Marriage Green Card Timeline in 2026 | Full Processing Guide

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

The average time to get a marriage green card in the United States ranges from 10 months to up to 3 years.

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 (Adjustment of Status), wait times currently range from approximately 10 to 20 months, though individual cases can vary.

If your spouse lives outside of the United States and is a US citizen (Consular Processing), wait times often range from 12 to 20 months.

If your spouse has a green card and lives in the United States, wait times are typically longer due to Visa Bulletin backlogs. Once a visa is available, the I-485 process might take 10 to 20 months, but the total wait, including the I-130 petition and Visa Bulletin wait, can often exceed 30 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 

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

The two main ways to apply for a marriage-based green card are:

• Adjustment of Status (AOS): Used when the applicant is already in the U.S. and applies through USCIS without leaving the country.
• Consular Processing: Used when the applicant is abroad. After USCIS approves the petition, the applicant applies for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Each path has a different timeline and steps. You can learn more in our guide to Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing.

Marriage Green Card Timeline by Relationship Type

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
• Where the applicant currently resides (inside or outside the U.S.)

All permanent residence cards require processing by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which can take more or less time depending on the complexity of the application.

Timeline for Spouses of U.S. Citizens (Inside and Outside the U.S.)

For applicants living in the U.S, the Processing time is approximately 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 USCIS-designated civil surgeon. As of December 2024, applicants must submit Form I-693 together with Form I-485. Waiting to bring the form to the interview is no longer allowed, and failure to submit it upfront may result in case rejection. Do note that Forms I-693 signed on or after November 1, 2023, do not expire, and the COVID-19 vaccination requirement was removed in March 2025.
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: If approved, you will receive your green card by mail 2–4 weeks after the interview.

For applicants living outside of the U.S., the Processing time is about 12–20 months.

If you are married to a U.S. citizen and are living outside the U.S., the application process generally takes place as follows:

1. Establish your marriage relationship: File Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative.
2. Submit the green card application: After USCIS approval, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This phase typically takes 3–8 months. Time can vary.
3. Undergo a medical examination: This must be done with a State Department-approved panel physician in your country. They will complete your exam and send results to the embassy or give you a sealed envelope to bring to your interview. Do not open it.
4. Attend the marriage green card interview: Applicants should be prepared to answer detailed questions about their marriage.
5. Receive the marriage visa: If approved, your passport and visa are returned by courier. You must pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee and travel to the U.S. within the validity period listed on your visa (often 6 months).

Timeline for Spouses of Green Card Holders (Inside and Outside the U.S.)

If the applicant lives in the U.S. the Processing time is about 10–20 months (after visa becomes available).

Spouses of green card holders must wait until a visa number is available under the F2A category before they can proceed. The availability of visas is published monthly in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.

If you are married to a U.S. green card holder and live in the U.S., the process generally follows these steps:

1. Establish your marriage relationship: File Form I-130. As of April 2024, the filing fee is $625 online or $675 by mail. Submit the form to the proper USCIS address or online portal.
2. Wait for a visa number: F2A applicants must wait for the Visa Bulletin to become current.
3. File Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The fee is $1,440 which now includes the biometrics services fee.
4. Undergo a medical examination: This must be done with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. As of December 2024, applicants must submit Form I-693 together with Form I-485. Waiting to bring the form to the interview is no longer allowed, and failure to submit it upfront may result in case rejection.
5. Attend the marriage green card interview: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your relationship.
6. Receive the marriage green card: If approved, the card will be mailed to your U.S. address.

If the applicant lives outside the U.S., the processing time: 12–20 months (after visa becomes available).

Again, spouses of green card holders must wait until a visa number is available under the F2A category before they can proceed. The availability of visas is published monthly in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.

If you are married to a U.S. green card holder and live abroad, the application process includes these steps:

1. Establish your marriage relationship: File Form I-130 with required documents. This usually takes 7–10 months to process.
2. Wait for a visa number: F2A category cases are subject to visa availability based on the monthly Visa Bulletin. In 2025, the F2A category is not current and is experiencing backlogs. This means there is a waiting period even after Form I-130 approval. Applicants must check the latest Visa Bulletin for their ‘Final Action Date’ to know when they can proceed.
3. Case transfer: After USCIS approval, the case is sent to the NVC, which assigns a unique case number. NVC will notify you when a visa is available.
4. File Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa Application. Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) requires a fee of $325, payable through the National Visa Center.
5. File Form DS-261: Online Choice of Address and Agent. No fee is required. This must be completed before your DS-260 is processed.
6. Submit supporting documents: Upload civil documents through the NVC portal once the DS-260 is complete.
7. Undergo a medical examination: This must be done with a State Department-approved panel physician.
8. Attend the marriage visa interview: Bring original documents and be prepared for detailed questions.
9. Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee: After receiving your visa, you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee of $235.
10. Travel to the U.S.: Upon entry, you’ll be admitted as a lawful permanent resident and your green card will arrive by mail.

What to Do If Your Marriage Green Card Is Delayed

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. 

Marriage Green Card Fees in 2025

The cost of a marriage-based green card depends on your location (inside or outside the U.S.) and your spouse’s immigration status. Below is a summary of typical government filing fees as of 2025:

Note: The medical examination fee is paid directly to the doctor and varies by country or clinic. Always check the official USCIS and State Department websites for the most up-to-date fees.

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.

official U.S. government sources cited in the article content:

1. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) – https://www.uscis.gov
2. USCIS Immigrant Fee – https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/uscis-immigrant-fee
3. USCIS Case Status Tracker – https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do
4. USCIS Processing Times – https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
5. USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator – https://www.uscis.gov/tools/find-a-civil-surgeon
6. Department of State Visa Bulletin – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
7. NVC Processing Times – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/nvc-timeframes.html
8. Interview Wait Times – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
9. State Department Medical Exam Guide – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/interview/prepare/interview-medical-examination.html