A green card, otherwise known as a permanent resident card, allows an individual to live and work permanently in the United States. There are a few different ways to obtain a green card, but one of the most common is through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. In fact, there are a few different ways to go about this, and the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
One way to help your spouse get a green card is through employer sponsorship. If your spouse has a job offer from a U.S. employer, they may be able to apply for a green card through that employer. This process can be complicated and it’s important to make sure that all the paperwork is in order before starting the process.
Another way to help your spouse get a green card is through family sponsorship. If you have relatives who are U.S. citizens or green card holders, they may be able to sponsor your spouse for a green card. This process can also be complicated, so it’s important to make sure that all the paperwork is in order before starting the process.
If you’re not married to a foreign national, you can still help them get a green card through what’s known as the Diversity Visa Lottery. This program awards green cards to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The catch is that it’s a lottery, so your chances of winning are pretty slim. Still, it’s worth applying if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Finally, if you have been the victim of certain crimes, you may be eligible for a U-visa. This visa allows victims of certain crimes to stay in the United States to assist law enforcement with their investigation or prosecution. To be eligible, you must have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime and you must be willing to help law enforcement.
The process of obtaining a green card through marriage typically involves submitting various forms and supporting documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once USCIS has reviewed and approved the application, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview at a local USCIS office. If everything goes smoothly, the applicant will receive their green card in the mail a few weeks later.
The benefits of having a green card are numerous, but some of the most significant include the ability to live and work permanently in the United States, access to government benefits, and the ability to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. The amount of time it takes to obtain a green card through marriage varies depending on a number of factors, but the entire process typically takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months. There is no set fee for obtaining a green card, but applicants can expect to pay several hundred dollars in filing fees and other associated costs.
The process for getting a green card for your spouse can be long and complicated. But, it is possible to navigate the system with the help of an experienced attorney. If you are in the process of applying for a green card for your spouse, or if you have any questions about the process, contact us today. We would be happy to help you through every step of the process.
