Family Immigration

Practice Areas

Marriage-Based Green Card Process

The marriage-based green card is a well-known process by which a U.S. citizen petitions for his or her spouse to become a permanent resident of the United States. Becoming a legal permanent resident through marriage is more complicated than it may seem.
There are strict requirements for marriage-based green cards. In recent months the process has become even more complex with the new public charge. Couples need to complete numerous forms. In addition to submitting the proper fees, medical examination documentation and evidence to demonstrate that the marriage is real, the foreign national spouse must obtain biometrics and both spouses are required to attend an interview with a USCIS immigration officer. This process can be complicated and confusing. Working with an experienced immigration attorney often helps simplify the process.

Legal Guidance For Marriage-Based Green Card Applications

The marriage-based green card process can feel intimidating and confusing. At Becker & Lee LLP, our immigration attorneys and professional staff guide clients through every step of the process. We seek to simplify the complex process by providing our clients with clear explanations of the law and help with each step of the process. We work closely with our clients to help gather the correct documentation, and we provide quick answers to questions throughout the process.
We can help you by:
  • Explaining the requirements for marriage-based immigration
  • Advising on adjustment of status versus consular processing
  • Filing the necessary petitions and forms, and gathering the correct documentation in a correct and timely fashion
  • Preparing you and your spouse for interviews with immigration personnel
  • Addressing immigration issues specific to same-sex marriage, when appropriate
Having a marriage-based green card does not make a person a U.S. citizen. However, a green card holder can file for naturalization after three years assuming the person has been living in “marital union” with his or her U.S. citizen spouse and meets other requirements. Learn more about obtaining citizenship.

Contact Our Immigration Law Firm

Advanced planning and action can help significantly during the green card application process. Contact our marriage-based green card lawyers to get started. Based in Oakland, California, we serve clients throughout the United States and worldwide.

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We are ready to answer your individual or business immigration questions.
We just need a brief description of your case. You can discuss all of the details when you speak with someone from our team.