🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 99 (from laksa089)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa099.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/","crawl_time":1777152771,"first_indexed_time":1556953516,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,greencardhero!www,\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/ s443","src_root_hash":"10463538642552561099","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Apply for Marriage Green Card Inside the U.S: Complete Guide","meta_descriptions":["The only guide you’ll need to apply for a marriage based Green Card. Written in plain English."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Congratulations on your marriage! This guide is for people who want to get a marriage green card for their wife or husband. We will explain everything you need to successfully complete the application process. For most couples, the application is straightforward and does not need a lawyer. Instead, save that $4,000 lawyer’s fee for your lovely honeymoon on the beach. Did you know this cool guide makes a satisfying beach read?\n1. Marriage Green Card Process Overview\nNote:\nThis guide is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or of a green card holder. In addition, the applicant should be inside the U.S. when applying (If you will apply from outside the U.S, use our\nother in-depth guide\ninstead.)\nIf you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and you currently live in the U.S, you and your spouse will need to file a Petition for Alien Relative and an Adjustment of Status through marriage\n[1] [2]\n(Don’t run, you will become an expert in this in the next five minutes).\nTotal government filing fee:\n$1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $2,115 – $3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024).\nTotal processing time:\nFor a U.S. citizen’s spouse: 10-14 months；For a green card holder’s spouse: Around 4 years (The wait time has been fluctuating due to the recent visa bulletin F2A final action date retrogression. It may improve over time to 2-3 years.)\nThe application process can be broken into two steps:\nStep 1: The Paper Party – Submit Forms and Documents to USCIS\nWe kick off the party with forms and documents!\nThe process is slightly different for spouses of U.S. citizens versus spouses of green card holders. So we will explain them separately:\nU.S. Citizen’s Spouse\nThe application will require the following forms:\nForm I-130 – Petition for Alien Relatives\nForm I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary\nForm I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status\nForm I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA\nForm I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)\nForm I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional)\nG-1145 – e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)\nForm I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule)\n[\n: This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.]\nForms will be explained in details in the\nforms section\nof this guide.\nDecember 23, 2022 Update:\nStarting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application.\nYou also will need to submit the following supporting documents alongside the forms:\nPassport-style photos of both spouses\nProof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship (e.g. U.S. passport, naturalization certificate)\nProof of the applicant’s immigration status\nCurrent marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages\nEvidence of joint activities\nThe applicant’s proof of financial support\nThe applicant’s medical examination result\nThe applicant’s birth certificate\nThe applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency\n[\n: No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule]\nDocuments will be explained in details in the\ndocuments section\nof this guide.\nUSCIS charges an application fee of $1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $2,115 – $3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024).\n[1] [2]\n(more details in the\nfees section\n).\nSubmit your application as one package to USCIS through mail\n[1] [2]\n.\nGreen Card Holder’s Spouse\nCome meet our new friends: 9 government forms in total, 5 are required and 4 are optional. You’ll need to submit them in two parts, with a waiting period between Part One and Part Two.\nApplication Part One\n (Officially Called Petition for Alien Relative)\nForms to submit:\nForm I-130\n– Petition for Alien Relatives\nForm I-130A\n– Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary\nG-1145 –\ne-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)\nForms will be explained in details in the\nforms section\nof this guide.\nSupporting documents:\nPassport-style photos of both spouses\nProof that the sponsor is a U.S. permanent resident (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card)\nCurrent marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages\nEvidence of joint activities\nUSCIS filing fee: $535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024)\n[1]\nSubmit your application as one package to USCIS through mail\n[1]\n.\nIt will take about 12-15 months for USCIS to approve Application Part One. Then, you’ll likely have to wait for another 2 weeks for a Green Card to become available. After that, you can finally submit Application Part Two. (More on the waiting time later.)\nApplication Part Two \n(Officially Called Adjustment of Status)\nForms to submit:\nForm I-485\n– Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status\nForm I-864\n– Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA\nForm I-765\n– Application for Employment Authorization (optional)\nForm I-131\n– Application for Travel Document (optional)\nG-1145 –\ne-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)\nForm I-944\n– Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule)\n[\n: This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.]\nDecember 23, 2022 Update:\nStarting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application.\nSupporting documents:\nPassport-style photos of the applicant\nProof of the applicant’s immigration status\nThe applicant’s proof of financial support\nThe applicant’s medical examination result\nThe applicant’s birth certificate\nThe applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency\n[\n: No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule]\nUSCIS filing fee: $1,225 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $1,440 – $2,330 (if file on or after April 1, 2024)\n[2]\nSubmit your application as one package to USCIS through mail\n[2]\n. This concludes Step 1 and we now move into Step 2.\nLater in this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know (and some more) about \nforms\n, \ndocuments,\n \nfees\n and\nmailing it out\n.\nStep 2: The Waiting Game – Wait until the Interview and the Green Card Approval\nNo more paperwork at this point! Now it’s mostly waiting around until you receive a Green Card interview notice around 10-14 months later\n[3]\n. The interview will take place at a USCIS office near you, and both spouses need to attend in-person. (More on the interview later.) If everything goes well, you will receive your Green Card approval at the end of the interview, and within another month, your Green Card will arrive in the mail!\nThe\ntimeline section\n will explain the waiting process in detail.\nHow to complete your green card application in 7 days?\nGet our exclusive 7-Day Action Plan:\n2. Make Sense of the Process\nWhy all these forms and documents? In this section, we explain the Green Card application logic that routinely confuses the world’s smartest rocket scientist. Once you understand the logic behind it, this process will make a lot more sense.\nTo begin, let’s meet Arnold and Maria:\nApplicant:\nArnold is 28 years old and hails from the snowy mountains of Austria. Arnold is not a U.S. citizen and is applying to receive a Green Card.\n \n \n \nSponsor \n(also known as a petitioner): Maria is 27 years old and is a native to the sunny Southern California. She is married to Arnold and is a U.S. citizen or green card holder.\nAfter getting married, Arnold and Maria started researching how to apply for a marriage Green Card for Arnold.\nU.S. Citizen’s Spouse\nFor couples like Arnold and Maria, the application paperwork contains two parts:\nApplication Part One: Establish Arnold’s Eligibility for a Green Card \n(Officially Called “Petition for Alien Relative”. We will call it “immigrant petition” in this guide.)\nSince Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete Application Part One (immigrant petition) to demonstrate\n[1]\n:\nMaria is a real person.\nMaria is a U.S. citizen.\nArnold is her husband.\nTheir marriage is real.\nThis step is mostly for Maria to complete.\nApplication Part Two: Apply for Arnold’s Green Card \n(Officially Called “Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident”. We will call it “adjustment of status” in this guide.)\nAfter the immigrant petition has established Arnold’s Green Card eligibility, now Arnold can apply for it. Application Part Two (adjustment of status) collects information that demonstrates\n[2]\n:\nArnold is a real person.\nArnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card.\nArnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance.\nArnold is in good health.\nArnold has no criminal history.\nThis step is mostly for Arnold to complete.\nUSCIS processes the forms and documents for the immigrant petition (Application Part One) independently from those for the adjustment of status (Application Part Two)\n[1] [2]\n, so we need to separate the paperwork of each part when we submit the application (more on that in the\nsubmit section\nof this guide). In the next section, we will explain all the forms, documents and filing fees you need.\nGreen Card Holder’s Spouse\nFor couples like Arnold and Maria, here is the application paperwork timeline:\nApplication Part One: Immigrant Petition\nPart One’s purpose is to establish Arnold’s eligibility for a Green Card. Since Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete the Application Part One to demonstrate\n[1]\n:\nMaria is a real person.\nMaria is a U.S. permanent resident.\nArnold is her husband.\nTheir marriage is real.\nThis part is mostly for Maria to Complete.\nAround 2 Weeks Later\nUSCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797) Arrives\nThe receipt notice confirms that USCIS has received your Application Part One. It contains a case number, which you can use to track your Part One case status with the \nUSCIS Case Status Checker\n. It also contains a date labeled “Priority Date”. You will use this date later to determine when to submit Application Part Two.\nWaiting period until a visa number becomes available\nGood news — in August 2023,\nthere is no wait time\n! So you can move onto submitting the adjustment of status application immediately after receiving I-130 Receipt Notice. This zero wait time will last until the end of August. Starting September 2023, Submission 1 and Submission 2 need to be submitted separately in sequence.\nApplication Part Two: Adjustment of Status\nPart Two’s purpose is to apply for Arnold’s Green Card. After USCIS approves Part One, Arnold has successfully established his Green Card eligibility; now he can apply for it. The Application Part Two collects information that demonstrates\n[2]\n:\nArnold is a real person.\nArnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card.\nArnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance.\nArnold is in good health.\nArnold has good moral characters.\nThis part is mostly for Arnold to Complete.\nAround 2-3 Weeks after Filing Part Two\nUSCIS Receipt Notices (Form I-797) Arrive\nFor each form you submit in Application Part Two, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your Part Two case status with the \nUSCIS Case Status Checker\n.\nFor the Next 8-10 Months after receiving USCIS Notice of Approval\nMostly Waiting until Receiving Green Card Interview Notice\nThis is where Step 2 – the Waiting Game begins. We will explain what happens during this time in\nthe timeline after filing\nsection later.\nWhy the wait before submitting Part Two?\nThe answer: Arnold cannot apply for a Green Card, until a Green Card becomes available for him to apply to.\nThis may sound very strange, until you learn this fact: the U.S. government only gives out a fixed number of Green Cards each year, no matter how many people are eligible for it. So when there are more eligible people than there are Green Cards, some people have to wait until a new batch of Green Cards become available.\n1\nWhen can I submit Application Part Two?\nYou can find out by checking the\nUSCIS Visa Bulletin information page\n, which updates once a month. Click on the link to the current month, and in the chart find category “F2A”.\nIf the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date (explained below) is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file Application Part Two. Otherwise, you will need to continue waiting and check the bulletin page again next month.\n2\nWhat's Priority Date?\nYou can find your Priority Date on the Form I-130 Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you received earlier. The date is under a column labeled \"Priority Date\".\n3\n3. USCIS Application Forms\nThere are 9 forms in total, to be submitted in two separate packets.  Five forms are required and the other four are optional.  Let’s take a look at what these forms are for:\nForms for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\nForms for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\nForm I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status\n [Arnold to fill out]\nArnold, please stretch your fingers.\nYou are about to enter your information for a third time here. And don’t forget the 66 check boxes at the end for questions such as “Does Arnold intend to sabotage the United States?”.\nForm I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA\n[Maria to fill out]\nAffi what? Who is David?\n‍Well, it’s actually a form to show Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. The simplest way to do so is if Maria can demonstrate that her income is at least 125 percent of the current\nFederal Poverty Guidelines\nfor Maria’s household size (only 100 percent of the Guidelines if Maria is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard). If this is not the case, the form instruction outlines other ways for Arnold and other relatives to chip in. Yeah… this form is definitely the most confusing one. So make sure to spend some time understanding the form instructions.\n‍\nForm I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional) \n[Arnold to fill out]\nArnold needs to do this form if he wants to work in the U.S.while his application is pending. (Arnold wants to continue his employment with Skyweb\n, so he fills out the form.)\nForm I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional)\n[Arnold to fill out]\nArnold needs to do this form if he wants to travel outside of the U.S. while his application is pending. (Arnold needs to fly to Maluku to terminate a tasselled wobbegong\n, so he fills out the form.)\nG-1145 – e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional) \n[Arnold to fill out]\nFill in this form to request an electronic notification when USCIS accepts the adjustment of status.\nForm I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency\n  [Arnold to fill out]\nThis is a new form added due to the new USCIS Public Charge rule. Arnold needs to fill out detailed information regarding his income, tax returns, family members, credit score, assets, debts & liabilities, health insurance, and education. Oh well, guess he’s got no other choice but to tell USCIS everything…\n[\n: No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule]\nHow to make sure I filled out the forms correctly?\nEach USCIS form comes with an instruction\n[1] [2] [4] [5] [6] [7]\n. Make sure you carefully review the instructions. I know, I know – those instructions are written in Austrian Martian. Even the killer robot from the future cannot survive the grandeur of 132 pages of full-length legal verbiage without dropping cold onto the floor.\nIf you are like Arnold, you may dream about doing your application the TurboTax style: fill out a simple questionnaire with step-by-step instructions, and boom!, your forms are completed for you.\nGood news – here at\nGreenCardHero\n, we have created a useful Green Card application software which does exactly that for you: \n5.0\n on \nTrusted by over 2,500 applicants\n“This software has helped me save thousands of dollars from hiring lawyers. The instructions are\nsuper clear, easy to follow and it’s affordable\n.”\n— Brandon T\n4. Document Checklist\nUSCIS requires many supporting documents and the list varies from person to person. The number of documents needed ranges between 13 and 47 (or more). In this section, we will first briefly describe the various document categories. Then, we have prepared a detailed interactive checklist to help you fully understand all the required documents. Let’s get started!\nDocuments for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\nDocuments for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\nGreenCardHero’s comprehensive list of application documents – Click on each document category to see all the documents you need:\nThe sponsor is a:\n \nU.S. Citizen\n \nGreen Card Holder\n(If the checklist below displays blank, click\nhere\nto see.)\n5. USCIS Filing Fees\nIf file before April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of $1,760 for filing fees, paid in two separate checks\/ money orders. Make each check\/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of $2,115 – $3,005 for filing fees, paid in 2 – 4 separate checks\/ money orders. Make each check\/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.\nFiling Fee for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\nOne check\/ money order\n$535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024)\nForm I-130\nFiling Fee for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\nFirst check\/ money order\nIf file before April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 ($1,140) + Biometric services fee ($85), paid a total of $1,225 using one check\/money order\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 $1,440\nSecond check\/ money order\nIf file before April 1, 2024: Not needed\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-765 $260\nThird check\/ money order\nIf file before April 1, 2024: Not needed\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-131 $630\nIs the complexity level of your case suitable for DIY?\nImmigration history, income, marriage time and criminal records are all factors.\nTake our eligibility quiz to find out in 40 seconds:\n6. Assemble and File the Application\nWe are all done with the hard part! Now let’s stuff this delicious paperwork feast in a hungry envelope!\nU.S. Citizen’s Spouse\nSubmit in One Envelope, but as Two Packets\nThe immigrant petition and the adjustment of status can be submitted together in the same envelope. This is called “concurrent filing” and is a special privilege given to U.S. citizens’ immediate relatives (including the spouse) who are already living in the U.S.\n[8].\nMost other Green Card applicants have to patiently wait until the immigrant petition is approved by USCIS before submitting the adjustment of status. So lucky you!\nEven though these two parts are submitted together, USCIS processes them separately\n[8]\n. Therefore, to avoid grumpy USCIS agents, kindly organize the paperwork into two separate application packets.\nCover Each Packet with A Cover Letter\nTime to organize, kids! USCIS recommends creating a cover letter for each application packet and placing the cover letter on top of the packet. A cover letter is essentially a table of contents of all the forms and documents contained within the packet. The cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps USCIS agents during their review.\nIf you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your application packet, making your submission fast and easy.\nStack and Stuff\nNow stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop\/package. Your application is now ready to send!\nWhere to Send\nFinally, it’s time to mail the application package!\nMail the envelope to USCIS at the address below\n[10] [11]\n.\nIf you mail through U.S. Postal Service (USPS), depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following:\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS\nP.O. Box 805887\nChicago, IL 60680\n\nOR\n\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS\nP.O. Box 20500\nPhoenix, AZ 85036-0500\nIf you mail through FedEx, UPS, and DHL, depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following:\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS (Box 805887)\n131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor\nChicago, IL 60603-5517\n\nOR\n\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS (Box 20500)\n1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S\nSuite 100\nPhoenix, AZ 85034-4850\nGreen Card Holder’s Spouse\nNow we’ve got a lot of finished paperwork lying around, how do we organize and submit it? It’s time to learn the subtle art of stuffing hungry envelops. \nThe process is the same for both Application Part One and Part Two.\nOrganize Using a Cover Letter\nPer the USCIS recommendation, we will create a cover letter and place it on top of the application packet.\n[6]\nA cover letter is essentially a table of contents for all the forms and documents contained in an application. A cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps you avoid grumpy USCIS agents during processing.\nIf you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your submission, making assembling the application fast and easy.\nStack and Stuff\nNow stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop\/package. Your application is now ready to send!\nMail It!\nFinally, it’s time to mail the application package!\nThe mailing address for Submission 1 and Submission 2 are different. Make sure you use the correct address for each submission.\nApplication Part One (Immigrant Petition): follow the\nUSCIS Form I-130 filing address\nApplication Part Two (Adjustment of Status): follow the\nUSCIS Form I-485 filing address\nDon’t forget to sign!\nHow to Catch Mistakes before Filing\nFirst, take a deep breath. Hundreds of thousands of couples just like you apply for their Green Cards every year, and the vast majority get approved. The odds are on your side!\nReview each application form, document and cover letter.\nIf you’re iffy about any particular section, try re-reading the form’s instructions for that section.\nIf you to check more closely, consider hiring an immigration lawyer to review your completed application. An application review is affordable, usually costs around $500. In contrast, hiring a lawyer to do the whole application for you can cost $4,000 and up.\n7. Application Timeline\nYay, you filed! The hardest part is officially behind us! Now we move on to the second – and final – step of the process: “Game of Groans”. The groans are caused by prolonged waiting: once in a while, your application reaches a milestone and you receive a USCIS communication, and then you wait some more, until you get a notice for an interview. Eventually, you will receive that gorgeous Green Card in the mail.\nThis timeline explains what happens after filing the Green Card application:\nAround 2-3 Weeks after Filing\nUSCIS Receipt Notices Arrive\nFor each form you submit in the application, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your case status with the \nUSCIS Case Status Checker\n.\nAround 3-5 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19)\nBiometrics Appointment Notice Arrives for the Applicant\nThe biometrics services appointment is a quick, low stress procedure where the USCIS takes the applicant’s fingerprints, photograph, and\/or signature. This helps USCIS confirm the applicant’s identity and run required background and security checks.\n4\nThe appointment will be at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The applicant’s appointment notice will include the date, time and location for the appointment.\n5\nDownload GreenCardHero to see the complete application timeline\nDownload Now\nAround 4-6 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19)\nThe Applicant Goes to the Biometrics Appointment\nAttend the scheduled biometrics services appointment. You can learn more about what it’s like\non the USCIS website\n.\n8. Track Case Status and Processing Time\nUSCIS Case Status Checker\n is the official tool for checking your case status. Enter all the case numbers printed on the receipt notices you received, then the tool will display the processing status of each form in your particular case.\nYou may also use the official \nUSCIS Case Processing Times Checker\n to see the current processing time of each form, so that you can anticipate when your case status will change. The processing time has been steadily increasing since Trump became president in 2017, and it varies significantly depending on where you live. The tool shows the processing time range for each form type at different USCIS office locations.\nHow to Preserve Sanity During the Wait\nBased on my personal experience, the long wait can get very frustrating – feeling suspended in uncertainty is not fun. Unfortunately, none of us can speed up processing speed (except President Biden perhaps?).\nI found it helpful to join an online immigration forum and feel like part of a community that is going through this together. I also found it helpful to keep myself engaged with other activities in life, so I wouldn’t think about “the G” (“g” from Green Card) that much.\nUltimately, the time will come when a fateful USPS letter arrives in your mailbox. You pick it up and feel a thin and sturdy object inside, perfectly rectangular with slight rounded edges. You carefully open the envelope, and there it is – a Green Card, shrouded in an ornate tapestry and soft hues; through a fine layer of misty Atlantic fog, the statue of liberty greets you with a gorgeous smile. This journey has made you older and wiser, and congratulations, you’ve now got the key to America!\nRelated Posts\nhttps:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/legal\/visa-law0\/visa-bulletin\/2019\/visa-bulletin-for-january-2019.html\nhttps:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/visabulletininfo\nhttps:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/greencard\/visa-availability-priority-dates\nhttps:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment\nhttps:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment","attrs_markdown":"[![Web Analytics](https:\/\/c.statcounter.com\/11917880\/0\/8c1b4dcb\/1\/)](http:\/\/statcounter.com\/ \"Web Analytics\")\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#content \"Skip to content\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/assets\/GCH-logo.png)](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/) [![](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/assets\/GCH-logo\/gch-logo-128x128.png)](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/)\n\n- [How It Works](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/\/#features-anchor \"How It Works\")\n- [Is It for You](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/#quiz-section-anchor \"Is It for You\")\n- [Pricing](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/pricing.html \"Pricing\")\n- [Comparison](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/#comparisonTable-anchor \"Comparison\")\n- [Resources](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/ \"Resources\")\n\n[HOME](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/) \/ [GREEN CARD RESOURCES](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/)\n\n# Apply for Marriage Green Card Inside the U.S: Complete Guide\n[Updated on April 1, 2024](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/ \"4:58 am\")\n\nby [GreenCardHero](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/author\/greencardhero\/ \"View all posts by GreenCardHero\")\n\nCongratulations on your marriage! This guide is for people who want to get a marriage green card for their wife or husband. We will explain everything you need to successfully complete the application process. For most couples, the application is straightforward and does not need a lawyer. Instead, save that \\$4,000 lawyer’s fee for your lovely honeymoon on the beach. Did you know this cool guide makes a satisfying beach read? ![🌴](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f334.svg)\n\n### Table of Contents\nBefore Filing\n\n1. [Green card process overview](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#overview-inside-usa)\n2. [Make Sense of the Process](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#logic-inside-usa)\n3. [Application Forms](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#forms-inside-usa)\n4. [Document Checklist](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#documents-inside-usa)\n5. [Filing Fees](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#fees-inside-usa)\n6. [Assemble and file](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#mail-inside-usa)\n\nAfter Filing\n\n1. [Application Timeline](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#timeline-inside-usa)\n2. [Track Case Status and Processing Time](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#track-inside-usa)\n## 1\\. Marriage Green Card Process Overview\n**Note:** This guide is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or of a green card holder. In addition, the applicant should be inside the U.S. when applying (If you will apply from outside the U.S, use our [other in-depth guide](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/apply-for-marriage-green-card-outside-usa\/) instead.)\n\nIf you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and you currently live in the U.S, you and your spouse will need to file a Petition for Alien Relative and an Adjustment of Status through marriage\\[1\\] \\[2\\] (Don’t run, you will become an expert in this in the next five minutes).\n\n**Total government filing fee:** \\$1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \\$2,115 – \\$3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024).\n\n[**Total processing time:**](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/tools\/timeline.html) For a U.S. citizen’s spouse: 10-14 months；For a green card holder’s spouse: Around 4 years (The wait time has been fluctuating due to the recent visa bulletin F2A final action date retrogression. It may improve over time to 2-3 years.)\n\nThe application process can be broken into two steps:\n\n### Step 1: The Paper Party – Submit Forms and Documents to USCIS\nWe kick off the party with forms and documents\\!\n\nThe process is slightly different for spouses of U.S. citizens versus spouses of green card holders. So we will explain them separately:\n\nU.S. Citizen’s Spouse\n\n**The application will require the following forms:**\n\n- Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relatives\n- Form I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary\n- Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status\n- Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA\n- Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)\n- Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional)\n- G-1145 – e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)\n- Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.\\]\n\nForms will be explained in details in the [forms section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#forms-inside-usa) of this guide.\n```\nDecember 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application.\n```\n**You also will need to submit the following supporting documents alongside the forms:**\n\n- Passport-style photos of both spouses\n- Proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship (e.g. U.S. passport, naturalization certificate)\n- Proof of the applicant’s immigration status\n- Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages\n- Evidence of joint activities\n- The applicant’s proof of financial support\n- The applicant’s medical examination result\n- The applicant’s birth certificate\n- The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\\]\n\nDocuments will be explained in details in the [documents section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#documents-inside-usa) of this guide.\n\nUSCIS charges an application fee of \\$1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \\$2,115 – \\$3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024). \\[1\\] \\[2\\] (more details in the [fees section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#fees-inside-usa)).\n\nSubmit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \\[1\\] \\[2\\].\n\nGreen Card Holder’s Spouse\n\nCome meet our new friends: 9 government forms in total, 5 are required and 4 are optional. You’ll need to submit them in two parts, with a waiting period between Part One and Part Two.\n\n**Application Part One** (Officially Called Petition for Alien Relative)\n\nForms to submit:\n\n- **Form I-130** – Petition for Alien Relatives\n- **Form I-130A** – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary\n- **G-1145 –** e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)\n\nForms will be explained in details in the [forms section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#forms-inside-usa) of this guide.\n\nSupporting documents:\n\n- Passport-style photos of both spouses\n- Proof that the sponsor is a U.S. permanent resident (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card)\n- Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages\n- Evidence of joint activities\n\nUSCIS filing fee: \\$535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \\$675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024) \\[1\\]\n\nSubmit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \\[1\\].\n\nIt will take about 12-15 months for USCIS to approve Application Part One. Then, you’ll likely have to wait for another 2 weeks for a Green Card to become available. After that, you can finally submit Application Part Two. (More on the waiting time later.)\n\n**Application Part Two** (Officially Called Adjustment of Status)\n\nForms to submit:\n\n- **Form I-485** – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status\n- **Form I-864** – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA\n- **Form I-765** – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)\n- **Form I-131** – Application for Travel Document (optional)\n- **G-1145 –** e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)\n- **Form I-944** – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.\\]\n```\nDecember 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application.\n```\nSupporting documents:\n\n- Passport-style photos of the applicant\n- Proof of the applicant’s immigration status\n- The applicant’s proof of financial support\n- The applicant’s medical examination result\n- The applicant’s birth certificate\n- The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\\]\n\nUSCIS filing fee: \\$1,225 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \\$1,440 – \\$2,330 (if file on or after April 1, 2024)\\[2\\]\n\nSubmit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \\[2\\]. This concludes Step 1 and we now move into Step 2.\n\nLater in this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know (and some more) about [forms](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#forms-inside-usa), [documents,](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#documents-inside-usa) [fees](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#fees-inside-usa) and [mailing it out](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#mail-inside-usa).\n### Step 2: The Waiting Game – Wait until the Interview and the Green Card Approval\nNo more paperwork at this point! Now it’s mostly waiting around until you receive a Green Card interview notice around 10-14 months later \\[3\\]. The interview will take place at a USCIS office near you, and both spouses need to attend in-person. (More on the interview later.) If everything goes well, you will receive your Green Card approval at the end of the interview, and within another month, your Green Card will arrive in the mail\\!\n\nThe [timeline section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#timeline-inside-usa) will explain the waiting process in detail.\n\n### How to complete your green card application in 7 days?\nGet our exclusive 7-Day Action Plan:\n## 2\\. Make Sense of the Process\nWhy all these forms and documents? In this section, we explain the Green Card application logic that routinely confuses the world’s smartest rocket scientist. Once you understand the logic behind it, this process will make a lot more sense.\n\nTo begin, let’s meet Arnold and Maria:\n\n![arnold](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/arnold-profile-150x150.png)\n\n**Applicant:** Arnold is 28 years old and hails from the snowy mountains of Austria. Arnold is not a U.S. citizen and is applying to receive a Green Card.\n\n![maria-profile](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/maria-profile2-300x300.png)\n\n**Sponsor** (also known as a petitioner): Maria is 27 years old and is a native to the sunny Southern California. She is married to Arnold and is a U.S. citizen or green card holder.\n\nAfter getting married, Arnold and Maria started researching how to apply for a marriage Green Card for Arnold.\n\nU.S. Citizen’s Spouse\n\nFor couples like Arnold and Maria, the application paperwork contains two parts:\n\n**![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Application Part One: Establish Arnold’s Eligibility for a Green Card** (Officially Called “Petition for Alien Relative”. We will call it “immigrant petition” in this guide.)\n\nSince Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete Application Part One (immigrant petition) to demonstrate \\[1\\]:\n\n- Maria is a real person.\n- Maria is a U.S. citizen.\n- Arnold is her husband.\n- Their marriage is real.\n\nThis step is mostly for Maria to complete.\n\n**![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Application Part Two: Apply for Arnold’s Green Card** (Officially Called “Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident”. We will call it “adjustment of status” in this guide.)\n\nAfter the immigrant petition has established Arnold’s Green Card eligibility, now Arnold can apply for it. Application Part Two (adjustment of status) collects information that demonstrates \\[2\\]:\n\n- Arnold is a real person.\n- Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card.\n- Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance.\n- Arnold is in good health.\n- Arnold has no criminal history.\n\nThis step is mostly for Arnold to complete.\n\nUSCIS processes the forms and documents for the immigrant petition (Application Part One) independently from those for the adjustment of status (Application Part Two) \\[1\\] \\[2\\], so we need to separate the paperwork of each part when we submit the application (more on that in the [submit section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#mail-inside-usa) of this guide). In the next section, we will explain all the forms, documents and filing fees you need.\n\nGreen Card Holder’s Spouse\n\n**For couples like Arnold and Maria, here is the application paperwork timeline:**\n\n## ![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\nPart One’s purpose is to establish Arnold’s eligibility for a Green Card. Since Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete the Application Part One to demonstrate \\[1\\]:\n\n- Maria is a real person.\n- Maria is a U.S. permanent resident.\n- Arnold is her husband.\n- Their marriage is real.\n\nThis part is mostly for Maria to Complete.\n\nAround 2 Weeks Later\n\n**USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797) Arrives**\n\nThe receipt notice confirms that USCIS has received your Application Part One. It contains a case number, which you can use to track your Part One case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do). It also contains a date labeled “Priority Date”. You will use this date later to determine when to submit Application Part Two.\n\nWaiting period until a visa number becomes available\n\n**Good news — in August 2023, [there is no wait time](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/green-card\/green-card-processes-and-procedures\/visa-availability-priority-dates\/when-to-file-your-adjustment-of-status-application-for-family-sponsored-or-employment-based-91)! So you can move onto submitting the adjustment of status application immediately after receiving I-130 Receipt Notice. This zero wait time will last until the end of August. Starting September 2023, Submission 1 and Submission 2 need to be submitted separately in sequence. ![⏰](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/23f0.svg)**\n\n## ![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\nPart Two’s purpose is to apply for Arnold’s Green Card. After USCIS approves Part One, Arnold has successfully established his Green Card eligibility; now he can apply for it. The Application Part Two collects information that demonstrates \\[2\\]:\n\n- Arnold is a real person.\n- Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card.\n- Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance.\n- Arnold is in good health.\n- Arnold has good moral characters.\n\nThis part is mostly for Arnold to Complete.\n\nAround 2-3 Weeks after Filing Part Two\n\n**USCIS Receipt Notices (Form I-797) Arrive**\n\nFor each form you submit in Application Part Two, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your Part Two case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do).\n\nFor the Next 8-10 Months after receiving USCIS Notice of Approval\n\n**Mostly Waiting until Receiving Green Card Interview Notice**\n\nThis is where Step 2 – the Waiting Game begins. We will explain what happens during this time in [the timeline after filing](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#timeline-inside-usa) section later.\n### Why the wait before submitting Part Two?\nThe answer: Arnold cannot apply for a Green Card, until a Green Card becomes available for him to apply to.\n\nThis may sound very strange, until you learn this fact: the U.S. government only gives out a fixed number of Green Cards each year, no matter how many people are eligible for it. So when there are more eligible people than there are Green Cards, some people have to wait until a new batch of Green Cards become available. [1](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#easy-footnote-bottom-1-1224)\n\n### When can I submit Application Part Two?\nYou can find out by checking the [USCIS Visa Bulletin information page](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/visabulletininfo), which updates once a month. Click on the link to the current month, and in the chart find category “F2A”.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/uscis-visa-bulletin.png)\n\nIf the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date (explained below) is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file Application Part Two. Otherwise, you will need to continue waiting and check the bulletin page again next month. [2](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#easy-footnote-bottom-2-1224)\n```\nWhat's Priority Date?\n\nYou can find your Priority Date on the Form I-130 Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you received earlier. The date is under a column labeled \"Priority Date\". 3\n```\n## 3\\. USCIS Application Forms\nThere are 9 forms in total, to be submitted in two separate packets. Five forms are required and the other four are optional. Let’s take a look at what these forms are for:\n\n### ![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Forms for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\n- **Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relatives** \\[Maria to fill out\\] No, this isn’t about your aunt Barb who claims to be an extraterrestrial ![👽](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f47d.svg). Maria needs to fill out this form to confirm she is a U.S. citizen and Arnold is her husband. It asks for information about both Maria and Arnold.\n- **Form I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary** \\[Arnold to fill out\\] Enter Arnold’s information for a second time. Only this time it’s Arnold’s turn to fill it out.\n- **Form G-1145 – e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)** \\[Maria to fill out\\] Ever dreamed of getting a ping from USCIS on the phone? ![💌](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f48c.svg) Fill in this form to request an electronic notification when USCIS accepts the immigrant petition.\n### ![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Forms for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\n- **Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status** \\[Arnold to fill out\\] Arnold, please stretch your fingers. ![🖐](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f590.svg) You are about to enter your information for a third time here. And don’t forget the 66 check boxes at the end for questions such as “Does Arnold intend to sabotage the United States?”.\n- **Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA** \\[Maria to fill out\\] Affi what? Who is David?![🧜](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f9dc.svg)‍Well, it’s actually a form to show Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. The simplest way to do so is if Maria can demonstrate that her income is at least 125 percent of the current [Federal Poverty Guidelines](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-864p) for Maria’s household size (only 100 percent of the Guidelines if Maria is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard). If this is not the case, the form instruction outlines other ways for Arnold and other relatives to chip in. Yeah… this form is definitely the most confusing one. So make sure to spend some time understanding the form instructions.![🤷](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f937.svg)‍\n- **Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)** \\[Arnold to fill out\\] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to work in the U.S.while his application is pending. (Arnold wants to continue his employment with Skyweb ![😎](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f60e.svg), so he fills out the form.)\n- **Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional)** \\[Arnold to fill out\\] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to travel outside of the U.S. while his application is pending. (Arnold needs to fly to Maluku to terminate a tasselled wobbegong ![🐡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f421.svg), so he fills out the form.)\n- **G-1145 – e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)** \\[Arnold to fill out\\] Fill in this form to request an electronic notification when USCIS accepts the adjustment of status.\n- **Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency** \\[Arnold to fill out\\]  \n   This is a new form added due to the new USCIS Public Charge rule. Arnold needs to fill out detailed information regarding his income, tax returns, family members, credit score, assets, debts & liabilities, health insurance, and education. Oh well, guess he’s got no other choice but to tell USCIS everything… ![😭](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f62d.svg) \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\\]\n### How to make sure I filled out the forms correctly?\nEach USCIS form comes with an instruction \\[1\\] \\[2\\] \\[4\\] \\[5\\] \\[6\\] \\[7\\]. Make sure you carefully review the instructions. I know, I know – those instructions are written in Austrian Martian. Even the killer robot from the future cannot survive the grandeur of 132 pages of full-length legal verbiage without dropping cold onto the floor.\n\n![green-card-instructions](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/drop-dead-app-guide-320x247.png)\n\nIf you are like Arnold, you may dream about doing your application the TurboTax style: fill out a simple questionnaire with step-by-step instructions, and boom!, your forms are completed for you.\n\nGood news – here at [GreenCardHero](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/), we have created a useful Green Card application software which does exactly that for you: ![😃](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f603.svg)\n\n# Get Your Marriage Green Card. Fast. Easy. Affordable.\nComplete your entire application with easy step-by-step instructions. From filling out forms, collecting supporting documents, to submission and receiving green card. Start your application today\\!\n\n![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/assets\/review-profile\/five-stars1.png)5\\.0 on ![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/assets\/review-profile\/google-logo-full.png)\n\nTrusted by over 2,500 applicants\n\n[Start for Free](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/)\n\n“This software has helped me save thousands of dollars from hiring lawyers. The instructions are super clear, easy to follow and it’s affordable.”  \n — Brandon T\n## 4\\. Document Checklist\nUSCIS requires many supporting documents and the list varies from person to person. The number of documents needed ranges between 13 and 47 (or more). In this section, we will first briefly describe the various document categories. Then, we have prepared a detailed interactive checklist to help you fully understand all the required documents. Let’s get started\\!\n\n### ![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Documents for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\n- **Arnold’s and Maria’s passport-style photos**  \n   Passport-style photos of both Arnold ![🦊](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f98a.svg) (2 copies) and Maria ![🐰](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f430.svg)(2 copies), taken within 30 days of filing the application\n- **Proof of Maria’s U.S. citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence Status**  \n   e.g. U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, U.S birth certificate, U.S. Permanent Resident Card ![🔖](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f516.svg)\n- **Marriage papers**  \n   Current marriage certificate and prior marriage termination documents ![📑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4d1.svg)\n- **Evidence of Arnold and Maria’s joint activities**  \n   Documents that prove the marriage is real. ![💑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f491.svg) For example, joint ownership of property, joint apartment lease, birth certificates of children you had together, photo collection.\\[1\\]\n### ![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Documents for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\n- **Arnold’s passport-style photos**  \n   Passport-style photos of Arnold ![🦊](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f98a.svg) (2 – 6 copies depending on the case), taken within 30 days of filing the application. Did you notice USCIS really loves immigrants’ photos?\n- **Arnold’s birth certificate**  \n   Arnold’s birth certificate ![🐣](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f423.svg)\n- **Proof of Arnold’s immigration status**  \n   Evidence of continuously maintaining a lawful status since arrival in the U.S. ![🤟](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f91f.svg)\n- **Arnold’s proof of financial support**  \n   E.g. (If Maria is Arnold’s financial sponsor in Form I-864) Maria’s pay stubs, Maria’s tax returns, Maria’s letter from employer![🤑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f911.svg)\n- **Arnold’s proof of self-sufficiency**  \n   This section is a new type of black hole generated by the new Form I-944. This hole’s unprecedented vast range extends to proof of family relationship in the south, high school language course grades in the north, real estate appraisal in the east, and health insurance policy in the west. There are no documents that USCIS cannot ask for – the only limit is your imagination. \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\\]\n- **Arnold’s medical examination result**  \n   Form I-693 – Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record . This form will be filled out by the doctor who provides you with the exam. At the end of the exam, the doctor will hand you the filled out Form I-693 in a sealed envelop. Do not open the envelope and mail it together with the rest of Application Part 2 to USCIS.) ![⚕](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/2695.svg)\n- **U.S. Citizen’s Spouse Does not Need This Form I-130 Receipt or Approval Notice (called Form I-797)**  \n   Around 2 weeks after Maria filed Form I-130 in Application Part One, Maria should have received a Form I-130 receipt notice from USCIS.\n### ![📄](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4c4.svg) GreenCardHero’s comprehensive list of application documents – Click on each document category to see all the documents you need:\n**The sponsor is a:**\n\nU.S. Citizen  \n  Green Card Holder\n\n(If the checklist below displays blank, click [here](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/document-checklist-innards-citizenInUS\/) to see.)\n\n(If the checklist below displays blank, click [here](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/document-checklist-innards-lprInUS\/) to see.)\n\n## 5\\. USCIS Filing Fees\nIf file before April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of \\$1,760 for filing fees, paid in two separate checks\/ money orders. Make each check\/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.\n\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of \\$2,115 – \\$3,005 for filing fees, paid in 2 – 4 separate checks\/ money orders. Make each check\/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.\n\n### ![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Filing Fee for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\n```\nOne check\/ money order\n$535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024)\nForm I-130\n```\n### ![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Filing Fee for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\n```\nFirst check\/ money order\nIf file before April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 ($1,140) + Biometric services fee ($85), paid a total of $1,225 using one check\/money order\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 $1,440\n\nSecond check\/ money order\nIf file before April 1, 2024: Not needed\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-765 $260\n\nThird check\/ money order\nIf file before April 1, 2024: Not needed\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-131 $630\n```\n### **Is the complexity level of your case suitable for DIY?**\nImmigration history, income, marriage time and criminal records are all factors.  \n Take our eligibility quiz to find out in 40 seconds:\n\n[Start The Quiz](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/green-card-do-it-yourself-quiz.html#quiz-section-anchor)\n## 6\\. Assemble and File the Application\nWe are all done with the hard part! Now let’s stuff this delicious paperwork feast in a hungry envelope! ![📩](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4e9.svg)\n\nU.S. Citizen’s Spouse\n\n### Submit in One Envelope, but as Two Packets\nThe immigrant petition and the adjustment of status can be submitted together in the same envelope. This is called “concurrent filing” and is a special privilege given to U.S. citizens’ immediate relatives (including the spouse) who are already living in the U.S. \\[8\\]. Most other Green Card applicants have to patiently wait until the immigrant petition is approved by USCIS before submitting the adjustment of status. So lucky you\\!\n\nEven though these two parts are submitted together, USCIS processes them separately \\[8\\]. Therefore, to avoid grumpy USCIS agents, kindly organize the paperwork into two separate application packets.\n\n![uscis-agent](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/grumpy-agent-app-guide-1-320x372.png)\n\n### Cover Each Packet with A Cover Letter\nTime to organize, kids! USCIS recommends creating a cover letter for each application packet and placing the cover letter on top of the packet. A cover letter is essentially a table of contents of all the forms and documents contained within the packet. The cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps USCIS agents during their review.\n\nIf you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your application packet, making your submission fast and easy.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/thank-gch-app-guide-2-300x184.png)\n\n### Stack and Stuff\nNow stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop\/package. Your application is now ready to send\\!\n\n### Where to Send\nFinally, it’s time to mail the application package! ![📩](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4e9.svg) Mail the envelope to USCIS at the address below \\[10\\] \\[11\\].\n\nIf you mail through U.S. Postal Service (USPS), depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following:\n```\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS\nP.O. Box 805887\nChicago, IL 60680\n\nOR\n\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS\nP.O. Box 20500\nPhoenix, AZ 85036-0500\n```\nIf you mail through FedEx, UPS, and DHL, depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following:\n```\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS (Box 805887)\n131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor\nChicago, IL 60603-5517\n\nOR\n\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS (Box 20500)\n1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S\nSuite 100\nPhoenix, AZ 85034-4850\n```\n\nGreen Card Holder’s Spouse\n\nNow we’ve got a lot of finished paperwork lying around, how do we organize and submit it? It’s time to learn the subtle art of stuffing hungry envelops. ![📩](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4e9.svg) The process is the same for both Application Part One and Part Two.\n\n### Organize Using a Cover Letter\nPer the USCIS recommendation, we will create a cover letter and place it on top of the application packet.\\[6\\] A cover letter is essentially a table of contents for all the forms and documents contained in an application. A cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps you avoid grumpy USCIS agents during processing.\n\nIf you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your submission, making assembling the application fast and easy.\n\n### Stack and Stuff\nNow stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop\/package. Your application is now ready to send\\!\n\n### Mail It\\!\nFinally, it’s time to mail the application package! ![📩](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4e9.svg) The mailing address for Submission 1 and Submission 2 are different. Make sure you use the correct address for each submission.\n\n- Application Part One (Immigrant Petition): follow the [USCIS Form I-130 filing address](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-130-addresses)\n- Application Part Two (Adjustment of Status): follow the [USCIS Form I-485 filing address](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-485-addresses)\n\n![green-card-signature](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/signature-app-guide-320x321.png)\n\nDon’t forget to sign\\!\n### How to Catch Mistakes before Filing\n- First, take a deep breath. Hundreds of thousands of couples just like you apply for their Green Cards every year, and the vast majority get approved. The odds are on your side\\!\n- Review each application form, document and cover letter.\n- If you’re iffy about any particular section, try re-reading the form’s instructions for that section.\n- If you to check more closely, consider hiring an immigration lawyer to review your completed application. An application review is affordable, usually costs around \\$500. In contrast, hiring a lawyer to do the whole application for you can cost \\$4,000 and up.\n## **7\\. Application Timeline**\nYay, you filed! The hardest part is officially behind us! Now we move on to the second – and final – step of the process: “Game of Groans”. The groans are caused by prolonged waiting: once in a while, your application reaches a milestone and you receive a USCIS communication, and then you wait some more, until you get a notice for an interview. Eventually, you will receive that gorgeous Green Card in the mail.\n\nThis timeline explains what happens after filing the Green Card application:\n\nAround 2-3 Weeks after Filing\n\n**USCIS Receipt Notices Arrive**\n\nFor each form you submit in the application, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do).\n\nAround 3-5 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19)\n\n**Biometrics Appointment Notice Arrives for the Applicant**\n\nThe biometrics services appointment is a quick, low stress procedure where the USCIS takes the applicant’s fingerprints, photograph, and\/or signature. This helps USCIS confirm the applicant’s identity and run required background and security checks.[4](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#easy-footnote-bottom-4-1224)\n\nThe appointment will be at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The applicant’s appointment notice will include the date, time and location for the appointment.[5](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#easy-footnote-bottom-5-1224)\n\n# Download GreenCardHero to see the complete application timeline\n[Download Now](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/)\n\nAround 4-6 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19)\n\n## The Applicant Goes to the Biometrics Appointment\nAttend the scheduled biometrics services appointment. You can learn more about what it’s like [on the USCIS website](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment).\n## 8\\. Track Case Status and Processing Time\n[USCIS Case Status Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do) is the official tool for checking your case status. Enter all the case numbers printed on the receipt notices you received, then the tool will display the processing status of each form in your particular case.\n\nYou may also use the official [USCIS Case Processing Times Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/processing-times\/) to see the current processing time of each form, so that you can anticipate when your case status will change. The processing time has been steadily increasing since Trump became president in 2017, and it varies significantly depending on where you live. The tool shows the processing time range for each form type at different USCIS office locations.\n\n### How to Preserve Sanity During the Wait\n![green-card-processing-time](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/long-wait-app-guide-300x167.png)\n\nBased on my personal experience, the long wait can get very frustrating – feeling suspended in uncertainty is not fun. Unfortunately, none of us can speed up processing speed (except President Biden perhaps?).\n\nI found it helpful to join an online immigration forum and feel like part of a community that is going through this together. I also found it helpful to keep myself engaged with other activities in life, so I wouldn’t think about “the G” (“g” from Green Card) that much.\n\nUltimately, the time will come when a fateful USPS letter arrives in your mailbox. You pick it up and feel a thin and sturdy object inside, perfectly rectangular with slight rounded edges. You carefully open the envelope, and there it is – a Green Card, shrouded in an ornate tapestry and soft hues; through a fine layer of misty Atlantic fog, the statue of liberty greets you with a gorgeous smile. This journey has made you older and wiser, and congratulations, you’ve now got the key to America\\!\n\n![receive-green-card](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/the-end-app-guide-1024x610.png)\n\n# Join 27 Couples Who Applied Today\n[Apply Today](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/step1-screenshot-lo-rez-ffmpeg-70-percent.gif)\n### Related Posts\n[Birth Certificates for Green Card Application: The Ultimate Guide](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/birth-certificate-green-card\/)\n\n[Form I-131 - Advance Parole Travel Document: The Missing Manual](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/i-131-advance-parole-travel-document\/)\n\n[Form I-765 - Employment Authorization Document (EAD): The Missing Manual](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/i-765-employment-authorization-document-ead\/)\n\n[Form I-864 - Affidavit of Support: The Missing Manual](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/i-864-affidavit-of-support\/)\n\n[Inside Marriage Green Card Interview (What It's Really like)](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-interview\/)\n\n### About GreenCardHero\n![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cced077032cef7c5c513ba4fed670edf3f21a0f61a6430c273f9ba9e6e621f7a?s=90&d=mm&r=g)We are a community of former applicants who successfully went through the hair-pulling, eyeball-popping green card application process ourselves. We believe every couple should have access to quality guidance and file their application with confidence, without costing an arm and a leg in the process. That’s why we created the apps, tools, and guides at GreenCardHero. If you share our vision and want to contribute to the community, drop us a line\\!\n\n[View our resource list](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/) \\| [Try our software](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/)\n\n1. https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/legal\/visa-law0\/visa-bulletin\/2019\/visa-bulletin-for-january-2019.html\n2. https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/visabulletininfo\n3. https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/greencard\/visa-availability-priority-dates\n4. https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment\n5. https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment\n\nCategories [Green Card Application Guides](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/category\/guide\/)\n\nPost navigation\n\n[Apply for Marriage Green Card Outside the U.S: Complete Guide](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/apply-for-marriage-green-card-outside-usa\/)\n\n[婚姻绿卡申请：超详尽全程攻略](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide-chinese\/)\n\nWe are not a law firm and are not affiliated with or endorsed by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any other government agency. The services and information provided are not legal advice and do not substitute the same level of advice, opinion, guidance or recommendation that a licensed immigration attorney can provide, and do not form an attorney-client relationship. We can only provide self-help services at your specific direction and do not have special knowledge of immigration law and procedure.\n\n[Website Terms of Use](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/website-terms-of-use.html) \/ [Desktop License Agreement](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/GreenCardHero-Spouse-Edition-EULA.html) \/ [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/privacy-policy.html)\n\nCopyright 2021. All rights reserved.\n\n© 2026 GreenCardHero • Built with [GeneratePress](https:\/\/generatepress.com\/)\n\nhttps:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/legal\/visa-law0\/visa-bulletin\/2019\/visa-bulletin-for-january-2019.html\n\nhttps:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/visabulletininfo\n\nhttps:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/greencard\/visa-availability-priority-dates\n\nhttps:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment\n\nhttps:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment","attrs_readable_markdown":"Congratulations on your marriage! This guide is for people who want to get a marriage green card for their wife or husband. We will explain everything you need to successfully complete the application process. For most couples, the application is straightforward and does not need a lawyer. Instead, save that \\$4,000 lawyer’s fee for your lovely honeymoon on the beach. Did you know this cool guide makes a satisfying beach read? ![🌴](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f334.svg)\n\n## 1\\. Marriage Green Card Process Overview\n**Note:** This guide is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or of a green card holder. In addition, the applicant should be inside the U.S. when applying (If you will apply from outside the U.S, use our [other in-depth guide](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/apply-for-marriage-green-card-outside-usa\/) instead.)\n\nIf you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and you currently live in the U.S, you and your spouse will need to file a Petition for Alien Relative and an Adjustment of Status through marriage\\[1\\] \\[2\\] (Don’t run, you will become an expert in this in the next five minutes).\n\n**Total government filing fee:** \\$1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \\$2,115 – \\$3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024).\n\n[**Total processing time:**](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/tools\/timeline.html) For a U.S. citizen’s spouse: 10-14 months；For a green card holder’s spouse: Around 4 years (The wait time has been fluctuating due to the recent visa bulletin F2A final action date retrogression. It may improve over time to 2-3 years.)\n\nThe application process can be broken into two steps:\n\n### Step 1: The Paper Party – Submit Forms and Documents to USCIS\nWe kick off the party with forms and documents\\!\n\nThe process is slightly different for spouses of U.S. citizens versus spouses of green card holders. So we will explain them separately:\n\nU.S. Citizen’s Spouse\n\n**The application will require the following forms:**\n\n- Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relatives\n- Form I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary\n- Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status\n- Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA\n- Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)\n- Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional)\n- G-1145 – e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)\n- Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.\\]\n\nForms will be explained in details in the [forms section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#forms-inside-usa) of this guide.\n```\nDecember 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application.\n```\n**You also will need to submit the following supporting documents alongside the forms:**\n\n- Passport-style photos of both spouses\n- Proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship (e.g. U.S. passport, naturalization certificate)\n- Proof of the applicant’s immigration status\n- Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages\n- Evidence of joint activities\n- The applicant’s proof of financial support\n- The applicant’s medical examination result\n- The applicant’s birth certificate\n- The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\\]\n\nDocuments will be explained in details in the [documents section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#documents-inside-usa) of this guide.\n\nUSCIS charges an application fee of \\$1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \\$2,115 – \\$3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024). \\[1\\] \\[2\\] (more details in the [fees section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#fees-inside-usa)).\n\nSubmit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \\[1\\] \\[2\\].\n\nGreen Card Holder’s Spouse\n\nCome meet our new friends: 9 government forms in total, 5 are required and 4 are optional. You’ll need to submit them in two parts, with a waiting period between Part One and Part Two.\n\n**Application Part One** (Officially Called Petition for Alien Relative)\n\nForms to submit:\n\n- **Form I-130** – Petition for Alien Relatives\n- **Form I-130A** – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary\n- **G-1145 –** e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)\n\nForms will be explained in details in the [forms section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#forms-inside-usa) of this guide.\n\nSupporting documents:\n\n- Passport-style photos of both spouses\n- Proof that the sponsor is a U.S. permanent resident (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card)\n- Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages\n- Evidence of joint activities\n\nUSCIS filing fee: \\$535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \\$675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024) \\[1\\]\n\nSubmit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \\[1\\].\n\nIt will take about 12-15 months for USCIS to approve Application Part One. Then, you’ll likely have to wait for another 2 weeks for a Green Card to become available. After that, you can finally submit Application Part Two. (More on the waiting time later.)\n\n**Application Part Two** (Officially Called Adjustment of Status)\n\nForms to submit:\n\n- **Form I-485** – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status\n- **Form I-864** – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA\n- **Form I-765** – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)\n- **Form I-131** – Application for Travel Document (optional)\n- **G-1145 –** e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)\n- **Form I-944** – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.\\]\n```\nDecember 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application.\n```\nSupporting documents:\n\n- Passport-style photos of the applicant\n- Proof of the applicant’s immigration status\n- The applicant’s proof of financial support\n- The applicant’s medical examination result\n- The applicant’s birth certificate\n- The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\\]\n\nUSCIS filing fee: \\$1,225 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \\$1,440 – \\$2,330 (if file on or after April 1, 2024)\\[2\\]\n\nSubmit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \\[2\\]. This concludes Step 1 and we now move into Step 2.\n\nLater in this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know (and some more) about [forms](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#forms-inside-usa), [documents,](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#documents-inside-usa) [fees](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#fees-inside-usa) and [mailing it out](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#mail-inside-usa).\n### Step 2: The Waiting Game – Wait until the Interview and the Green Card Approval\nNo more paperwork at this point! Now it’s mostly waiting around until you receive a Green Card interview notice around 10-14 months later \\[3\\]. The interview will take place at a USCIS office near you, and both spouses need to attend in-person. (More on the interview later.) If everything goes well, you will receive your Green Card approval at the end of the interview, and within another month, your Green Card will arrive in the mail\\!\n\nThe [timeline section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#timeline-inside-usa) will explain the waiting process in detail.\n\n### How to complete your green card application in 7 days?\nGet our exclusive 7-Day Action Plan:\n## 2\\. Make Sense of the Process\nWhy all these forms and documents? In this section, we explain the Green Card application logic that routinely confuses the world’s smartest rocket scientist. Once you understand the logic behind it, this process will make a lot more sense.\n\nTo begin, let’s meet Arnold and Maria:\n\n![arnold](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/arnold-profile-150x150.png)\n\n**Applicant:** Arnold is 28 years old and hails from the snowy mountains of Austria. Arnold is not a U.S. citizen and is applying to receive a Green Card.\n\n![maria-profile](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/maria-profile2-300x300.png)\n\n**Sponsor** (also known as a petitioner): Maria is 27 years old and is a native to the sunny Southern California. She is married to Arnold and is a U.S. citizen or green card holder.\n\nAfter getting married, Arnold and Maria started researching how to apply for a marriage Green Card for Arnold.\n\nU.S. Citizen’s Spouse\n\nFor couples like Arnold and Maria, the application paperwork contains two parts:\n\n**![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Application Part One: Establish Arnold’s Eligibility for a Green Card** (Officially Called “Petition for Alien Relative”. We will call it “immigrant petition” in this guide.)\n\nSince Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete Application Part One (immigrant petition) to demonstrate \\[1\\]:\n\n- Maria is a real person.\n- Maria is a U.S. citizen.\n- Arnold is her husband.\n- Their marriage is real.\n\nThis step is mostly for Maria to complete.\n\n**![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Application Part Two: Apply for Arnold’s Green Card** (Officially Called “Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident”. We will call it “adjustment of status” in this guide.)\n\nAfter the immigrant petition has established Arnold’s Green Card eligibility, now Arnold can apply for it. Application Part Two (adjustment of status) collects information that demonstrates \\[2\\]:\n\n- Arnold is a real person.\n- Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card.\n- Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance.\n- Arnold is in good health.\n- Arnold has no criminal history.\n\nThis step is mostly for Arnold to complete.\n\nUSCIS processes the forms and documents for the immigrant petition (Application Part One) independently from those for the adjustment of status (Application Part Two) \\[1\\] \\[2\\], so we need to separate the paperwork of each part when we submit the application (more on that in the [submit section](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#mail-inside-usa) of this guide). In the next section, we will explain all the forms, documents and filing fees you need.\n\nGreen Card Holder’s Spouse\n\n**For couples like Arnold and Maria, here is the application paperwork timeline:**\n\n## ![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\nPart One’s purpose is to establish Arnold’s eligibility for a Green Card. Since Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete the Application Part One to demonstrate \\[1\\]:\n\n- Maria is a real person.\n- Maria is a U.S. permanent resident.\n- Arnold is her husband.\n- Their marriage is real.\n\nThis part is mostly for Maria to Complete.\n\nAround 2 Weeks Later\n\n**USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797) Arrives**\n\nThe receipt notice confirms that USCIS has received your Application Part One. It contains a case number, which you can use to track your Part One case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do). It also contains a date labeled “Priority Date”. You will use this date later to determine when to submit Application Part Two.\n\nWaiting period until a visa number becomes available\n\n**Good news — in August 2023, [there is no wait time](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/green-card\/green-card-processes-and-procedures\/visa-availability-priority-dates\/when-to-file-your-adjustment-of-status-application-for-family-sponsored-or-employment-based-91)! So you can move onto submitting the adjustment of status application immediately after receiving I-130 Receipt Notice. This zero wait time will last until the end of August. Starting September 2023, Submission 1 and Submission 2 need to be submitted separately in sequence. ![⏰](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/23f0.svg)**\n\n## ![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\nPart Two’s purpose is to apply for Arnold’s Green Card. After USCIS approves Part One, Arnold has successfully established his Green Card eligibility; now he can apply for it. The Application Part Two collects information that demonstrates \\[2\\]:\n\n- Arnold is a real person.\n- Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card.\n- Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance.\n- Arnold is in good health.\n- Arnold has good moral characters.\n\nThis part is mostly for Arnold to Complete.\n\nAround 2-3 Weeks after Filing Part Two\n\n**USCIS Receipt Notices (Form I-797) Arrive**\n\nFor each form you submit in Application Part Two, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your Part Two case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do).\n\nFor the Next 8-10 Months after receiving USCIS Notice of Approval\n\n**Mostly Waiting until Receiving Green Card Interview Notice**\n\nThis is where Step 2 – the Waiting Game begins. We will explain what happens during this time in [the timeline after filing](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#timeline-inside-usa) section later.\n### Why the wait before submitting Part Two?\nThe answer: Arnold cannot apply for a Green Card, until a Green Card becomes available for him to apply to.\n\nThis may sound very strange, until you learn this fact: the U.S. government only gives out a fixed number of Green Cards each year, no matter how many people are eligible for it. So when there are more eligible people than there are Green Cards, some people have to wait until a new batch of Green Cards become available. [1](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#easy-footnote-bottom-1-1224)\n\n### When can I submit Application Part Two?\nYou can find out by checking the [USCIS Visa Bulletin information page](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/visabulletininfo), which updates once a month. Click on the link to the current month, and in the chart find category “F2A”.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/uscis-visa-bulletin.png)\n\nIf the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date (explained below) is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file Application Part Two. Otherwise, you will need to continue waiting and check the bulletin page again next month. [2](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#easy-footnote-bottom-2-1224)\n```\nWhat's Priority Date?\n\nYou can find your Priority Date on the Form I-130 Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you received earlier. The date is under a column labeled \"Priority Date\". 3\n```\n## 3\\. USCIS Application Forms\nThere are 9 forms in total, to be submitted in two separate packets. Five forms are required and the other four are optional. Let’s take a look at what these forms are for:\n\n### ![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Forms for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\n### ![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Forms for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\n- **Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status** \\[Arnold to fill out\\] Arnold, please stretch your fingers. ![🖐](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f590.svg) You are about to enter your information for a third time here. And don’t forget the 66 check boxes at the end for questions such as “Does Arnold intend to sabotage the United States?”.\n- **Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA** \\[Maria to fill out\\] Affi what? Who is David?![🧜](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f9dc.svg)‍Well, it’s actually a form to show Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. The simplest way to do so is if Maria can demonstrate that her income is at least 125 percent of the current [Federal Poverty Guidelines](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-864p) for Maria’s household size (only 100 percent of the Guidelines if Maria is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard). If this is not the case, the form instruction outlines other ways for Arnold and other relatives to chip in. Yeah… this form is definitely the most confusing one. So make sure to spend some time understanding the form instructions.![🤷](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f937.svg)‍\n- **Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)** \\[Arnold to fill out\\] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to work in the U.S.while his application is pending. (Arnold wants to continue his employment with Skyweb ![😎](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f60e.svg), so he fills out the form.)\n- **Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional)** \\[Arnold to fill out\\] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to travel outside of the U.S. while his application is pending. (Arnold needs to fly to Maluku to terminate a tasselled wobbegong ![🐡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f421.svg), so he fills out the form.)\n- **G-1145 – e-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance (optional)** \\[Arnold to fill out\\] Fill in this form to request an electronic notification when USCIS accepts the adjustment of status.\n- **Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency** \\[Arnold to fill out\\]  \n   This is a new form added due to the new USCIS Public Charge rule. Arnold needs to fill out detailed information regarding his income, tax returns, family members, credit score, assets, debts & liabilities, health insurance, and education. Oh well, guess he’s got no other choice but to tell USCIS everything… ![😭](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f62d.svg) \\[![💡](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\\]\n### How to make sure I filled out the forms correctly?\nEach USCIS form comes with an instruction \\[1\\] \\[2\\] \\[4\\] \\[5\\] \\[6\\] \\[7\\]. Make sure you carefully review the instructions. I know, I know – those instructions are written in Austrian Martian. Even the killer robot from the future cannot survive the grandeur of 132 pages of full-length legal verbiage without dropping cold onto the floor.\n\n![green-card-instructions](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/drop-dead-app-guide-320x247.png)\n\nIf you are like Arnold, you may dream about doing your application the TurboTax style: fill out a simple questionnaire with step-by-step instructions, and boom!, your forms are completed for you.\n\nGood news – here at [GreenCardHero](https:\/\/greencardhero.com\/), we have created a useful Green Card application software which does exactly that for you: ![😃](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f603.svg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/assets\/review-profile\/five-stars1.png)5\\.0 on ![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/assets\/review-profile\/google-logo-full.png)\n\nTrusted by over 2,500 applicants\n\n“This software has helped me save thousands of dollars from hiring lawyers. The instructions are super clear, easy to follow and it’s affordable.”  \n — Brandon T\n## 4\\. Document Checklist\nUSCIS requires many supporting documents and the list varies from person to person. The number of documents needed ranges between 13 and 47 (or more). In this section, we will first briefly describe the various document categories. Then, we have prepared a detailed interactive checklist to help you fully understand all the required documents. Let’s get started\\!\n\n### ![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Documents for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\n### ![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Documents for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\n### ![📄](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4c4.svg) GreenCardHero’s comprehensive list of application documents – Click on each document category to see all the documents you need:\n**The sponsor is a:**\n\nU.S. Citizen  \n  Green Card Holder\n\n(If the checklist below displays blank, click [here](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/document-checklist-innards-citizenInUS\/) to see.)\n\n## 5\\. USCIS Filing Fees\nIf file before April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of \\$1,760 for filing fees, paid in two separate checks\/ money orders. Make each check\/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.\n\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of \\$2,115 – \\$3,005 for filing fees, paid in 2 – 4 separate checks\/ money orders. Make each check\/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.\n\n### ![🔑](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f511.svg) Filing Fee for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition\n```\nOne check\/ money order\n$535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024)\nForm I-130\n```\n### ![🌱](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg) Filing Fee for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status\n```\nFirst check\/ money order\nIf file before April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 ($1,140) + Biometric services fee ($85), paid a total of $1,225 using one check\/money order\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 $1,440\n\nSecond check\/ money order\nIf file before April 1, 2024: Not needed\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-765 $260\n\nThird check\/ money order\nIf file before April 1, 2024: Not needed\nIf file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-131 $630\n```\n### **Is the complexity level of your case suitable for DIY?**\nImmigration history, income, marriage time and criminal records are all factors.  \n Take our eligibility quiz to find out in 40 seconds:\n## 6\\. Assemble and File the Application\nWe are all done with the hard part! Now let’s stuff this delicious paperwork feast in a hungry envelope! ![📩](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4e9.svg)\n\nU.S. Citizen’s Spouse\n\n### Submit in One Envelope, but as Two Packets\nThe immigrant petition and the adjustment of status can be submitted together in the same envelope. This is called “concurrent filing” and is a special privilege given to U.S. citizens’ immediate relatives (including the spouse) who are already living in the U.S. \\[8\\]. Most other Green Card applicants have to patiently wait until the immigrant petition is approved by USCIS before submitting the adjustment of status. So lucky you\\!\n\nEven though these two parts are submitted together, USCIS processes them separately \\[8\\]. Therefore, to avoid grumpy USCIS agents, kindly organize the paperwork into two separate application packets.\n\n![uscis-agent](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/grumpy-agent-app-guide-1-320x372.png)\n\n### Cover Each Packet with A Cover Letter\nTime to organize, kids! USCIS recommends creating a cover letter for each application packet and placing the cover letter on top of the packet. A cover letter is essentially a table of contents of all the forms and documents contained within the packet. The cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps USCIS agents during their review.\n\nIf you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your application packet, making your submission fast and easy.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/thank-gch-app-guide-2-300x184.png)\n\n### Stack and Stuff\nNow stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop\/package. Your application is now ready to send\\!\n\n### Where to Send\nFinally, it’s time to mail the application package! ![📩](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4e9.svg) Mail the envelope to USCIS at the address below \\[10\\] \\[11\\].\n\nIf you mail through U.S. Postal Service (USPS), depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following:\n```\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS\nP.O. Box 805887\nChicago, IL 60680\n\nOR\n\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS\nP.O. Box 20500\nPhoenix, AZ 85036-0500\n```\nIf you mail through FedEx, UPS, and DHL, depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following:\n```\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS (Box 805887)\n131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor\nChicago, IL 60603-5517\n\nOR\n\nUSCIS\nAttn: AOS (Box 20500)\n1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S\nSuite 100\nPhoenix, AZ 85034-4850\n```\n\nGreen Card Holder’s Spouse\n\nNow we’ve got a lot of finished paperwork lying around, how do we organize and submit it? It’s time to learn the subtle art of stuffing hungry envelops. ![📩](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4e9.svg) The process is the same for both Application Part One and Part Two.\n\n### Organize Using a Cover Letter\nPer the USCIS recommendation, we will create a cover letter and place it on top of the application packet.\\[6\\] A cover letter is essentially a table of contents for all the forms and documents contained in an application. A cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps you avoid grumpy USCIS agents during processing.\n\nIf you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your submission, making assembling the application fast and easy.\n\n### Stack and Stuff\nNow stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop\/package. Your application is now ready to send\\!\n\n### Mail It\\!\nFinally, it’s time to mail the application package! ![📩](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4e9.svg) The mailing address for Submission 1 and Submission 2 are different. Make sure you use the correct address for each submission.\n\n- Application Part One (Immigrant Petition): follow the [USCIS Form I-130 filing address](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-130-addresses)\n- Application Part Two (Adjustment of Status): follow the [USCIS Form I-485 filing address](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-485-addresses)\n\n![green-card-signature](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/signature-app-guide-320x321.png)\n\nDon’t forget to sign\\!\n### How to Catch Mistakes before Filing\n- First, take a deep breath. Hundreds of thousands of couples just like you apply for their Green Cards every year, and the vast majority get approved. The odds are on your side\\!\n- Review each application form, document and cover letter.\n- If you’re iffy about any particular section, try re-reading the form’s instructions for that section.\n- If you to check more closely, consider hiring an immigration lawyer to review your completed application. An application review is affordable, usually costs around \\$500. In contrast, hiring a lawyer to do the whole application for you can cost \\$4,000 and up.\n## **7\\. Application Timeline**\nYay, you filed! The hardest part is officially behind us! Now we move on to the second – and final – step of the process: “Game of Groans”. The groans are caused by prolonged waiting: once in a while, your application reaches a milestone and you receive a USCIS communication, and then you wait some more, until you get a notice for an interview. Eventually, you will receive that gorgeous Green Card in the mail.\n\nThis timeline explains what happens after filing the Green Card application:\n\nAround 2-3 Weeks after Filing\n\n**USCIS Receipt Notices Arrive**\n\nFor each form you submit in the application, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do).\n\nAround 3-5 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19)\n\n**Biometrics Appointment Notice Arrives for the Applicant**\n\nThe biometrics services appointment is a quick, low stress procedure where the USCIS takes the applicant’s fingerprints, photograph, and\/or signature. This helps USCIS confirm the applicant’s identity and run required background and security checks.[4](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#easy-footnote-bottom-4-1224)\n\nThe appointment will be at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The applicant’s appointment notice will include the date, time and location for the appointment.[5](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/marriage-green-card-guide\/#easy-footnote-bottom-5-1224)\n\n## Download GreenCardHero to see the complete application timeline\n[Download Now](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/)\n\nAround 4-6 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19)\n\n## The Applicant Goes to the Biometrics Appointment\nAttend the scheduled biometrics services appointment. You can learn more about what it’s like [on the USCIS website](https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment).\n## 8\\. Track Case Status and Processing Time\n[USCIS Case Status Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do) is the official tool for checking your case status. Enter all the case numbers printed on the receipt notices you received, then the tool will display the processing status of each form in your particular case.\n\nYou may also use the official [USCIS Case Processing Times Checker](https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/processing-times\/) to see the current processing time of each form, so that you can anticipate when your case status will change. The processing time has been steadily increasing since Trump became president in 2017, and it varies significantly depending on where you live. The tool shows the processing time range for each form type at different USCIS office locations.\n\n### How to Preserve Sanity During the Wait\n![green-card-processing-time](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/long-wait-app-guide-300x167.png)\n\nBased on my personal experience, the long wait can get very frustrating – feeling suspended in uncertainty is not fun. Unfortunately, none of us can speed up processing speed (except President Biden perhaps?).\n\nI found it helpful to join an online immigration forum and feel like part of a community that is going through this together. I also found it helpful to keep myself engaged with other activities in life, so I wouldn’t think about “the G” (“g” from Green Card) that much.\n\nUltimately, the time will come when a fateful USPS letter arrives in your mailbox. You pick it up and feel a thin and sturdy object inside, perfectly rectangular with slight rounded edges. You carefully open the envelope, and there it is – a Green Card, shrouded in an ornate tapestry and soft hues; through a fine layer of misty Atlantic fog, the statue of liberty greets you with a gorgeous smile. This journey has made you older and wiser, and congratulations, you’ve now got the key to America\\!\n\n![receive-green-card](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/the-end-app-guide-1024x610.png)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.greencardhero.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/step1-screenshot-lo-rez-ffmpeg-70-percent.gif)\n\n### Related Posts\n1. https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/legal\/visa-law0\/visa-bulletin\/2019\/visa-bulletin-for-january-2019.html\n2. https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/visabulletininfo\n3. https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/greencard\/visa-availability-priority-dates\n4. https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment\n5. https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/forms-information\/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Law_and_Government\":913,\"\/Law_and_Government\/Legal\":898,\"\/Law_and_Government\/Legal\/Family_Law\":760,\"\/People_and_Society\":259,\"\/People_and_Society\/Family_and_Relationships\":253,\"\/People_and_Society\/Family_and_Relationships\/Marriage\":244}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":945,\"\/Article\/Tutorial_or_Guide\":870}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":911,\"Commercial\":189,\"Transactional\":107}","meta_language":"en-us","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":1563796689,"attrs_original_publish_time":1556953516,"attrs_is_republished":1,"attrs_nr_words":"5299","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"4423","body_ext_links_number":14,"body_int_links_number":28,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":1,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":520,"download_ttfb_msec":457,"download_size":44527}

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Apply for Marriage Green Card Inside the U.S: Complete Guide

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The only guide you’ll need to apply for a marriage based Green Card. Written in plain English.

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Congratulations on your marriage! This guide is for people who want to get a marriage green card for their wife or husband. We will explain everything you need to successfully complete the application process. For most couples, the application is straightforward and does not need a lawyer. Instead, save that $4,000 lawyer’s fee for your lovely honeymoon on the beach. Did you know this cool guide makes a satisfying beach read? 1. Marriage Green Card Process Overview Note: This guide is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or of a green card holder. In addition, the applicant should be inside the U.S. when applying (If you will apply from outside the U.S, use our other in-depth guide instead.) If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and you currently live in the U.S, you and your spouse will need to file a Petition for Alien Relative and an Adjustment of Status through marriage [1] [2] (Don’t run, you will become an expert in this in the next five minutes). Total government filing fee: $1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $2,115 – $3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024). Total processing time: For a U.S. citizen’s spouse: 10-14 months；For a green card holder’s spouse: Around 4 years (The wait time has been fluctuating due to the recent visa bulletin F2A final action date retrogression. It may improve over time to 2-3 years.) The application process can be broken into two steps: Step 1: The Paper Party – Submit Forms and Documents to USCIS We kick off the party with forms and documents! The process is slightly different for spouses of U.S. citizens versus spouses of green card holders. So we will explain them separately: U.S. Citizen’s Spouse The application will require the following forms: Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relatives Form I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional) Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional) G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) [ : This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.] Forms will be explained in details in the forms section of this guide. December 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application. You also will need to submit the following supporting documents alongside the forms: Passport-style photos of both spouses Proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship (e.g. U.S. passport, naturalization certificate) Proof of the applicant’s immigration status Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages Evidence of joint activities The applicant’s proof of financial support The applicant’s medical examination result The applicant’s birth certificate The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency [ : No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule] Documents will be explained in details in the documents section of this guide. USCIS charges an application fee of $1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $2,115 – $3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024). [1] [2] (more details in the fees section ). Submit your application as one package to USCIS through mail [1] [2] . Green Card Holder’s Spouse Come meet our new friends: 9 government forms in total, 5 are required and 4 are optional. You’ll need to submit them in two parts, with a waiting period between Part One and Part Two. Application Part One (Officially Called Petition for Alien Relative) Forms to submit: Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relatives Form I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) Forms will be explained in details in the forms section of this guide. Supporting documents: Passport-style photos of both spouses Proof that the sponsor is a U.S. permanent resident (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card) Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages Evidence of joint activities USCIS filing fee: $535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024) [1] Submit your application as one package to USCIS through mail [1] . It will take about 12-15 months for USCIS to approve Application Part One. Then, you’ll likely have to wait for another 2 weeks for a Green Card to become available. After that, you can finally submit Application Part Two. (More on the waiting time later.) Application Part Two (Officially Called Adjustment of Status) Forms to submit: Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional) Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional) G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) [ : This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.] December 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application. Supporting documents: Passport-style photos of the applicant Proof of the applicant’s immigration status The applicant’s proof of financial support The applicant’s medical examination result The applicant’s birth certificate The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency [ : No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule] USCIS filing fee: $1,225 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $1,440 – $2,330 (if file on or after April 1, 2024) [2] Submit your application as one package to USCIS through mail [2] . This concludes Step 1 and we now move into Step 2. Later in this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know (and some more) about forms , documents, fees and mailing it out . Step 2: The Waiting Game – Wait until the Interview and the Green Card Approval No more paperwork at this point! Now it’s mostly waiting around until you receive a Green Card interview notice around 10-14 months later [3] . The interview will take place at a USCIS office near you, and both spouses need to attend in-person. (More on the interview later.) If everything goes well, you will receive your Green Card approval at the end of the interview, and within another month, your Green Card will arrive in the mail! The timeline section will explain the waiting process in detail. How to complete your green card application in 7 days? Get our exclusive 7-Day Action Plan: 2. Make Sense of the Process Why all these forms and documents? In this section, we explain the Green Card application logic that routinely confuses the world’s smartest rocket scientist. Once you understand the logic behind it, this process will make a lot more sense. To begin, let’s meet Arnold and Maria: Applicant: Arnold is 28 years old and hails from the snowy mountains of Austria. Arnold is not a U.S. citizen and is applying to receive a Green Card. Sponsor (also known as a petitioner): Maria is 27 years old and is a native to the sunny Southern California. She is married to Arnold and is a U.S. citizen or green card holder. After getting married, Arnold and Maria started researching how to apply for a marriage Green Card for Arnold. U.S. Citizen’s Spouse For couples like Arnold and Maria, the application paperwork contains two parts: Application Part One: Establish Arnold’s Eligibility for a Green Card (Officially Called “Petition for Alien Relative”. We will call it “immigrant petition” in this guide.) Since Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete Application Part One (immigrant petition) to demonstrate [1] : Maria is a real person. Maria is a U.S. citizen. Arnold is her husband. Their marriage is real. This step is mostly for Maria to complete. Application Part Two: Apply for Arnold’s Green Card (Officially Called “Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident”. We will call it “adjustment of status” in this guide.) After the immigrant petition has established Arnold’s Green Card eligibility, now Arnold can apply for it. Application Part Two (adjustment of status) collects information that demonstrates [2] : Arnold is a real person. Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card. Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. Arnold is in good health. Arnold has no criminal history. This step is mostly for Arnold to complete. USCIS processes the forms and documents for the immigrant petition (Application Part One) independently from those for the adjustment of status (Application Part Two) [1] [2] , so we need to separate the paperwork of each part when we submit the application (more on that in the submit section of this guide). In the next section, we will explain all the forms, documents and filing fees you need. Green Card Holder’s Spouse For couples like Arnold and Maria, here is the application paperwork timeline: Application Part One: Immigrant Petition Part One’s purpose is to establish Arnold’s eligibility for a Green Card. Since Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete the Application Part One to demonstrate [1] : Maria is a real person. Maria is a U.S. permanent resident. Arnold is her husband. Their marriage is real. This part is mostly for Maria to Complete. Around 2 Weeks Later USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797) Arrives The receipt notice confirms that USCIS has received your Application Part One. It contains a case number, which you can use to track your Part One case status with the USCIS Case Status Checker . It also contains a date labeled “Priority Date”. You will use this date later to determine when to submit Application Part Two. Waiting period until a visa number becomes available Good news — in August 2023, there is no wait time ! So you can move onto submitting the adjustment of status application immediately after receiving I-130 Receipt Notice. This zero wait time will last until the end of August. Starting September 2023, Submission 1 and Submission 2 need to be submitted separately in sequence. Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status Part Two’s purpose is to apply for Arnold’s Green Card. After USCIS approves Part One, Arnold has successfully established his Green Card eligibility; now he can apply for it. The Application Part Two collects information that demonstrates [2] : Arnold is a real person. Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card. Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. Arnold is in good health. Arnold has good moral characters. This part is mostly for Arnold to Complete. Around 2-3 Weeks after Filing Part Two USCIS Receipt Notices (Form I-797) Arrive For each form you submit in Application Part Two, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your Part Two case status with the USCIS Case Status Checker . For the Next 8-10 Months after receiving USCIS Notice of Approval Mostly Waiting until Receiving Green Card Interview Notice This is where Step 2 – the Waiting Game begins. We will explain what happens during this time in the timeline after filing section later. Why the wait before submitting Part Two? The answer: Arnold cannot apply for a Green Card, until a Green Card becomes available for him to apply to. This may sound very strange, until you learn this fact: the U.S. government only gives out a fixed number of Green Cards each year, no matter how many people are eligible for it. So when there are more eligible people than there are Green Cards, some people have to wait until a new batch of Green Cards become available. 1 When can I submit Application Part Two? You can find out by checking the USCIS Visa Bulletin information page , which updates once a month. Click on the link to the current month, and in the chart find category “F2A”. If the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date (explained below) is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file Application Part Two. Otherwise, you will need to continue waiting and check the bulletin page again next month. 2 What's Priority Date? You can find your Priority Date on the Form I-130 Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you received earlier. The date is under a column labeled "Priority Date". 3 3. USCIS Application Forms There are 9 forms in total, to be submitted in two separate packets. Five forms are required and the other four are optional. Let’s take a look at what these forms are for: Forms for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition Forms for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status [Arnold to fill out] Arnold, please stretch your fingers. You are about to enter your information for a third time here. And don’t forget the 66 check boxes at the end for questions such as “Does Arnold intend to sabotage the United States?”. Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA [Maria to fill out] Affi what? Who is David? ‍Well, it’s actually a form to show Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. The simplest way to do so is if Maria can demonstrate that her income is at least 125 percent of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for Maria’s household size (only 100 percent of the Guidelines if Maria is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard). If this is not the case, the form instruction outlines other ways for Arnold and other relatives to chip in. Yeah… this form is definitely the most confusing one. So make sure to spend some time understanding the form instructions. ‍ Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional) [Arnold to fill out] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to work in the U.S.while his application is pending. (Arnold wants to continue his employment with Skyweb , so he fills out the form.) Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional) [Arnold to fill out] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to travel outside of the U.S. while his application is pending. (Arnold needs to fly to Maluku to terminate a tasselled wobbegong , so he fills out the form.) G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) [Arnold to fill out] Fill in this form to request an electronic notification when USCIS accepts the adjustment of status. Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency [Arnold to fill out] This is a new form added due to the new USCIS Public Charge rule. Arnold needs to fill out detailed information regarding his income, tax returns, family members, credit score, assets, debts & liabilities, health insurance, and education. Oh well, guess he’s got no other choice but to tell USCIS everything… [ : No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule] How to make sure I filled out the forms correctly? Each USCIS form comes with an instruction [1] [2] [4] [5] [6] [7] . Make sure you carefully review the instructions. I know, I know – those instructions are written in Austrian Martian. Even the killer robot from the future cannot survive the grandeur of 132 pages of full-length legal verbiage without dropping cold onto the floor. If you are like Arnold, you may dream about doing your application the TurboTax style: fill out a simple questionnaire with step-by-step instructions, and boom!, your forms are completed for you. Good news – here at GreenCardHero , we have created a useful Green Card application software which does exactly that for you: 5.0 on Trusted by over 2,500 applicants “This software has helped me save thousands of dollars from hiring lawyers. The instructions are super clear, easy to follow and it’s affordable .” — Brandon T 4. Document Checklist USCIS requires many supporting documents and the list varies from person to person. The number of documents needed ranges between 13 and 47 (or more). In this section, we will first briefly describe the various document categories. Then, we have prepared a detailed interactive checklist to help you fully understand all the required documents. Let’s get started! Documents for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition Documents for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status GreenCardHero’s comprehensive list of application documents – Click on each document category to see all the documents you need: The sponsor is a: U.S. Citizen Green Card Holder (If the checklist below displays blank, click here to see.) 5. USCIS Filing Fees If file before April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of $1,760 for filing fees, paid in two separate checks/ money orders. Make each check/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. If file on or after April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of $2,115 – $3,005 for filing fees, paid in 2 – 4 separate checks/ money orders. Make each check/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. Filing Fee for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition One check/ money order $535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024) Form I-130 Filing Fee for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status First check/ money order If file before April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 ($1,140) + Biometric services fee ($85), paid a total of $1,225 using one check/money order If file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 $1,440 Second check/ money order If file before April 1, 2024: Not needed If file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-765 $260 Third check/ money order If file before April 1, 2024: Not needed If file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-131 $630 Is the complexity level of your case suitable for DIY? Immigration history, income, marriage time and criminal records are all factors. Take our eligibility quiz to find out in 40 seconds: 6. Assemble and File the Application We are all done with the hard part! Now let’s stuff this delicious paperwork feast in a hungry envelope! U.S. Citizen’s Spouse Submit in One Envelope, but as Two Packets The immigrant petition and the adjustment of status can be submitted together in the same envelope. This is called “concurrent filing” and is a special privilege given to U.S. citizens’ immediate relatives (including the spouse) who are already living in the U.S. [8]. Most other Green Card applicants have to patiently wait until the immigrant petition is approved by USCIS before submitting the adjustment of status. So lucky you! Even though these two parts are submitted together, USCIS processes them separately [8] . Therefore, to avoid grumpy USCIS agents, kindly organize the paperwork into two separate application packets. Cover Each Packet with A Cover Letter Time to organize, kids! USCIS recommends creating a cover letter for each application packet and placing the cover letter on top of the packet. A cover letter is essentially a table of contents of all the forms and documents contained within the packet. The cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps USCIS agents during their review. If you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your application packet, making your submission fast and easy. Stack and Stuff Now stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop/package. Your application is now ready to send! Where to Send Finally, it’s time to mail the application package! Mail the envelope to USCIS at the address below [10] [11] . If you mail through U.S. Postal Service (USPS), depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following: USCIS Attn: AOS P.O. Box 805887 Chicago, IL 60680 OR USCIS Attn: AOS P.O. Box 20500 Phoenix, AZ 85036-0500 If you mail through FedEx, UPS, and DHL, depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following: USCIS Attn: AOS (Box 805887) 131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 OR USCIS Attn: AOS (Box 20500) 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850 Green Card Holder’s Spouse Now we’ve got a lot of finished paperwork lying around, how do we organize and submit it? It’s time to learn the subtle art of stuffing hungry envelops. The process is the same for both Application Part One and Part Two. Organize Using a Cover Letter Per the USCIS recommendation, we will create a cover letter and place it on top of the application packet. [6] A cover letter is essentially a table of contents for all the forms and documents contained in an application. A cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps you avoid grumpy USCIS agents during processing. If you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your submission, making assembling the application fast and easy. Stack and Stuff Now stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop/package. Your application is now ready to send! Mail It! Finally, it’s time to mail the application package! The mailing address for Submission 1 and Submission 2 are different. Make sure you use the correct address for each submission. Application Part One (Immigrant Petition): follow the USCIS Form I-130 filing address Application Part Two (Adjustment of Status): follow the USCIS Form I-485 filing address Don’t forget to sign! How to Catch Mistakes before Filing First, take a deep breath. Hundreds of thousands of couples just like you apply for their Green Cards every year, and the vast majority get approved. The odds are on your side! Review each application form, document and cover letter. If you’re iffy about any particular section, try re-reading the form’s instructions for that section. If you to check more closely, consider hiring an immigration lawyer to review your completed application. An application review is affordable, usually costs around $500. In contrast, hiring a lawyer to do the whole application for you can cost $4,000 and up. 7. Application Timeline Yay, you filed! The hardest part is officially behind us! Now we move on to the second – and final – step of the process: “Game of Groans”. The groans are caused by prolonged waiting: once in a while, your application reaches a milestone and you receive a USCIS communication, and then you wait some more, until you get a notice for an interview. Eventually, you will receive that gorgeous Green Card in the mail. This timeline explains what happens after filing the Green Card application: Around 2-3 Weeks after Filing USCIS Receipt Notices Arrive For each form you submit in the application, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your case status with the USCIS Case Status Checker . Around 3-5 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19) Biometrics Appointment Notice Arrives for the Applicant The biometrics services appointment is a quick, low stress procedure where the USCIS takes the applicant’s fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. This helps USCIS confirm the applicant’s identity and run required background and security checks. 4 The appointment will be at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The applicant’s appointment notice will include the date, time and location for the appointment. 5 Download GreenCardHero to see the complete application timeline Download Now Around 4-6 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19) The Applicant Goes to the Biometrics Appointment Attend the scheduled biometrics services appointment. You can learn more about what it’s like on the USCIS website . 8. Track Case Status and Processing Time USCIS Case Status Checker is the official tool for checking your case status. Enter all the case numbers printed on the receipt notices you received, then the tool will display the processing status of each form in your particular case. You may also use the official USCIS Case Processing Times Checker to see the current processing time of each form, so that you can anticipate when your case status will change. The processing time has been steadily increasing since Trump became president in 2017, and it varies significantly depending on where you live. The tool shows the processing time range for each form type at different USCIS office locations. How to Preserve Sanity During the Wait Based on my personal experience, the long wait can get very frustrating – feeling suspended in uncertainty is not fun. Unfortunately, none of us can speed up processing speed (except President Biden perhaps?). I found it helpful to join an online immigration forum and feel like part of a community that is going through this together. I also found it helpful to keep myself engaged with other activities in life, so I wouldn’t think about “the G” (“g” from Green Card) that much. Ultimately, the time will come when a fateful USPS letter arrives in your mailbox. You pick it up and feel a thin and sturdy object inside, perfectly rectangular with slight rounded edges. You carefully open the envelope, and there it is – a Green Card, shrouded in an ornate tapestry and soft hues; through a fine layer of misty Atlantic fog, the statue of liberty greets you with a gorgeous smile. This journey has made you older and wiser, and congratulations, you’ve now got the key to America! Related Posts https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2019/visa-bulletin-for-january-2019.html https://www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/visa-availability-priority-dates https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment

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[![Web Analytics](https://c.statcounter.com/11917880/0/8c1b4dcb/1/)](http://statcounter.com/ "Web Analytics") [Skip to content](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#content "Skip to content") [![](https://greencardhero.com/assets/GCH-logo.png)](https://www.greencardhero.com/) [![](https://greencardhero.com/assets/GCH-logo/gch-logo-128x128.png)](https://www.greencardhero.com/) - [How It Works](https://greencardhero.com//#features-anchor "How It Works") - [Is It for You](https://greencardhero.com/#quiz-section-anchor "Is It for You") - [Pricing](https://www.greencardhero.com/pricing.html "Pricing") - [Comparison](https://greencardhero.com/#comparisonTable-anchor "Comparison") - [Resources](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/ "Resources") [HOME](https://greencardhero.com/) / [GREEN CARD RESOURCES](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/) # Apply for Marriage Green Card Inside the U.S: Complete Guide [Updated on April 1, 2024](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/ "4:58 am") by [GreenCardHero](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/author/greencardhero/ "View all posts by GreenCardHero") Congratulations on your marriage! This guide is for people who want to get a marriage green card for their wife or husband. We will explain everything you need to successfully complete the application process. For most couples, the application is straightforward and does not need a lawyer. Instead, save that \$4,000 lawyer’s fee for your lovely honeymoon on the beach. Did you know this cool guide makes a satisfying beach read? ![🌴](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f334.svg) ### Table of Contents Before Filing 1. [Green card process overview](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#overview-inside-usa) 2. [Make Sense of the Process](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#logic-inside-usa) 3. [Application Forms](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#forms-inside-usa) 4. [Document Checklist](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#documents-inside-usa) 5. [Filing Fees](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#fees-inside-usa) 6. [Assemble and file](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#mail-inside-usa) After Filing 1. [Application Timeline](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#timeline-inside-usa) 2. [Track Case Status and Processing Time](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#track-inside-usa) ## 1\. Marriage Green Card Process Overview **Note:** This guide is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or of a green card holder. In addition, the applicant should be inside the U.S. when applying (If you will apply from outside the U.S, use our [other in-depth guide](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/apply-for-marriage-green-card-outside-usa/) instead.) If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and you currently live in the U.S, you and your spouse will need to file a Petition for Alien Relative and an Adjustment of Status through marriage\[1\] \[2\] (Don’t run, you will become an expert in this in the next five minutes). **Total government filing fee:** \$1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \$2,115 – \$3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024). [**Total processing time:**](https://greencardhero.com/tools/timeline.html) For a U.S. citizen’s spouse: 10-14 months；For a green card holder’s spouse: Around 4 years (The wait time has been fluctuating due to the recent visa bulletin F2A final action date retrogression. It may improve over time to 2-3 years.) The application process can be broken into two steps: ### Step 1: The Paper Party – Submit Forms and Documents to USCIS We kick off the party with forms and documents\! The process is slightly different for spouses of U.S. citizens versus spouses of green card holders. So we will explain them separately: U.S. Citizen’s Spouse **The application will require the following forms:** - Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relatives - Form I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary - Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA - Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional) - Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional) - G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) - Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.\] Forms will be explained in details in the [forms section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#forms-inside-usa) of this guide. ``` December 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application. ``` **You also will need to submit the following supporting documents alongside the forms:** - Passport-style photos of both spouses - Proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship (e.g. U.S. passport, naturalization certificate) - Proof of the applicant’s immigration status - Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages - Evidence of joint activities - The applicant’s proof of financial support - The applicant’s medical examination result - The applicant’s birth certificate - The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\] Documents will be explained in details in the [documents section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#documents-inside-usa) of this guide. USCIS charges an application fee of \$1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \$2,115 – \$3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024). \[1\] \[2\] (more details in the [fees section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#fees-inside-usa)). Submit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \[1\] \[2\]. Green Card Holder’s Spouse Come meet our new friends: 9 government forms in total, 5 are required and 4 are optional. You’ll need to submit them in two parts, with a waiting period between Part One and Part Two. **Application Part One** (Officially Called Petition for Alien Relative) Forms to submit: - **Form I-130** – Petition for Alien Relatives - **Form I-130A** – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary - **G-1145 –** e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) Forms will be explained in details in the [forms section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#forms-inside-usa) of this guide. Supporting documents: - Passport-style photos of both spouses - Proof that the sponsor is a U.S. permanent resident (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card) - Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages - Evidence of joint activities USCIS filing fee: \$535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \$675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024) \[1\] Submit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \[1\]. It will take about 12-15 months for USCIS to approve Application Part One. Then, you’ll likely have to wait for another 2 weeks for a Green Card to become available. After that, you can finally submit Application Part Two. (More on the waiting time later.) **Application Part Two** (Officially Called Adjustment of Status) Forms to submit: - **Form I-485** – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - **Form I-864** – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA - **Form I-765** – Application for Employment Authorization (optional) - **Form I-131** – Application for Travel Document (optional) - **G-1145 –** e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) - **Form I-944** – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.\] ``` December 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application. ``` Supporting documents: - Passport-style photos of the applicant - Proof of the applicant’s immigration status - The applicant’s proof of financial support - The applicant’s medical examination result - The applicant’s birth certificate - The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\] USCIS filing fee: \$1,225 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \$1,440 – \$2,330 (if file on or after April 1, 2024)\[2\] Submit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \[2\]. This concludes Step 1 and we now move into Step 2. Later in this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know (and some more) about [forms](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#forms-inside-usa), [documents,](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#documents-inside-usa) [fees](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#fees-inside-usa) and [mailing it out](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#mail-inside-usa). ### Step 2: The Waiting Game – Wait until the Interview and the Green Card Approval No more paperwork at this point! Now it’s mostly waiting around until you receive a Green Card interview notice around 10-14 months later \[3\]. The interview will take place at a USCIS office near you, and both spouses need to attend in-person. (More on the interview later.) If everything goes well, you will receive your Green Card approval at the end of the interview, and within another month, your Green Card will arrive in the mail\! The [timeline section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#timeline-inside-usa) will explain the waiting process in detail. ### How to complete your green card application in 7 days? Get our exclusive 7-Day Action Plan: ## 2\. Make Sense of the Process Why all these forms and documents? In this section, we explain the Green Card application logic that routinely confuses the world’s smartest rocket scientist. Once you understand the logic behind it, this process will make a lot more sense. To begin, let’s meet Arnold and Maria: ![arnold](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/arnold-profile-150x150.png) **Applicant:** Arnold is 28 years old and hails from the snowy mountains of Austria. Arnold is not a U.S. citizen and is applying to receive a Green Card. ![maria-profile](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/maria-profile2-300x300.png) **Sponsor** (also known as a petitioner): Maria is 27 years old and is a native to the sunny Southern California. She is married to Arnold and is a U.S. citizen or green card holder. After getting married, Arnold and Maria started researching how to apply for a marriage Green Card for Arnold. U.S. Citizen’s Spouse For couples like Arnold and Maria, the application paperwork contains two parts: **![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Application Part One: Establish Arnold’s Eligibility for a Green Card** (Officially Called “Petition for Alien Relative”. We will call it “immigrant petition” in this guide.) Since Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete Application Part One (immigrant petition) to demonstrate \[1\]: - Maria is a real person. - Maria is a U.S. citizen. - Arnold is her husband. - Their marriage is real. This step is mostly for Maria to complete. **![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Application Part Two: Apply for Arnold’s Green Card** (Officially Called “Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident”. We will call it “adjustment of status” in this guide.) After the immigrant petition has established Arnold’s Green Card eligibility, now Arnold can apply for it. Application Part Two (adjustment of status) collects information that demonstrates \[2\]: - Arnold is a real person. - Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card. - Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. - Arnold is in good health. - Arnold has no criminal history. This step is mostly for Arnold to complete. USCIS processes the forms and documents for the immigrant petition (Application Part One) independently from those for the adjustment of status (Application Part Two) \[1\] \[2\], so we need to separate the paperwork of each part when we submit the application (more on that in the [submit section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#mail-inside-usa) of this guide). In the next section, we will explain all the forms, documents and filing fees you need. Green Card Holder’s Spouse **For couples like Arnold and Maria, here is the application paperwork timeline:** ## ![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Application Part One: Immigrant Petition Part One’s purpose is to establish Arnold’s eligibility for a Green Card. Since Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete the Application Part One to demonstrate \[1\]: - Maria is a real person. - Maria is a U.S. permanent resident. - Arnold is her husband. - Their marriage is real. This part is mostly for Maria to Complete. Around 2 Weeks Later **USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797) Arrives** The receipt notice confirms that USCIS has received your Application Part One. It contains a case number, which you can use to track your Part One case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do). It also contains a date labeled “Priority Date”. You will use this date later to determine when to submit Application Part Two. Waiting period until a visa number becomes available **Good news — in August 2023, [there is no wait time](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/when-to-file-your-adjustment-of-status-application-for-family-sponsored-or-employment-based-91)! So you can move onto submitting the adjustment of status application immediately after receiving I-130 Receipt Notice. This zero wait time will last until the end of August. Starting September 2023, Submission 1 and Submission 2 need to be submitted separately in sequence. ![⏰](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/23f0.svg)** ## ![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status Part Two’s purpose is to apply for Arnold’s Green Card. After USCIS approves Part One, Arnold has successfully established his Green Card eligibility; now he can apply for it. The Application Part Two collects information that demonstrates \[2\]: - Arnold is a real person. - Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card. - Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. - Arnold is in good health. - Arnold has good moral characters. This part is mostly for Arnold to Complete. Around 2-3 Weeks after Filing Part Two **USCIS Receipt Notices (Form I-797) Arrive** For each form you submit in Application Part Two, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your Part Two case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do). For the Next 8-10 Months after receiving USCIS Notice of Approval **Mostly Waiting until Receiving Green Card Interview Notice** This is where Step 2 – the Waiting Game begins. We will explain what happens during this time in [the timeline after filing](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#timeline-inside-usa) section later. ### Why the wait before submitting Part Two? The answer: Arnold cannot apply for a Green Card, until a Green Card becomes available for him to apply to. This may sound very strange, until you learn this fact: the U.S. government only gives out a fixed number of Green Cards each year, no matter how many people are eligible for it. So when there are more eligible people than there are Green Cards, some people have to wait until a new batch of Green Cards become available. [1](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#easy-footnote-bottom-1-1224) ### When can I submit Application Part Two? You can find out by checking the [USCIS Visa Bulletin information page](https://www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo), which updates once a month. Click on the link to the current month, and in the chart find category “F2A”. ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/uscis-visa-bulletin.png) If the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date (explained below) is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file Application Part Two. Otherwise, you will need to continue waiting and check the bulletin page again next month. [2](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#easy-footnote-bottom-2-1224) ``` What's Priority Date? You can find your Priority Date on the Form I-130 Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you received earlier. The date is under a column labeled "Priority Date". 3 ``` ## 3\. USCIS Application Forms There are 9 forms in total, to be submitted in two separate packets. Five forms are required and the other four are optional. Let’s take a look at what these forms are for: ### ![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Forms for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition - **Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relatives** \[Maria to fill out\] No, this isn’t about your aunt Barb who claims to be an extraterrestrial ![👽](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f47d.svg). Maria needs to fill out this form to confirm she is a U.S. citizen and Arnold is her husband. It asks for information about both Maria and Arnold. - **Form I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary** \[Arnold to fill out\] Enter Arnold’s information for a second time. Only this time it’s Arnold’s turn to fill it out. - **Form G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional)** \[Maria to fill out\] Ever dreamed of getting a ping from USCIS on the phone? ![💌](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f48c.svg) Fill in this form to request an electronic notification when USCIS accepts the immigrant petition. ### ![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Forms for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status - **Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status** \[Arnold to fill out\] Arnold, please stretch your fingers. ![🖐](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f590.svg) You are about to enter your information for a third time here. And don’t forget the 66 check boxes at the end for questions such as “Does Arnold intend to sabotage the United States?”. - **Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA** \[Maria to fill out\] Affi what? Who is David?![🧜](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f9dc.svg)‍Well, it’s actually a form to show Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. The simplest way to do so is if Maria can demonstrate that her income is at least 125 percent of the current [Federal Poverty Guidelines](https://www.uscis.gov/i-864p) for Maria’s household size (only 100 percent of the Guidelines if Maria is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard). If this is not the case, the form instruction outlines other ways for Arnold and other relatives to chip in. Yeah… this form is definitely the most confusing one. So make sure to spend some time understanding the form instructions.![🤷](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f937.svg)‍ - **Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)** \[Arnold to fill out\] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to work in the U.S.while his application is pending. (Arnold wants to continue his employment with Skyweb ![😎](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f60e.svg), so he fills out the form.) - **Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional)** \[Arnold to fill out\] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to travel outside of the U.S. while his application is pending. (Arnold needs to fly to Maluku to terminate a tasselled wobbegong ![🐡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f421.svg), so he fills out the form.) - **G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional)** \[Arnold to fill out\] Fill in this form to request an electronic notification when USCIS accepts the adjustment of status. - **Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency** \[Arnold to fill out\] This is a new form added due to the new USCIS Public Charge rule. Arnold needs to fill out detailed information regarding his income, tax returns, family members, credit score, assets, debts & liabilities, health insurance, and education. Oh well, guess he’s got no other choice but to tell USCIS everything… ![😭](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f62d.svg) \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\] ### How to make sure I filled out the forms correctly? Each USCIS form comes with an instruction \[1\] \[2\] \[4\] \[5\] \[6\] \[7\]. Make sure you carefully review the instructions. I know, I know – those instructions are written in Austrian Martian. Even the killer robot from the future cannot survive the grandeur of 132 pages of full-length legal verbiage without dropping cold onto the floor. ![green-card-instructions](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/drop-dead-app-guide-320x247.png) If you are like Arnold, you may dream about doing your application the TurboTax style: fill out a simple questionnaire with step-by-step instructions, and boom!, your forms are completed for you. Good news – here at [GreenCardHero](https://greencardhero.com/), we have created a useful Green Card application software which does exactly that for you: ![😃](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f603.svg) # Get Your Marriage Green Card. Fast. Easy. Affordable. Complete your entire application with easy step-by-step instructions. From filling out forms, collecting supporting documents, to submission and receiving green card. Start your application today\! ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/assets/review-profile/five-stars1.png)5\.0 on ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/assets/review-profile/google-logo-full.png) Trusted by over 2,500 applicants [Start for Free](https://www.greencardhero.com/) “This software has helped me save thousands of dollars from hiring lawyers. The instructions are super clear, easy to follow and it’s affordable.” — Brandon T ## 4\. Document Checklist USCIS requires many supporting documents and the list varies from person to person. The number of documents needed ranges between 13 and 47 (or more). In this section, we will first briefly describe the various document categories. Then, we have prepared a detailed interactive checklist to help you fully understand all the required documents. Let’s get started\! ### ![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Documents for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition - **Arnold’s and Maria’s passport-style photos** Passport-style photos of both Arnold ![🦊](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f98a.svg) (2 copies) and Maria ![🐰](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f430.svg)(2 copies), taken within 30 days of filing the application - **Proof of Maria’s U.S. citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence Status** e.g. U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, U.S birth certificate, U.S. Permanent Resident Card ![🔖](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f516.svg) - **Marriage papers** Current marriage certificate and prior marriage termination documents ![📑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4d1.svg) - **Evidence of Arnold and Maria’s joint activities** Documents that prove the marriage is real. ![💑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f491.svg) For example, joint ownership of property, joint apartment lease, birth certificates of children you had together, photo collection.\[1\] ### ![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Documents for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status - **Arnold’s passport-style photos** Passport-style photos of Arnold ![🦊](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f98a.svg) (2 – 6 copies depending on the case), taken within 30 days of filing the application. Did you notice USCIS really loves immigrants’ photos? - **Arnold’s birth certificate** Arnold’s birth certificate ![🐣](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f423.svg) - **Proof of Arnold’s immigration status** Evidence of continuously maintaining a lawful status since arrival in the U.S. ![🤟](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f91f.svg) - **Arnold’s proof of financial support** E.g. (If Maria is Arnold’s financial sponsor in Form I-864) Maria’s pay stubs, Maria’s tax returns, Maria’s letter from employer![🤑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f911.svg) - **Arnold’s proof of self-sufficiency** This section is a new type of black hole generated by the new Form I-944. This hole’s unprecedented vast range extends to proof of family relationship in the south, high school language course grades in the north, real estate appraisal in the east, and health insurance policy in the west. There are no documents that USCIS cannot ask for – the only limit is your imagination. \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\] - **Arnold’s medical examination result** Form I-693 – Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record . This form will be filled out by the doctor who provides you with the exam. At the end of the exam, the doctor will hand you the filled out Form I-693 in a sealed envelop. Do not open the envelope and mail it together with the rest of Application Part 2 to USCIS.) ![⚕](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/2695.svg) - **U.S. Citizen’s Spouse Does not Need This Form I-130 Receipt or Approval Notice (called Form I-797)** Around 2 weeks after Maria filed Form I-130 in Application Part One, Maria should have received a Form I-130 receipt notice from USCIS. ### ![📄](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4c4.svg) GreenCardHero’s comprehensive list of application documents – Click on each document category to see all the documents you need: **The sponsor is a:** U.S. Citizen Green Card Holder (If the checklist below displays blank, click [here](https://www.greencardhero.com/document-checklist-innards-citizenInUS/) to see.) (If the checklist below displays blank, click [here](https://www.greencardhero.com/document-checklist-innards-lprInUS/) to see.) ## 5\. USCIS Filing Fees If file before April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of \$1,760 for filing fees, paid in two separate checks/ money orders. Make each check/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. If file on or after April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of \$2,115 – \$3,005 for filing fees, paid in 2 – 4 separate checks/ money orders. Make each check/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. ### ![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Filing Fee for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition ``` One check/ money order $535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024) Form I-130 ``` ### ![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Filing Fee for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status ``` First check/ money order If file before April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 ($1,140) + Biometric services fee ($85), paid a total of $1,225 using one check/money order If file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 $1,440 Second check/ money order If file before April 1, 2024: Not needed If file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-765 $260 Third check/ money order If file before April 1, 2024: Not needed If file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-131 $630 ``` ### **Is the complexity level of your case suitable for DIY?** Immigration history, income, marriage time and criminal records are all factors. Take our eligibility quiz to find out in 40 seconds: [Start The Quiz](https://greencardhero.com/green-card-do-it-yourself-quiz.html#quiz-section-anchor) ## 6\. Assemble and File the Application We are all done with the hard part! Now let’s stuff this delicious paperwork feast in a hungry envelope! ![📩](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4e9.svg) U.S. Citizen’s Spouse ### Submit in One Envelope, but as Two Packets The immigrant petition and the adjustment of status can be submitted together in the same envelope. This is called “concurrent filing” and is a special privilege given to U.S. citizens’ immediate relatives (including the spouse) who are already living in the U.S. \[8\]. Most other Green Card applicants have to patiently wait until the immigrant petition is approved by USCIS before submitting the adjustment of status. So lucky you\! Even though these two parts are submitted together, USCIS processes them separately \[8\]. Therefore, to avoid grumpy USCIS agents, kindly organize the paperwork into two separate application packets. ![uscis-agent](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/grumpy-agent-app-guide-1-320x372.png) ### Cover Each Packet with A Cover Letter Time to organize, kids! USCIS recommends creating a cover letter for each application packet and placing the cover letter on top of the packet. A cover letter is essentially a table of contents of all the forms and documents contained within the packet. The cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps USCIS agents during their review. If you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your application packet, making your submission fast and easy. ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/thank-gch-app-guide-2-300x184.png) ### Stack and Stuff Now stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop/package. Your application is now ready to send\! ### Where to Send Finally, it’s time to mail the application package! ![📩](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4e9.svg) Mail the envelope to USCIS at the address below \[10\] \[11\]. If you mail through U.S. Postal Service (USPS), depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following: ``` USCIS Attn: AOS P.O. Box 805887 Chicago, IL 60680 OR USCIS Attn: AOS P.O. Box 20500 Phoenix, AZ 85036-0500 ``` If you mail through FedEx, UPS, and DHL, depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following: ``` USCIS Attn: AOS (Box 805887) 131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 OR USCIS Attn: AOS (Box 20500) 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850 ``` Green Card Holder’s Spouse Now we’ve got a lot of finished paperwork lying around, how do we organize and submit it? It’s time to learn the subtle art of stuffing hungry envelops. ![📩](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4e9.svg) The process is the same for both Application Part One and Part Two. ### Organize Using a Cover Letter Per the USCIS recommendation, we will create a cover letter and place it on top of the application packet.\[6\] A cover letter is essentially a table of contents for all the forms and documents contained in an application. A cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps you avoid grumpy USCIS agents during processing. If you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your submission, making assembling the application fast and easy. ### Stack and Stuff Now stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop/package. Your application is now ready to send\! ### Mail It\! Finally, it’s time to mail the application package! ![📩](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4e9.svg) The mailing address for Submission 1 and Submission 2 are different. Make sure you use the correct address for each submission. - Application Part One (Immigrant Petition): follow the [USCIS Form I-130 filing address](https://www.uscis.gov/i-130-addresses) - Application Part Two (Adjustment of Status): follow the [USCIS Form I-485 filing address](https://www.uscis.gov/i-485-addresses) ![green-card-signature](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/signature-app-guide-320x321.png) Don’t forget to sign\! ### How to Catch Mistakes before Filing - First, take a deep breath. Hundreds of thousands of couples just like you apply for their Green Cards every year, and the vast majority get approved. The odds are on your side\! - Review each application form, document and cover letter. - If you’re iffy about any particular section, try re-reading the form’s instructions for that section. - If you to check more closely, consider hiring an immigration lawyer to review your completed application. An application review is affordable, usually costs around \$500. In contrast, hiring a lawyer to do the whole application for you can cost \$4,000 and up. ## **7\. Application Timeline** Yay, you filed! The hardest part is officially behind us! Now we move on to the second – and final – step of the process: “Game of Groans”. The groans are caused by prolonged waiting: once in a while, your application reaches a milestone and you receive a USCIS communication, and then you wait some more, until you get a notice for an interview. Eventually, you will receive that gorgeous Green Card in the mail. This timeline explains what happens after filing the Green Card application: Around 2-3 Weeks after Filing **USCIS Receipt Notices Arrive** For each form you submit in the application, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do). Around 3-5 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19) **Biometrics Appointment Notice Arrives for the Applicant** The biometrics services appointment is a quick, low stress procedure where the USCIS takes the applicant’s fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. This helps USCIS confirm the applicant’s identity and run required background and security checks.[4](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#easy-footnote-bottom-4-1224) The appointment will be at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The applicant’s appointment notice will include the date, time and location for the appointment.[5](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#easy-footnote-bottom-5-1224) # Download GreenCardHero to see the complete application timeline [Download Now](https://www.greencardhero.com/) Around 4-6 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19) ## The Applicant Goes to the Biometrics Appointment Attend the scheduled biometrics services appointment. You can learn more about what it’s like [on the USCIS website](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment). ## 8\. Track Case Status and Processing Time [USCIS Case Status Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do) is the official tool for checking your case status. Enter all the case numbers printed on the receipt notices you received, then the tool will display the processing status of each form in your particular case. You may also use the official [USCIS Case Processing Times Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/) to see the current processing time of each form, so that you can anticipate when your case status will change. The processing time has been steadily increasing since Trump became president in 2017, and it varies significantly depending on where you live. The tool shows the processing time range for each form type at different USCIS office locations. ### How to Preserve Sanity During the Wait ![green-card-processing-time](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/long-wait-app-guide-300x167.png) Based on my personal experience, the long wait can get very frustrating – feeling suspended in uncertainty is not fun. Unfortunately, none of us can speed up processing speed (except President Biden perhaps?). I found it helpful to join an online immigration forum and feel like part of a community that is going through this together. I also found it helpful to keep myself engaged with other activities in life, so I wouldn’t think about “the G” (“g” from Green Card) that much. Ultimately, the time will come when a fateful USPS letter arrives in your mailbox. You pick it up and feel a thin and sturdy object inside, perfectly rectangular with slight rounded edges. You carefully open the envelope, and there it is – a Green Card, shrouded in an ornate tapestry and soft hues; through a fine layer of misty Atlantic fog, the statue of liberty greets you with a gorgeous smile. This journey has made you older and wiser, and congratulations, you’ve now got the key to America\! ![receive-green-card](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/the-end-app-guide-1024x610.png) # Join 27 Couples Who Applied Today [Apply Today](https://www.greencardhero.com/) ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/step1-screenshot-lo-rez-ffmpeg-70-percent.gif) ### Related Posts [Birth Certificates for Green Card Application: The Ultimate Guide](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/birth-certificate-green-card/) [Form I-131 - Advance Parole Travel Document: The Missing Manual](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/i-131-advance-parole-travel-document/) [Form I-765 - Employment Authorization Document (EAD): The Missing Manual](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/i-765-employment-authorization-document-ead/) [Form I-864 - Affidavit of Support: The Missing Manual](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/i-864-affidavit-of-support/) [Inside Marriage Green Card Interview (What It's Really like)](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-interview/) ### About GreenCardHero ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cced077032cef7c5c513ba4fed670edf3f21a0f61a6430c273f9ba9e6e621f7a?s=90&d=mm&r=g)We are a community of former applicants who successfully went through the hair-pulling, eyeball-popping green card application process ourselves. We believe every couple should have access to quality guidance and file their application with confidence, without costing an arm and a leg in the process. That’s why we created the apps, tools, and guides at GreenCardHero. If you share our vision and want to contribute to the community, drop us a line\! [View our resource list](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/) \| [Try our software](https://greencardhero.com/) 1. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2019/visa-bulletin-for-january-2019.html 2. https://www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo 3. https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/visa-availability-priority-dates 4. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment 5. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment Categories [Green Card Application Guides](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/category/guide/) Post navigation [Apply for Marriage Green Card Outside the U.S: Complete Guide](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/apply-for-marriage-green-card-outside-usa/) [婚姻绿卡申请：超详尽全程攻略](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide-chinese/) We are not a law firm and are not affiliated with or endorsed by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any other government agency. The services and information provided are not legal advice and do not substitute the same level of advice, opinion, guidance or recommendation that a licensed immigration attorney can provide, and do not form an attorney-client relationship. We can only provide self-help services at your specific direction and do not have special knowledge of immigration law and procedure. [Website Terms of Use](https://greencardhero.com/website-terms-of-use.html) / [Desktop License Agreement](https://greencardhero.com/GreenCardHero-Spouse-Edition-EULA.html) / [Privacy Policy](https://greencardhero.com/privacy-policy.html) Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. © 2026 GreenCardHero • Built with [GeneratePress](https://generatepress.com/) https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2019/visa-bulletin-for-january-2019.html https://www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/visa-availability-priority-dates https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment

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Congratulations on your marriage! This guide is for people who want to get a marriage green card for their wife or husband. We will explain everything you need to successfully complete the application process. For most couples, the application is straightforward and does not need a lawyer. Instead, save that \$4,000 lawyer’s fee for your lovely honeymoon on the beach. Did you know this cool guide makes a satisfying beach read? ![🌴](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f334.svg) ## 1\. Marriage Green Card Process Overview **Note:** This guide is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or of a green card holder. In addition, the applicant should be inside the U.S. when applying (If you will apply from outside the U.S, use our [other in-depth guide](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/apply-for-marriage-green-card-outside-usa/) instead.) If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and you currently live in the U.S, you and your spouse will need to file a Petition for Alien Relative and an Adjustment of Status through marriage\[1\] \[2\] (Don’t run, you will become an expert in this in the next five minutes). **Total government filing fee:** \$1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \$2,115 – \$3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024). [**Total processing time:**](https://greencardhero.com/tools/timeline.html) For a U.S. citizen’s spouse: 10-14 months；For a green card holder’s spouse: Around 4 years (The wait time has been fluctuating due to the recent visa bulletin F2A final action date retrogression. It may improve over time to 2-3 years.) The application process can be broken into two steps: ### Step 1: The Paper Party – Submit Forms and Documents to USCIS We kick off the party with forms and documents\! The process is slightly different for spouses of U.S. citizens versus spouses of green card holders. So we will explain them separately: U.S. Citizen’s Spouse **The application will require the following forms:** - Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relatives - Form I-130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary - Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA - Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional) - Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional) - G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) - Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.\] Forms will be explained in details in the [forms section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#forms-inside-usa) of this guide. ``` December 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application. ``` **You also will need to submit the following supporting documents alongside the forms:** - Passport-style photos of both spouses - Proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship (e.g. U.S. passport, naturalization certificate) - Proof of the applicant’s immigration status - Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages - Evidence of joint activities - The applicant’s proof of financial support - The applicant’s medical examination result - The applicant’s birth certificate - The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\] Documents will be explained in details in the [documents section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#documents-inside-usa) of this guide. USCIS charges an application fee of \$1,760 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \$2,115 – \$3,005 (if file on or after April 1, 2024). \[1\] \[2\] (more details in the [fees section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#fees-inside-usa)). Submit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \[1\] \[2\]. Green Card Holder’s Spouse Come meet our new friends: 9 government forms in total, 5 are required and 4 are optional. You’ll need to submit them in two parts, with a waiting period between Part One and Part Two. **Application Part One** (Officially Called Petition for Alien Relative) Forms to submit: - **Form I-130** – Petition for Alien Relatives - **Form I-130A** – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary - **G-1145 –** e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) Forms will be explained in details in the [forms section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#forms-inside-usa) of this guide. Supporting documents: - Passport-style photos of both spouses - Proof that the sponsor is a U.S. permanent resident (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card) - Current marriage certificate and documents of prior marriages - Evidence of joint activities USCIS filing fee: \$535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \$675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024) \[1\] Submit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \[1\]. It will take about 12-15 months for USCIS to approve Application Part One. Then, you’ll likely have to wait for another 2 weeks for a Green Card to become available. After that, you can finally submit Application Part Two. (More on the waiting time later.) **Application Part Two** (Officially Called Adjustment of Status) Forms to submit: - **Form I-485** – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - **Form I-864** – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA - **Form I-765** – Application for Employment Authorization (optional) - **Form I-131** – Application for Travel Document (optional) - **G-1145 –** e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional) - **Form I-944** – Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule) \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.\] ``` December 23, 2022 Update: Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application. ``` Supporting documents: - Passport-style photos of the applicant - Proof of the applicant’s immigration status - The applicant’s proof of financial support - The applicant’s medical examination result - The applicant’s birth certificate - The applicant’s proof of self-sufficiency \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\] USCIS filing fee: \$1,225 (if file before April 1, 2024) or \$1,440 – \$2,330 (if file on or after April 1, 2024)\[2\] Submit your application as one package to USCIS through mail \[2\]. This concludes Step 1 and we now move into Step 2. Later in this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know (and some more) about [forms](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#forms-inside-usa), [documents,](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#documents-inside-usa) [fees](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#fees-inside-usa) and [mailing it out](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#mail-inside-usa). ### Step 2: The Waiting Game – Wait until the Interview and the Green Card Approval No more paperwork at this point! Now it’s mostly waiting around until you receive a Green Card interview notice around 10-14 months later \[3\]. The interview will take place at a USCIS office near you, and both spouses need to attend in-person. (More on the interview later.) If everything goes well, you will receive your Green Card approval at the end of the interview, and within another month, your Green Card will arrive in the mail\! The [timeline section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#timeline-inside-usa) will explain the waiting process in detail. ### How to complete your green card application in 7 days? Get our exclusive 7-Day Action Plan: ## 2\. Make Sense of the Process Why all these forms and documents? In this section, we explain the Green Card application logic that routinely confuses the world’s smartest rocket scientist. Once you understand the logic behind it, this process will make a lot more sense. To begin, let’s meet Arnold and Maria: ![arnold](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/arnold-profile-150x150.png) **Applicant:** Arnold is 28 years old and hails from the snowy mountains of Austria. Arnold is not a U.S. citizen and is applying to receive a Green Card. ![maria-profile](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/maria-profile2-300x300.png) **Sponsor** (also known as a petitioner): Maria is 27 years old and is a native to the sunny Southern California. She is married to Arnold and is a U.S. citizen or green card holder. After getting married, Arnold and Maria started researching how to apply for a marriage Green Card for Arnold. U.S. Citizen’s Spouse For couples like Arnold and Maria, the application paperwork contains two parts: **![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Application Part One: Establish Arnold’s Eligibility for a Green Card** (Officially Called “Petition for Alien Relative”. We will call it “immigrant petition” in this guide.) Since Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete Application Part One (immigrant petition) to demonstrate \[1\]: - Maria is a real person. - Maria is a U.S. citizen. - Arnold is her husband. - Their marriage is real. This step is mostly for Maria to complete. **![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Application Part Two: Apply for Arnold’s Green Card** (Officially Called “Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident”. We will call it “adjustment of status” in this guide.) After the immigrant petition has established Arnold’s Green Card eligibility, now Arnold can apply for it. Application Part Two (adjustment of status) collects information that demonstrates \[2\]: - Arnold is a real person. - Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card. - Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. - Arnold is in good health. - Arnold has no criminal history. This step is mostly for Arnold to complete. USCIS processes the forms and documents for the immigrant petition (Application Part One) independently from those for the adjustment of status (Application Part Two) \[1\] \[2\], so we need to separate the paperwork of each part when we submit the application (more on that in the [submit section](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#mail-inside-usa) of this guide). In the next section, we will explain all the forms, documents and filing fees you need. Green Card Holder’s Spouse **For couples like Arnold and Maria, here is the application paperwork timeline:** ## ![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Application Part One: Immigrant Petition Part One’s purpose is to establish Arnold’s eligibility for a Green Card. Since Arnold’s eligibility is based on his marriage to Maria, Maria needs to complete the Application Part One to demonstrate \[1\]: - Maria is a real person. - Maria is a U.S. permanent resident. - Arnold is her husband. - Their marriage is real. This part is mostly for Maria to Complete. Around 2 Weeks Later **USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797) Arrives** The receipt notice confirms that USCIS has received your Application Part One. It contains a case number, which you can use to track your Part One case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do). It also contains a date labeled “Priority Date”. You will use this date later to determine when to submit Application Part Two. Waiting period until a visa number becomes available **Good news — in August 2023, [there is no wait time](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/when-to-file-your-adjustment-of-status-application-for-family-sponsored-or-employment-based-91)! So you can move onto submitting the adjustment of status application immediately after receiving I-130 Receipt Notice. This zero wait time will last until the end of August. Starting September 2023, Submission 1 and Submission 2 need to be submitted separately in sequence. ![⏰](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/23f0.svg)** ## ![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status Part Two’s purpose is to apply for Arnold’s Green Card. After USCIS approves Part One, Arnold has successfully established his Green Card eligibility; now he can apply for it. The Application Part Two collects information that demonstrates \[2\]: - Arnold is a real person. - Arnold’s current immigration status doesn’t bar him from receiving a Green Card. - Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. - Arnold is in good health. - Arnold has good moral characters. This part is mostly for Arnold to Complete. Around 2-3 Weeks after Filing Part Two **USCIS Receipt Notices (Form I-797) Arrive** For each form you submit in Application Part Two, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your Part Two case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do). For the Next 8-10 Months after receiving USCIS Notice of Approval **Mostly Waiting until Receiving Green Card Interview Notice** This is where Step 2 – the Waiting Game begins. We will explain what happens during this time in [the timeline after filing](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#timeline-inside-usa) section later. ### Why the wait before submitting Part Two? The answer: Arnold cannot apply for a Green Card, until a Green Card becomes available for him to apply to. This may sound very strange, until you learn this fact: the U.S. government only gives out a fixed number of Green Cards each year, no matter how many people are eligible for it. So when there are more eligible people than there are Green Cards, some people have to wait until a new batch of Green Cards become available. [1](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#easy-footnote-bottom-1-1224) ### When can I submit Application Part Two? You can find out by checking the [USCIS Visa Bulletin information page](https://www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo), which updates once a month. Click on the link to the current month, and in the chart find category “F2A”. ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/uscis-visa-bulletin.png) If the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date (explained below) is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file Application Part Two. Otherwise, you will need to continue waiting and check the bulletin page again next month. [2](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#easy-footnote-bottom-2-1224) ``` What's Priority Date? You can find your Priority Date on the Form I-130 Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you received earlier. The date is under a column labeled "Priority Date". 3 ``` ## 3\. USCIS Application Forms There are 9 forms in total, to be submitted in two separate packets. Five forms are required and the other four are optional. Let’s take a look at what these forms are for: ### ![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Forms for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition ### ![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Forms for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status - **Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status** \[Arnold to fill out\] Arnold, please stretch your fingers. ![🖐](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f590.svg) You are about to enter your information for a third time here. And don’t forget the 66 check boxes at the end for questions such as “Does Arnold intend to sabotage the United States?”. - **Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA** \[Maria to fill out\] Affi what? Who is David?![🧜](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f9dc.svg)‍Well, it’s actually a form to show Arnold can financially support himself in the U.S. without government assistance. The simplest way to do so is if Maria can demonstrate that her income is at least 125 percent of the current [Federal Poverty Guidelines](https://www.uscis.gov/i-864p) for Maria’s household size (only 100 percent of the Guidelines if Maria is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard). If this is not the case, the form instruction outlines other ways for Arnold and other relatives to chip in. Yeah… this form is definitely the most confusing one. So make sure to spend some time understanding the form instructions.![🤷](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f937.svg)‍ - **Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (optional)** \[Arnold to fill out\] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to work in the U.S.while his application is pending. (Arnold wants to continue his employment with Skyweb ![😎](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f60e.svg), so he fills out the form.) - **Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (optional)** \[Arnold to fill out\] Arnold needs to do this form if he wants to travel outside of the U.S. while his application is pending. (Arnold needs to fly to Maluku to terminate a tasselled wobbegong ![🐡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f421.svg), so he fills out the form.) - **G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional)** \[Arnold to fill out\] Fill in this form to request an electronic notification when USCIS accepts the adjustment of status. - **Form I-944 – Declaration of Self Sufficiency** \[Arnold to fill out\] This is a new form added due to the new USCIS Public Charge rule. Arnold needs to fill out detailed information regarding his income, tax returns, family members, credit score, assets, debts & liabilities, health insurance, and education. Oh well, guess he’s got no other choice but to tell USCIS everything… ![😭](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f62d.svg) \[![💡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4a1.svg): No longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule\] ### How to make sure I filled out the forms correctly? Each USCIS form comes with an instruction \[1\] \[2\] \[4\] \[5\] \[6\] \[7\]. Make sure you carefully review the instructions. I know, I know – those instructions are written in Austrian Martian. Even the killer robot from the future cannot survive the grandeur of 132 pages of full-length legal verbiage without dropping cold onto the floor. ![green-card-instructions](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/drop-dead-app-guide-320x247.png) If you are like Arnold, you may dream about doing your application the TurboTax style: fill out a simple questionnaire with step-by-step instructions, and boom!, your forms are completed for you. Good news – here at [GreenCardHero](https://greencardhero.com/), we have created a useful Green Card application software which does exactly that for you: ![😃](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f603.svg) ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/assets/review-profile/five-stars1.png)5\.0 on ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/assets/review-profile/google-logo-full.png) Trusted by over 2,500 applicants “This software has helped me save thousands of dollars from hiring lawyers. The instructions are super clear, easy to follow and it’s affordable.” — Brandon T ## 4\. Document Checklist USCIS requires many supporting documents and the list varies from person to person. The number of documents needed ranges between 13 and 47 (or more). In this section, we will first briefly describe the various document categories. Then, we have prepared a detailed interactive checklist to help you fully understand all the required documents. Let’s get started\! ### ![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Documents for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition ### ![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Documents for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status ### ![📄](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4c4.svg) GreenCardHero’s comprehensive list of application documents – Click on each document category to see all the documents you need: **The sponsor is a:** U.S. Citizen Green Card Holder (If the checklist below displays blank, click [here](https://www.greencardhero.com/document-checklist-innards-citizenInUS/) to see.) ## 5\. USCIS Filing Fees If file before April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of \$1,760 for filing fees, paid in two separate checks/ money orders. Make each check/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. If file on or after April 1, 2024: USCIS charges a total of \$2,115 – \$3,005 for filing fees, paid in 2 – 4 separate checks/ money orders. Make each check/ money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. ### ![🔑](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f511.svg) Filing Fee for Application Part One: Immigrant Petition ``` One check/ money order $535 (if file before April 1, 2024) or $675 (if file on or after April 1, 2024) Form I-130 ``` ### ![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f331.svg) Filing Fee for Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status ``` First check/ money order If file before April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 ($1,140) + Biometric services fee ($85), paid a total of $1,225 using one check/money order If file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-485 $1,440 Second check/ money order If file before April 1, 2024: Not needed If file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-765 $260 Third check/ money order If file before April 1, 2024: Not needed If file on or after April 1, 2024: Filing fee for Form I-131 $630 ``` ### **Is the complexity level of your case suitable for DIY?** Immigration history, income, marriage time and criminal records are all factors. Take our eligibility quiz to find out in 40 seconds: ## 6\. Assemble and File the Application We are all done with the hard part! Now let’s stuff this delicious paperwork feast in a hungry envelope! ![📩](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4e9.svg) U.S. Citizen’s Spouse ### Submit in One Envelope, but as Two Packets The immigrant petition and the adjustment of status can be submitted together in the same envelope. This is called “concurrent filing” and is a special privilege given to U.S. citizens’ immediate relatives (including the spouse) who are already living in the U.S. \[8\]. Most other Green Card applicants have to patiently wait until the immigrant petition is approved by USCIS before submitting the adjustment of status. So lucky you\! Even though these two parts are submitted together, USCIS processes them separately \[8\]. Therefore, to avoid grumpy USCIS agents, kindly organize the paperwork into two separate application packets. ![uscis-agent](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/grumpy-agent-app-guide-1-320x372.png) ### Cover Each Packet with A Cover Letter Time to organize, kids! USCIS recommends creating a cover letter for each application packet and placing the cover letter on top of the packet. A cover letter is essentially a table of contents of all the forms and documents contained within the packet. The cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps USCIS agents during their review. If you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your application packet, making your submission fast and easy. ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/thank-gch-app-guide-2-300x184.png) ### Stack and Stuff Now stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop/package. Your application is now ready to send\! ### Where to Send Finally, it’s time to mail the application package! ![📩](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4e9.svg) Mail the envelope to USCIS at the address below \[10\] \[11\]. If you mail through U.S. Postal Service (USPS), depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following: ``` USCIS Attn: AOS P.O. Box 805887 Chicago, IL 60680 OR USCIS Attn: AOS P.O. Box 20500 Phoenix, AZ 85036-0500 ``` If you mail through FedEx, UPS, and DHL, depending on the state where the applicant lives, the mailing address is one of the following: ``` USCIS Attn: AOS (Box 805887) 131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 OR USCIS Attn: AOS (Box 20500) 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850 ``` Green Card Holder’s Spouse Now we’ve got a lot of finished paperwork lying around, how do we organize and submit it? It’s time to learn the subtle art of stuffing hungry envelops. ![📩](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4e9.svg) The process is the same for both Application Part One and Part Two. ### Organize Using a Cover Letter Per the USCIS recommendation, we will create a cover letter and place it on top of the application packet.\[6\] A cover letter is essentially a table of contents for all the forms and documents contained in an application. A cover letter helps you organize your papers, and also helps you avoid grumpy USCIS agents during processing. If you are using GreenCardHero, GreenCardHero will create a customized cover letter for each of your submission, making assembling the application fast and easy. ### Stack and Stuff Now stack your forms and documents in the order listed on the cover letter. Then put the assembled packet in one envelop/package. Your application is now ready to send\! ### Mail It\! Finally, it’s time to mail the application package! ![📩](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4e9.svg) The mailing address for Submission 1 and Submission 2 are different. Make sure you use the correct address for each submission. - Application Part One (Immigrant Petition): follow the [USCIS Form I-130 filing address](https://www.uscis.gov/i-130-addresses) - Application Part Two (Adjustment of Status): follow the [USCIS Form I-485 filing address](https://www.uscis.gov/i-485-addresses) ![green-card-signature](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/signature-app-guide-320x321.png) Don’t forget to sign\! ### How to Catch Mistakes before Filing - First, take a deep breath. Hundreds of thousands of couples just like you apply for their Green Cards every year, and the vast majority get approved. The odds are on your side\! - Review each application form, document and cover letter. - If you’re iffy about any particular section, try re-reading the form’s instructions for that section. - If you to check more closely, consider hiring an immigration lawyer to review your completed application. An application review is affordable, usually costs around \$500. In contrast, hiring a lawyer to do the whole application for you can cost \$4,000 and up. ## **7\. Application Timeline** Yay, you filed! The hardest part is officially behind us! Now we move on to the second – and final – step of the process: “Game of Groans”. The groans are caused by prolonged waiting: once in a while, your application reaches a milestone and you receive a USCIS communication, and then you wait some more, until you get a notice for an interview. Eventually, you will receive that gorgeous Green Card in the mail. This timeline explains what happens after filing the Green Card application: Around 2-3 Weeks after Filing **USCIS Receipt Notices Arrive** For each form you submit in the application, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your case status with the [USCIS Case Status Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do). Around 3-5 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19) **Biometrics Appointment Notice Arrives for the Applicant** The biometrics services appointment is a quick, low stress procedure where the USCIS takes the applicant’s fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. This helps USCIS confirm the applicant’s identity and run required background and security checks.[4](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#easy-footnote-bottom-4-1224) The appointment will be at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The applicant’s appointment notice will include the date, time and location for the appointment.[5](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/marriage-green-card-guide/#easy-footnote-bottom-5-1224) ## Download GreenCardHero to see the complete application timeline [Download Now](https://www.greencardhero.com/) Around 4-6 Weeks after Filing (maybe slower due to COVID-19) ## The Applicant Goes to the Biometrics Appointment Attend the scheduled biometrics services appointment. You can learn more about what it’s like [on the USCIS website](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment). ## 8\. Track Case Status and Processing Time [USCIS Case Status Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do) is the official tool for checking your case status. Enter all the case numbers printed on the receipt notices you received, then the tool will display the processing status of each form in your particular case. You may also use the official [USCIS Case Processing Times Checker](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/) to see the current processing time of each form, so that you can anticipate when your case status will change. The processing time has been steadily increasing since Trump became president in 2017, and it varies significantly depending on where you live. The tool shows the processing time range for each form type at different USCIS office locations. ### How to Preserve Sanity During the Wait ![green-card-processing-time](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/long-wait-app-guide-300x167.png) Based on my personal experience, the long wait can get very frustrating – feeling suspended in uncertainty is not fun. Unfortunately, none of us can speed up processing speed (except President Biden perhaps?). I found it helpful to join an online immigration forum and feel like part of a community that is going through this together. I also found it helpful to keep myself engaged with other activities in life, so I wouldn’t think about “the G” (“g” from Green Card) that much. Ultimately, the time will come when a fateful USPS letter arrives in your mailbox. You pick it up and feel a thin and sturdy object inside, perfectly rectangular with slight rounded edges. You carefully open the envelope, and there it is – a Green Card, shrouded in an ornate tapestry and soft hues; through a fine layer of misty Atlantic fog, the statue of liberty greets you with a gorgeous smile. This journey has made you older and wiser, and congratulations, you’ve now got the key to America\! ![receive-green-card](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/the-end-app-guide-1024x610.png) ![](https://www.greencardhero.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/step1-screenshot-lo-rez-ffmpeg-70-percent.gif) ### Related Posts 1. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2019/visa-bulletin-for-january-2019.html 2. https://www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo 3. https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/visa-availability-priority-dates 4. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment 5. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/preparing-your-biometric-services-appointment

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