Green Card After Arrival in the United States
A Green Card gives your foreign spouse lawful permanent resident status in the United States. For many fiancé visa couples, this step happens after marriage through Adjustment of Status.
What Is a Green Card?
A Green Card is the common name for a Permanent Resident Card. It is proof that a person has lawful permanent resident status and may live and work permanently in the United States, as long as they continue to follow the rules that apply to permanent residents.
For a fiancé visa couple, the foreign fiancé does not receive a Green Card automatically upon arrival. After entering the United States, the couple must marry within 90 days. Then the foreign spouse usually applies for Adjustment of Status, which is the process of applying for the Green Card from inside the United States.
Permanent Residence
The Green Card changes the foreign spouse from temporary visa status into lawful permanent resident status.
Proof of Status
The physical card is proof of the immigrant’s permanent resident status and is often needed for employment, travel, and identity purposes.
Next Step After K-1 Marriage
For K-1 fiancé visa families, this is normally the major immigration step after the wedding in the United States.
Current Green Card Filing Fees
The main Green Card application fee is currently $1,440. Work Authorization and Advance Parole are optional add-on applications with separate USCIS filing fees.
| Application | Purpose | Required? | Current Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-485 Adjustment of Status / Green Card |
Requests lawful permanent resident status from inside the United States. | Required | $1,440 |
| Form I-765 Work Authorization |
Requests permission to work while the Green Card application is pending. | Optional | $260 |
| Form I-131 Advance Parole |
Requests permission to travel outside the United States while the Green Card application is pending. | Optional | $630 |
| VisaCoach Preparation | VisaCoach helps prepare the application package, organize the required forms and supporting documents, and guide you through the filing preparation. | Service Fee | $1,095 |
$2,330
$1,440 + $260 + $630
Important: USCIS filing fees can change. Always verify the current government filing fees before mailing or submitting an application. The optional work and travel applications are separate requests, and not every applicant needs both.
Current Timeline: About 12 Months
The Green Card process through Adjustment of Status is currently taking about 12 months for many family-based applicants. Some cases are faster and some take longer depending on the USCIS workload, local field office, interview requirements, background checks, and whether USCIS requests more evidence.
Should You File for Work Authorization and Advance Parole?
Many applicants choose to file the optional work and travel applications at the same time as the Green Card application, but the right choice depends on your plans and budget.
Work Authorization
This can allow the foreign spouse to work while waiting for the Green Card approval. It is optional, but often useful if employment is important before the Green Card arrives.
Advance Parole
This can allow international travel while the Green Card application is pending. Leaving the United States without proper travel permission can create serious problems.
Green Card Approval
Once the Green Card is approved, the applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident and no longer needs a separate work permit for normal employment.
How VisaCoach Helps
VisaCoach helps prepare the Green Card application package so you have a clearer, more organized filing. Our preparation fee for this service is $995.
VisaCoach can help with:
- Preparing the Adjustment of Status application package.
- Organizing forms, identity documents, marriage evidence, and supporting materials.
- Helping you understand the optional Work Authorization and Advance Parole applications.
- Preparing a cleaner, more complete package before filing with USCIS.
- Providing practical guidance through the preparation and filing process.
VisaCoach provides immigration document preparation support and practical guidance. VisaCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.
Green Card Summary FAQs
Is a Green Card the same as Adjustment of Status?
No. The Green Card is the evidence of permanent resident status. Adjustment of Status is the application process used by many people who apply for the Green Card from inside the United States.
Is Work Authorization required?
No. Work Authorization is optional. It is useful if the applicant wants permission to work while the Green Card application is pending.
Is Advance Parole required?
No. Advance Parole is optional. It is used when the applicant wants permission to travel outside the United States while the Green Card application is pending.
How long does the Green Card process take?
The current estimate is about 12 months, but timing varies. USCIS workload, local field office processing, interview scheduling, background checks, and Requests for Evidence can affect the total timeline.
Related VisaCoach Pages
These related pages can help you understand the steps before and after the Green Card application.
Need Help Preparing the Green Card Application?
VisaCoach helps prepare the application package and supporting documents for the Adjustment of Status stage. Our charge for Green Card application preparation is $995.
