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How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through Marriage?
“How long will it take?” is one of the most common questions couples ask when starting a Marriage-based Green Card application, and it is an important one. The Marriage-based Green Card timeline affects travel, work plans, and big life decisions, so clarity matters.
Generally, a Marriage-based Green Card takes 12 to 28 months. Your exact timeline depends on where the spouse lives, whether the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, and how quickly U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. consulate processes your case.
In this article, we break down the full, step-by-step Marriage-based Green Card timeline so you know what to expect from start to finish, whether your spouse is inside or outside the United States. You also learn what moves the Marriage-based Green Card process faster and what slows it down.
What Determines How Long the Marriage-Based Green Card Takes?
Before looking at specific timelines, here are the key factors that influence the processing speed of your case:
1. Sponsor Status (U.S. Citizen vs. Green Card Holder)
Spouses of U.S. citizens typically move more quickly because visa numbers are readily available.
Spouses of Green Card holders may wait longer due to annual visa limits.
2. Location of the Spouse
Spouses inside the U.S. apply through Adjustment of Status, this is where the Adjustment of Status timeline becomes important.
Spouses outside the U.S. go through Consular Processing, this follows the Consular Processing timeline.
3. USCIS and Embassy Workloads
Processing time varies by service center and embassy. Some move quickly while others experience significant backlogs.
4, Strength and Completeness of the Application
Missing documents or unclear marriage evidence often lead to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), which add months to the process.
5. Background Checks and Country Conditions
Security checks, administrative processing, or local embassy delays can affect the timeline.
Marriage Green Card Timeline for Spouses Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)
This option is common when the couple is already living together in the United States. When both spouses are already living together in the United States, the Marriage-Based Green Card process follows a path called Adjustment of Status. This option allows the foreign spouse to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country, making it a practical and often more comfortable route for couples who have already established their lives and routines together in the U.S.
The process moves through a series of predictable stages, starting with filing the necessary forms, then biometrics, followed by work and travel authorization, and finally the marriage-based interview. Although timelines vary based on USCIS workload and individual case details, the following steps explains the Adjustment of Status timeline:
Step 1: Filing (0–2 Months)
What happens at this stage:
- Submit Form I-130 and Form I-485 together (concurrent filing).
- Include supporting documents: financial evidence, identification, and proof of a genuine marriage.
- USCIS sends a receipt notice confirming your case has been received.
- Application enters the initial review stage.
Step 2: Biometrics Appointment (1–3 Months After Filing)
What happens at this stage:
- The applicant attends a short appointment at a local USCIS Application Support Center.
- Fingerprints, photographs, and signatures are taken.
- USCIS uses this information to run background and security checks.
Step 3: Work & Travel Permits (4–8 Months)
What happens at this stage:
- USCIS issues the EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
- USCIS also issues Advance Parole, allowing international travel while the case is pending.
- With the EAD, the applicant can work legally in the U.S. before the Green Card is approved.
Step 4: Marriage Interview (8–16 Months)
What happens at this stage:
- Both spouses attend an in-person interview at a local USCIS field office.
- The officer reviews your relationship history, application forms, and submitted evidence.
- You may be asked questions about how you met, daily routines, and your shared life.
Step 5: Green Card Approval & Delivery (10–24 Months)
What happens at this stage (If Approved):
- USCIS updates your case status to “Approved”.
- The physical Green Card is produced and mailed to your U.S. address.
- The applicant officially becomes a lawful Marriage-based Green Card holder.
Total Adjustment of Status Timeline: 12–24 Months
Marriage Green Card Timeline for Spouses Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)
When the foreign spouse lives outside the United States, the Marriage-based Green Card process follows the Consular Processing timeline. This route involves working with both USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, with the final interview taking place at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the spouse’s home country.
Consular Processing is often the best (and sometimes the only) option when the foreign spouse does not have a valid U.S. immigration status or has never lived in the United States. Although this process may feel more logistically complex, especially for couples managing long-distance relationships, it allows a smooth transition for the spouse entering the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Once approved, the spouse receives an immigrant visa, travels to the U.S., and is officially considered a permanent resident upon entry.
Understanding the stages helps couples plan and manage the timeline effectively.
Step 1: I-130 Petition (6–12 Months)
What happens at this stage:
- USCIS reviews Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and all supporting evidence of your marriage.
- This step confirms the relationship is real and the U.S. spouse is eligible to sponsor.
- Once approved, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
Step 2: National Visa Center Processing (1–4 Months)
What happens at this stage:
- You submit all required civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance, etc.).
- The sponsoring spouse uploads financial forms showing sufficient income.
- The foreign spouse completes the DS-260 immigrant visa application online.
- NVC reviews everything for completeness before scheduling the interview.
Step 3: Embassy Interview (2–6 Months After NVC)
What happens at this stage:
- The foreign spouse attends a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- A consular officer reviews your documents, marriage evidence, and eligibility.
- The officer asks questions about your relationship and background.
- Interview wait times depend heavily on the local embassy’s workload and country-specific demand.
Step 4: Visa Issuance and U.S. Entry (1–3 Weeks)
What happens at this stage (If Approved):
- The spouse receives an immigrant visa in their passport.
- They travel to the United States using this visa.
- Upon entry, they automatically become a Marriage-based Green Card holder.
Step 5: Green Card Delivery (2–4 Weeks After Arrival)
What happens at this stage:
- USCIS produces and mails the physical Green Card to the U.S. address on file.
- This officially completes the entire consular process.
Total Consular Processing Timeline: 14–28 Months
How Sponsor Type Affects Your Timeline
For Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Spouses of U.S. citizens are considered Immediate Relatives, which means there is no annual limit or visa backlog. This status allows their applications to move more quickly through USCIS and the consular process. As a result, most stages, like filing, interview, and final approval, typically take less time compared to other categories.
For example, Emma is a U.S. citizen, and her husband, Daniel, is already living in the U.S. on a valid visa. When they file the I-130 and I-485 together, Daniel does not have to wait for a visa number. USCIS can proceed directly to biometrics, work permits, and the interview. This often makes their process noticeably faster than cases involving Green Card holders.
For Spouses of Green Card Holders
Spouses of permanent residents are subject to annual visa caps (limits on the number of visas that can be issued each year to foreign nationals in specific categories), which can create waiting periods before their application can proceed to the next stage. This means that even after USCIS approves the petition, applicants may need to wait for a visa number to become available. Consequently, the overall timeline for Green Card approval can be significantly longer than that for spouses of U.S. citizens.
For example, Mary is a Green Card holder, and her husband, John, already lives in the U.S. on a valid visa. Even after Mary’s I-130 petition is approved, John must wait for a visa number to become available under the F2A category. This pause means his case cannot move to the next steps until his priority date becomes current, resulting in a longer overall timeline compared to the spouses of U.S. citizens.
Common Causes of Delays
Some common causes of delays in application are:
- Missing documents
- Weak or inconsistent marriage evidence
- USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- Background check delays
- High embassy workloads
How to Avoid Delays
You can significantly reduce avoidable delays by:
- Filing a complete, accurate application
- Providing strong, consistent marriage evidence
- Checking all names, dates, and signatures
- Responding quickly to USCIS or NVC requests
- Preparing thoroughly for your interview
- Keeping copies of everything you submit
A marriage green card lawyer can help you understand each stage of the process and avoid delays by ensuring your forms, evidence, and timeline are fully prepared.
Common Examples of Marriage Evidence
USCIS and consular officers conduct strict review of every Marriage-based Green Card application to ensure the marriage is genuine, that it was entered in good faith, and not solely for immigration purposes. Providing clear and convincing evidence of your marriage is crucial. This evidence includes:
- Joint financial documents: shared bank accounts, tax returns, or insurance policies.
- Proof of shared residence: joint leases, mortgages, or utility bills.
- Photos and communication history: pictures together over time, messages, and travel receipts.
- Affidavits from friends and family: statements affirming your relationship.
- Children or dependents: birth certificates showing both spouses as parents.
Why This Matters For Timelines
- Incomplete or weak evidence can trigger Requests for Evidence (RFEs), adding several months to the process.
- Strong, well-organized documentation helps USCIS or the consulate process your case more efficiently.
- Clear evidence reduces the risk of delays or additional scrutiny.
Conclusion
While every case is unique, most follow the general Marriage-based Green Card timeline of 12–28 months. The overall timeline depends on factors such as whether the spouse is inside or outside the U.S., the sponsor’s status, and how quickly USCIS or the consulate processes each step. A well-prepared application can make a significant difference: submitting complete and accurate forms, providing strong evidence of a genuine marriage, and responding promptly to any requests from USCIS or the National Visa Center can help prevent unnecessary delays. By staying organized and proactive throughout the process, you improve the chances of a faster approval. Schedule a free consultation to get professional guidane and avpoid delays.
For updates and official instructions, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Official Page
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing?
Adjustment of Status (AOS) is for spouses who are already living in the United States, allowing them to apply for a Green Card without leaving the country. In contrast, Consular Processing is for spouses living abroad, requiring them to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate before entering the United States as a permanent resident.
How long after filing will I receive my interview notice?
Interview timing depends on your Adjustment of Status timeline or Consular Processing timeline, based on where the spouse lives.
Can the timeline be shorter if I file forms correctly the first time?
Absolutely. Submitting complete, accurate forms with strong evidence of a bona fide marriage reduces the likelihood of Requests for Evidence (RFEs), which can add several months. Careful preparation is one of the fastest ways to avoid unnecessary delays.
Can delays happen even if I’m married to a U.S. citizen?
Yes. While U.S. citizen spouses are Immediate Relatives (no visa backlog), delays can still occur due to RFEs, security checks, or high case loads at specific USCIS offices or local embassies.
What is a Request for Evidence (RFE)?
An RFE is a request from USCIS asking for more information before making a decision. It does not mean your case is in trouble. Many applicants receive RFEs, and responding clearly and on time is important. Our team prepares thorough responses to strengthen your case.
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration laws change frequently, and your situation may require personalized guidance.
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