Green Cards for U.S. Citizen or Green Card Spouses Who are Outside the United States (Consular Processing)
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States (Green Card holder), you may be eligible to apply for a marriage-based green card to become a legal permanent resident while outside the United States. This process is known as Consular Processing and involves two main steps: first, filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and then filing Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, online when it is time for the interview at the U.S. Consulate. Spouses of U.S. citizens typically experience shorter processing times compared to spouses of legal permanent residents. In many cases, the U.S.-based spouse can also petition for minor children to immigrate to the United States.
Common Questions and Answers About Marriage-Based Green Cards Outside the U.S.
What are the requirements for applying for a marriage-based green card?
To qualify for a marriage-based green card, the U.S. citizen or green card holder must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. Both spouses must provide proof of a bona fide marriage, such as joint bank account statements, lease agreements, and photos together. Additionally, the marriage must be legal under U.S. law.
What evidence do I need to demonstrate that our marriage is bona fide?
You should submit documents that show you share a life together, such as joint financial statements, insurance policies, property deeds, and photographs of your wedding and other significant events. Correspondence and affidavits from friends and relatives can also support your application.
After filing, how soon will the interview take place?
Once USCIS approves your Form I-130, they will send the case to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will facilitate the process of collecting fees and setting up your consulate interview appointment. The timing can vary significantly depending on the caseload of your local USCIS office as well as the U.S. consulate through which you are applying.
Are there financial requirements for the U.S. citizen spouse?
Yes, the U.S. citizen must demonstrate the ability to financially support the spouse seeking a green card. This involves meeting at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines as per the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
What if the U.S. citizen’s income is insufficient?
If the U.S. citizen does not meet the income requirements, assets may be used as an alternative, or a joint sponsor who meets the income criteria may submit an Affidavit of Support on behalf of the beneficiary.
Can the minor children of my spouse immigrate as well?
Yes, minor children can be included in the green card application. They need to apply for admission under the IR-2 visa category.
How long after receiving my green card can I apply for U.S. citizenship?
You can apply for naturalization three years after obtaining your green card, provided you stay married and live with your U.S. citizen spouse, and meet all other eligibility requirements.
We Can Answer Your Family Immigration Questions
At Fok Immigration Law, we have extensive experience helping families unite here in the U.S. by guiding our clients through the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. If you have any questions about the marriage-based green card process, please contact our San Jose office at 408-606-8911, or reach out to our California immigration attorneys online.