What Happens After You Submit Your Green Card Application Through Marriage?: What to Expect and How to Pass
Shawn Sedaghat, Esq.
Congratulations! You’ve submitted your green card through marriage application.
That’s a huge step toward becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
But what happens next? There are several stages in the process before you get that shiny new green card. Don’t worry, though—this guide will walk you through each step in an easy-to-understand, friendly way.
What Happens After Green Card Marriage Application?
Once you’ve submitted your application for a green card through marriage, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin processing it. But it’s not as simple as just waiting around! There are specific stages and actions to be aware of along the way.
Here’s a quick overview of what will happen:
- Receipt Notice: You’ll receive a letter from USCIS within 2-3 weeks confirming they’ve received your application. This letter is known as a Form I-797C, and it contains your receipt number, which you’ll need to track your application status.
- Biometrics Appointment: This step involves getting your fingerprints and photo taken, which the USCIS will use for a background check. You’ll be notified by mail when and where to go for this.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Travel Permit: If you applied for work authorization and a travel permit (known as Advance Parole), you’ll get this combo card a few months after your biometrics appointment.
- Green Card Interview: Most applicants will attend an interview at a local USCIS office. This interview is the final step, where a USCIS officer will ask you and your spouse questions to ensure your marriage is genuine.
- Approval or Request for Evidence (RFE): After the interview, you’ll either be approved or asked to provide more information. If all goes well, you’ll receive your green card in the mail!
Biometrics Appointment: What to Expect
Your first official step after submitting your application is the biometrics appointment. The USCIS will schedule this for you, and they’ll send a letter with the appointment date, time, and location. It’s important to show up on time with the documents they request, such as your passport and appointment letter.
At the appointment, your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be taken. This information is used for your background check. The appointment itself is quick and usually takes about 20-30 minutes. After that, you’re good to go! Just remember to attend your appointment, as missing it could delay your application.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Travel Permit
One of the most exciting parts of the green card process is getting your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole card. This is often called the “combo card,” as it allows you to both work and travel while your green card application is being processed.
You’ll typically receive this card about 6-8 months after your biometrics appointment. This means you can start working legally in the U.S. and also travel outside the country without jeopardizing your application. Just make sure you follow all the rules regarding travel and work during this time!
If you’re unsure about how the combo card works or whether you’re eligible for it, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced immigration attorney who is an expert on immigration law to get the right advice for your situation.
The Green Card Interview
Now comes one of the most important parts of the process—the green card interview! This interview is designed to make sure your marriage is genuine, and it’s a great chance for you and your spouse to show that your relationship is real.
During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask you and your spouse questions about your relationship, living situation, and daily life together. Common questions might include:
- How did you meet?
- When did you decide to get married?
- What’s your spouse’s favorite food or hobby?
- How do you spend holidays or birthdays together?
It’s important to answer these questions honestly and confidently. Remember, the officer is looking to confirm that your marriage isn’t just for immigration purposes. They’re trying to get to know you as a couple, so be yourself! And don’t worry—if you’ve provided all the required documents and your answers are truthful, you’ll do just fine.
Request for Evidence (RFE)
Sometimes, after the interview, the USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). This means they need more information or additional documents to make a decision. Don’t panic! It’s not uncommon, and it simply means they need a bit more proof to finalize your case.
If you receive an RFE, it’s crucial to respond quickly and provide exactly what they’ve asked for. This could include extra financial documents, more photos of you and your spouse, or any missing paperwork. You can always reach out to an immigration attorney if you’re unsure how to respond to an RFE.
The Green Card Decision
Once the interview and all necessary paperwork are done, you’ll receive a decision on your green card application. If everything checks out, congratulations! You’ll be approved for a green card, and it will be mailed to you within a few weeks.
If you’ve been married for less than two years at the time of approval, you’ll receive a conditional green card that’s valid for two years. After those two years, you and your spouse will need to apply to remove the conditions and receive a permanent green card.
For couples who have been married for more than two years, you’ll get a permanent green card right away, which is valid for 10 years. After holding a green card for three years, you may also be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
After You Receive Your Green Card
Once you receive your green card, you officially become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.! This means you can live and work in the U.S. permanently. However, you still have responsibilities, such as renewing your green card every 10 years and adhering to U.S. laws.
If you’re interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, you can apply for naturalization after holding your green card for three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen. Make sure you meet the other requirements, like living in the U.S. for at least 18 months of those three years and showing good moral character.
If you’re ever unsure about your rights and responsibilities as a green card holder, you can always check with an experienced immigration attorney to make sure you’re on the right track.
FAQs
1. How Long Does the Green Card Process Take After Marriage?
The green card process can take anywhere from 8 to 14 months, depending on various factors like where you live and how quickly USCIS processes your application. Your green card interview will usually take place within 10-20 months after filing.
2. Can I Work While Waiting for My Green Card?
Yes! If you applied for work authorization with your green card application, you’ll receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows you to work legally in the U.S. while waiting for your green card.
3. What Happens at the Biometrics Appointment?
At your biometrics appointment, the USCIS will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature. This information is used for your background check, and the appointment typically lasts 20-30 minutes.
4. What Documents Should I Bring to the Green Card Interview?
You should bring all the documents you submitted with your green card application, such as your marriage certificate, proof of joint finances, and photos of you and your spouse. Having your documents organized is important!
5. How Should I Prepare for the Green Card Interview?
Sit down with your spouse before the interview and go over the key details of your relationship. Review how you met, your daily routines, and your plans as a couple. Practicing common green card interview questions can also help ease nerves.
6. Can I Travel While Waiting for My Green Card?
If you applied for a travel permit (also known as Advance Parole), you can travel outside the U.S. while your green card application is pending. Just make sure to follow the guidelines for travel to avoid any complications.
7. What Is a Conditional Green Card?
If you’ve been married for less than two years at the time of approval, you’ll receive a conditional green card that’s valid for two years. After that, you’ll need to apply to remove the conditions to get a permanent green card.
8. Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship After Getting My Green Card?
Yes! If you’ve been married to a U.S. citizen and have held a green card for at least three years, you can apply for naturalization. Just make sure you meet the requirements, such as living in the U.S. for at least 18 months during those three years.
9. What Happens If I Receive a Request for Evidence (RFE)?
If USCIS needs more information to process your application, they’ll issue an RFE. It’s important to respond quickly and provide the requested documents to avoid delays.
10. How Long Is a Permanent Green Card Valid?
A permanent green card is valid for 10 years. After that, you’ll need to renew it, but it won’t affect your permanent residency status.
In conclusion, the journey to obtaining a green card through marriage is exciting and rewarding! Just be prepared, stay organized, and reach out to an immigration lawyer if you need help along the way. Good luck!