A marriage-based green card, also called a green card through marriage or spouse green card, gives an eligible foreign husband or wife lawful permanent resident status in the United States.

Marriage itself does not automatically create permanent resident status. The couple must use the immigration process that matches their situation, submit the required forms and evidence, establish that the marriage is genuine, meet financial sponsorship requirements, and show that the foreign spouse is eligible for permanent residence.

For most couples, the first question is not simply “Can my spouse get a green card?” It is which marriage green card process applies to us?

A foreign spouse may qualify for permanent residence through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, but the exact requirements differ by category and by whether the case is processed inside or outside the United States.

If the foreign spouse is already in the United States, Adjustment of Status may allow an eligible applicant to become a permanent resident without first completing immigrant visa processing abroad.

For an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen who is eligible to adjust status, USCIS may allow Form I-130 and Form I-485 to be filed together. This is commonly called concurrent filing or one-step adjustment.

However, being married to a U.S. citizen does not by itself guarantee eligibility to adjust status. The person’s manner of entry, immigration history, possible inadmissibility issues, prior violations, fraud or misrepresentation concerns, and other facts can affect the case.

Read the VisaCoach guide to concurrent filing for a foreign spouse

When the foreign spouse is living outside the United States, the usual marriage immigration route is a CR-1 or IR-1 immigrant visa.

The process generally begins with Form I-130. After USCIS approves the petition, the case normally moves to the National Visa Center for fees, the DS-260 immigrant visa application, financial sponsorship documents, and civil documents. The foreign spouse then completes a medical examination and immigrant visa interview at the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.

After the immigrant visa is issued and the spouse is admitted to the United States as a permanent resident, USCIS produces the physical green card after the required immigrant fee has been paid.

See the complete CR-1 and IR-1 spouse visa process

The K-1 fiancé visa is not the end of the immigration process. After the foreign fiancé enters the United States, the couple must marry within 90 days. The foreign spouse then applies for permanent residence through Adjustment of Status.

The main application is Form I-485. The couple also submits the required supporting documents and evidence showing that the marriage is genuine and that the applicant qualifies for permanent residence.

Watch the dedicated Green Card After K-1 Fiancé Visa guide

The forms depend on whether the spouse is applying through Adjustment of Status or consular processing.

A marriage certificate proves that a marriage legally occurred. It does not, by itself, prove that the relationship is genuine for immigration purposes.

USCIS or the consular officer may review evidence showing that the couple actually shares a life together. Depending on the couple, useful evidence can include:

• Joint lease, mortgage, or other proof of a shared residence
• Joint bank, credit, insurance, or other financial records
• Beneficiary designations and shared household responsibilities
• Photos together over the course of the relationship
• Travel records, communications, and evidence of time spent together
• Birth certificates for children of the marriage, when applicable
• Other records that consistently document a shared married life

A clear, well-organized application should make the history and reality of the relationship easy for the reviewing officer to understand.

Most marriage-based permanent residence cases require the U.S. petitioner to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. The sponsor generally must document qualifying household income or, when permitted, use eligible assets or a qualifying joint sponsor.

The required income depends on household size and the applicable poverty guideline. Because the figures can change, use the current requirements for the year in which the application is filed.

Review marriage-based immigration income requirements

The total government cost depends on the route. Adjustment of Status, CR-1/IR-1 consular processing, and post-K-1 Adjustment of Status use different forms and fee combinations.

In the VisaCoach video published September 3, 2026, the post-K-1 process cites a $1,440 Form I-485 filing fee, plus $260 for an optional work authorization application and $630 for an optional Advance Parole application.

Government fees and filing rules can change. Confirm the current fee directly with USCIS or the Department of State before filing.

VisaCoach’s preparation fee for the Adjustment of Status package discussed in the video is $1,095.

There is no single processing time for every marriage green card case. Timing depends on the route, USCIS workload, the field office or service operation handling the case, National Visa Center processing when applicable, embassy interview availability, and the facts of the individual case.

An interview may be part of a marriage-based green card case. USCIS makes interview decisions based on the case and applicable procedures, while consular immigrant visa cases include an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

The officer may review the applicant’s eligibility, immigration history, financial sponsorship, and evidence that the marriage is genuine. Consistent documents and a well-prepared record can help the officer understand the case.

Review green card marriage interview questions

If permanent resident status is obtained through marriage and the marriage is less than two years old when the spouse is admitted as a permanent resident or when Adjustment of Status is approved, the spouse generally receives conditional permanent residence.

Conditional permanent residence is valid for two years. The resident generally must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions during the 90-day period before the second anniversary of receiving conditional resident status.

If the qualifying marriage is already at least two years old when permanent residence is granted, the spouse generally receives permanent resident status without the two-year marriage condition.

Learn about removing conditions on residence

After permanent residence is granted, the foreign spouse has ongoing responsibilities as a lawful permanent resident. Conditional residents must address removal of conditions when required. Later, some permanent residents married to and living with a U.S. citizen may become eligible to apply for naturalization under the rules that apply to their case.

Learn about applying for U.S. citizenship

• USCIS: Adjustment of Status
• USCIS: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• USCIS: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
• USCIS: Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
• Department of State: Immigrant Visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
• USCIS: Current Case Processing Times