every case is different. This article was only meant as a basic guide and you will need to check with the immigration department for more information. They will provide you or your attorney with a list of requirements that must be met. If your finances permit, it is usually in your best interest to obtain an immigration attorney.


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*Disclosure: We do not represent the Department of Homeland Security or any legal entity. All content on this site is strictly for informational purposes meant to help you make an informed decision regarding you, or your loved ones immigration to the U.S. Be sure to consult an attorney in immigration for any legal advice.*

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