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Immigration Law Group of Florida, P.A. | Experience Matters

Protecting Our Clients’ Rights And Futures

Get Immigration Advice From Marriage-Based Green Card Lawyers In St. Petersburg

Are you married and hoping to live permanently in the United States? A marriage-based green card might be your pathway to a new life. 

At the Immigration Law Group of Florida, P.A., our experienced lawyers in St. Petersburg are committed to helping clients achieve their immigration goals. Whether you’re married to an American citizen or a green card holder, we can help you understand the requirements and process of securing a green card.

Why Choose A Marriage-Based Green Card?

A marriage-based green card allows you to become a permanent resident and work in the United States. It gives you a legal immigrant status and can be a step toward citizenship.

Securing a marriage-based green card differs when married to an American citizen versus a green card holder, also called a lawful permanent resident (LPR). If you are married to an American citizen, you are an immediate relative and, if you are in the U.S. and entered with a visa or parole, you can typically adjust your status without waiting for a visa to become available.

Meanwhile, you may face longer wait times if your spouse is a green card holder. There are annual limits on the number of green cards available, so you might need to wait for a visa number to become available. If you are in the U.S., you must also maintain valid immigration status while waiting for the green card, which may lead to challenges if your visa expires. 

Requirements For A Marriage-Based Green Card

Securing this green card involves several critical steps to ensure the process is legitimate and your relationship is genuine. Here are the elements that may affect your eligibility:

  • Legally valid marriage: You must have a marriage certificate recognized in the United States. If either of you had a previous marriage, it must be officially ended through divorce, annulment or the passing of a spouse.
  • Financial support: Your spouse must demonstrate the ability to support both of you financially. 
  • Proving the authenticity of the marriage: It is crucial to demonstrate that your marriage is real and not just for immigration reasons. 
  • Interview: You will likely have an interview with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to further confirm your marriage is real. During this interview, both you and your spouse will answer queries about your married life and relationship. If you are abroad this interview will take place at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

To prove your marriage’s authenticity for immigration purposes, you must provide documentation demonstrating a genuine marital relationship. You may have to provide evidence of shared living arrangements, financial ties and a history of interaction as a married couple.

Applying For A Marriage-Based Green Card

Embarking on the journey to secure a green card involves several key steps. Here’s an overview of the process:

  • Petition filing: The process starts with your spouse filing a petition with USCIS. This shows the government you are married and want to live together in the United States.
  • Gathering documents: You will need documents like marriage certificates, proof of your spouse’s citizenship or green card status and evidence of your relationship.
  • Adjustment of status: If you are in the U.S. and entered lawfully, you may be able to apply to adjust your status to become a permanent resident at the same time as you file your family petition. This process involves a medical exam and an interview.
  • Consular processing: If you are outside the country, you will apply for an immigrant visa through an American embassy or consulate. This process also involves a medical exam and an interview.

Understanding these steps can help facilitate a smoother application process. By ensuring all requirements are met, you can look forward to building your life together in the United States.

Visit The Immigration Law Group of Florida, P.A., To Secure A Marriage-Based Green Card

While you are not required to hire a lawyer to get a green card, having a lawyer can be crucial. Immigration laws are complex, and legal proceedings can be complicated, so you need the right legal partner to face these challenges.

Our marriage-based green card lawyers are here to help you every step of the way. From gathering documents to preparing for interviews, our team can assist you so you can meet visa requirements and make your dream of living in America a reality. Call 727-471-0677 or send us an email today to set up an appointment. Se habla español.