I-130 Marriage Green Card Guide

Contents of VisaSnap’s

I-130 Marriage Green Card Application Guide

The most current fillable forms provided by the U.S. government, including:

• I-130 Petition for Relative Family Member
• I-485 Adjustment of Status Application
• I-864 Affidavit of Support
• And many more required and optional forms

A step-by-step checklist covering the entire application process, including:

• Instructions on how to organize your documents
• Instructions on how to best prepare for the marriage green card interview

Complete instructions for the I-130 Petition 

Complete instructions for Consular Processing and Adjustment of Status

Pre-filled sample forms with real world examples

A sample cover letter and document checklist for the application

A list of documents needed for the interview

A list of sample interview questions

A list of common reasons for denials

How to respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE)

A list of frequently asked questions and a glossary of immigration terms

Important contact information for USCIS offices and U.S. Consulates around the world

Frequently Asked Questions

I-130 Marriage Green Card Application

I recently married a U.S. Citizen, do I automatically get a Green Card?

No, marrying a United States citizen, or lawful permanent resident does not automatically give a foreign-national spouse a “green card.” Simply getting married will not allow the foreign-national to stay in the United States as a lawful permanent resident. A formal Marriage Based Green Card Petition Form I-130, and an Application for Adjustment of Status Form I-485 (when the foreign-national spouse is living in the U.S.) or an immigrant visa petition(when the foreign-national spouse is living outside the U.S.) must be completed.

Is there a limit on the number of Marriage Green Cards issued each year?

If you are married to a United States citizen then you will qualify as an “immediate relative.” This means that there are no limits to the number of marriage green cards issued each year. However, if you are married to lawful permanent resident (green card holder) then there are more restrictions on the number of marriage green cards issued each year. In this case you would qualify as Second Preference 2A Immigrant. Currently there is a 2 year waiting period for this category of family based green cards. To learn more visit the Visa Bulletin, or learn more by purchasing VisaSnap’s Marriage Green Card Application Guide.

Is it expensive to have an attorney file a marriage green card application?

It depends. The average cost for an attorney to file a marriage green card application ranges anywhere from $1000 to over $2500. Often it depends on how complicated the case is, the experience of the attorney and the location. This also does not include the filing fees.

I need help with my marriage green card application, what should I do?

Applying for a marriage green card involves more than just filing a few forms. Each application requires several forms, documents and preparation for the interview. There are many helpful websites, but one of the best ways to apply is to use a complete

“do-it-yourself” application. VisaSnap’s Marriage Green Card Guide is only $49.99 and it includes all the forms and information to help you file your marriage green card application.

Should I send original documents or photocopies to USCIS?

If an immigration form requires you to send in documents with your application, it is a good idea not to send originals.The reason is that USCIS will not return the documents to you. You should make a photocopy of the official document and send in the photocopy.

How do I answer a question on a form, if the question does not apply to my situation?

If the question does not apply to your case then write N/A (“not applicable”). If the answer to the question is “zero” (e.g., how many children do you have?) then write “none.” In any case, do not leave a question blank.

I’m interested in VisaSnap’s Marriage Green Card Guide, where can I learn more?

If you would like to learn more about VisaSnap’s Immigration Application Guide, please view this short video.

Current USCIS Filing Fees

I-130 Marriage Green Card Application

&

I-485 Adjustment of Status

The Current Filing Fees for the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

• $420.00

The Current Filing Fees for the I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status

• $1070, if the individual is between 14 and 79 
• (includes $85 biometrics fee)
• $985, if the individual is over 79 
• (no biometrics fee)
• $635, if the individual is under 14 and filing with at least one parent 
• (no biometrics fee)
• $985, if the individual is over 14 and not filing with at least one parent 
• (no biometrics fee)

For Current Filing Fees for the Consular Processing

• In general the fee for Consular Processing is $230
• This fee is in addition to the $420 I-130 fee
• However, each U.S. Consulate may set its own fees
• To see current U.S. Consulate fees please visit Travel.State.Gov