How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Green Card in 2024? 

How long does it take to get a marriage green card?

17 months is the average time to get a marriage green card in the United States. There are several factors that influence the wait time for a marriage-based green card, and they include:

• Whether your spouse is a US citizen or not
• Whether your spouse has a US Green Card
• If your spouse lives in the US or abroad

If your spouse lives in the United States already and is a US citizen, wait times are a bit longer (up to 28 months.) If your spouse lives outside of the United States and is a US citizen, wait times are a bit shorter (up to 14 months.)

If your spouse has a green card and lives in the United States, wait times are longer (up to 28 months.) If your spouse has a green card and lives abroad, wait times can be much longer (up to 33 months.)

What is a Marriage Green Card? 

Also known as a spouse visa, a marriage green card allows a foreign national to become a lawful permanent resident in the United States based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. 

Couples seeking a marriage green card must meet specific eligibility criteria and go through the application process, which includes submitting the required documents and attending an in-person interview. Once the foreign spouse obtains their marriage green card, they can work, study, and travel freely in the United States and eventually apply for citizenship. 

Determining Processing Times for U.S. Marriage Green Card 

The processing times for a U.S. marriage green card can vary based on various factors, such as the volume of applications being processed, the complexity of the case, and the location of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office handling the case. It will also depend on the applicant’s location and whether their spouse has a green card or is a U.S. citizen. The typical processing time for a marriage green card can range from several months to over a year. The process involves several steps, including submitting forms and supporting documents, collecting biometric information, and attending an in-person interview with a USCIS officer. 

The estimated processing time provided by the USCIS is subject to change based on various factors. In some cases, applicants may request expedited processing if they can demonstrate an urgent need. Applicants should stay up to date on the status of their application and to consult with an immigration attorney if they have concerns about the application process.

Some factors that determine the processing time for a spouse visa include the following:  

• The immigration status of the applicant’s spouse - a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• The location where the applicant’s spouse resides - in the U.S. or abroad
• Number of available visas (Visa Bulletin)
• Processing times at the USCIS service center
• Processing times at the National Visa Center (NVC)
• Interview schedule of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate 

Processing Times for Marriage Green Card

Two key factors determining the processing time for a U.S. marriage green card are whether the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder and where they currently reside. All permanent residence card requires processing by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which can take more or less time depending on the complexity of the application. 

Approximate processing times for applicants that are married to U.S. citizens

The applicant lives in the U.S.

Processing time: 10-20 months 

If you are married to a U.S. citizen and already living in the country, you will be applying for an adjustment of status when you submit the application for your marriage green card. 

This process generally takes place as follows:

1. File your marriage green card application: There are several aspects to the application process, including submitting all required forms and documentation.
   
2. Undergo a medical exam: This must be done with a State Department-approved physician.
   
3. Attend the green card interview: Applicants should be prepared to answer questions about their marriage. Both the applicant and their spouse should attend the appointment together.
   
4. Receive your marriage green card: The immigration officer conducting the interview will approve or reject your application at the interview. If approved, you will receive the spouse visa 2-4 weeks later. 

The applicant lives outside of the U.S.: 

1. Processing time: 12-20 months 
2. If you are married to a U.S. citizen and are living outside the U.S., the application  process generally takes place as follows:
   
3. Establish your marriage relationship: File Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative.
   
4. Submit the marriage green card application: The USCIS will review your application and submit it to the NVC. Once approved, it will be sent to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This process can take 3-5 months.
   
5. Undergo a medical examination: This must be done with a State Department-approved physician. As an applicant, you must have a signed Form I-693 from the attending physician within 60 days of submitting your application. You can choose to bring this form to the interview instead.
   
6. Attend the marriage green card interview: Applicants should be prepared to answer detailed questions about their marriage.
   
7. Receive the marriage visa: After the interview, the spouse will be notified if the visa has been approved. If approved, the spouse will receive his/her passport and U.S. visa by courier service. The spouse must pay the Immigrant Fee online and travel to the U.S. within 90 days of receiving his/her immigrant visa.

Approximate processing times for applicants that are married to U.S. green card holders

The applicant lives in the U.S.: 

1. Processing time: 10-20 months.
2. If you are married to a U.S. green card holder and live in the U.S., the application process will look something like this:
   
   1. Establish your marriage relationship: File Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative. There is a fee of $535. The form and payments should be mailed to the relevant USCIS address. This process can take between 7-12 months.
      
   2. File Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This can only be done after the USCIS has approved Form I-130.
      
   3. Wait for a priority date and submit the marriage green card application.
      
   4. Undergo a medical examination: This must be done with a USCIS-approved physician. As an applicant, you must have a signed Form I-693 from the attending physician within 60 days of submitting your application. You can choose to bring this form to the interview instead.
      
   5. Attend the marriage green card interview: Applicants should be prepared to answer detailed questions about their marriage.
      
   6. Receive the marriage green card: Once the application is approved, applicants will receive their marriage green card. 

The applicant lives outside the U.S.: 

1. Processing time: 12-20 months 
2. This process tends to be longer than others due to additional forms that must be submitted and approved. If you are married to a U.S. green card holder and live outside the U.S., you will need to go through the following steps: 
   
3. Establish your marriage relationship: File Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative. Submit Form I-130 with the required supporting documents and mail it to the USCIS. This usually takes between 7-10 months.
   
4. Wait for a priority date and submit the marriage green card application.
   
5. Wait for your application to be transferred: The application will be sent from the USCIS to the NVC, issuing a unique number for your case. There are limits to the number of green cards available, so you cannot submit the NVC green card application unless the State Department determines one is available. This can take up to 10 months.
   
6. File Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa Electronic Application through the NVC’s Consular Electronic Application Center. It typically takes two months to approve this form. 

5. File the online DS-261 Form: Online Choice of Address and Agent. It can take up to three weeks for the State Department to approve this form. 

6. Submit any required supporting documents to the NVC. Once approved, they will send it to the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
   
7. Undergo a medical examination: This must be done with a State Department-approved physician.
   
8. Attend the marriage visa interview: Applicants should be prepared to answer detailed questions about their marriage.
   
9. Receive the marriage visa: Once the application is approved, applicants will receive their marriage visa. 
10. Travel to the U.S.: Once admitted, the spouse will automatically become a legal permanent resident and receive a marriage green card in the mail within a few weeks of arrival to the U.S..

Delayed Processing for the Marriage Green Card 

While the application process is straightforward, applying for any visa in the U.S. takes time. ‍Each case is considered separately, so each application's processing times will differ. If your application's processing time seems overly slow, there are some steps you can take to see what is causing the delay. 

‍If You Applied From Inside of the U.S.

The USCIS handles the application process for all marriage green cards, so it’s best to get a case update from them. Here are three ways to check the status of your application: 

1. Track your application status online: Check your case status on the USCIS website by entering the receipt number into their online portal.
   
2. Call the USCIS customer service: You will need your receipt number, A-number, the date you filed your application, the type of application you submitted, or your email address to receive a status update.
   
3. Submit a case inquiry to the USCIS: You will need your receipt number, A-number, the date you filed your application, the type of application you submitted, or your email address to receive a status update. 

‍If You Applied From Outside of the U.S.

Applications filed from outside the U.S. for consular processing will be handled by USCIS, then by the State Department, and then by the nearest embassy or consulate. 

1. If your case is still with the USCIS, you can check your case status on the USCIS website by entering the receipt number into their online portal.
   
2. If your case has moved to the NVC or a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you should contact them for more information.
   
3. If you have exhausted all other options, you can file a request as per the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The government must respond to this official request within a specific time frame. 

FAQs For How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Green Card

Final Thoughts On How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Green Card

Depending on your current situation, it could take between 9 and 40 months to get a marriage green card. Whether your spouse lives abroad or in the United States, and if they have a green card or are a US citizen all affect the timeline to get a marriage green card. The attorneys at Shoreline Immigration have years of experience helping people get marriage green cards and are excited to help you on your journey to the United States.

If you have questions and would like to speak with a Shoreline Lawer, book a consultation today.