Welcome to Namona Family Immigration, your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of immigration law. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about marriage-based green cards, a key pathway to obtaining lawful permanent residency in the United States.
What is a Marriage-Based Green Card? A marriage-based green card, officially known as Form I-551 or a Permanent Resident Card, is issued to foreign nationals who are married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders). This card grants the holder the right to live and work in the United States permanently.
Key Benefits of a Marriage-Based Green Card:
Legal Permanent Residency: Holders of marriage-based green cards are granted legal permanent residency in the United States, allowing them to live and work in the country indefinitely.
Pathway to Citizenship: After holding a green card for a certain period of time, typically three to five years, holders may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
Work Authorization: Green card holders are authorized to work for any employer in the United States without the need for sponsorship.
Access to Social Benefits: Green card holders have access to various social benefits, including healthcare, education, and social security benefits.
Eligibility Requirements for a Marriage-Based Green Card: To qualify for a marriage-based green card, the following criteria must be met:
Valid Marriage: The applicant must be legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Genuine Relationship: The marriage must be bona fide, meaning it is entered into for genuine reasons and not solely for immigration purposes.
Admissibility: The applicant must meet certain admissibility requirements, including passing background checks and medical examinations.
The Marriage-Based Green Card Process: The process of obtaining a marriage-based green card typically involves the following steps:
Filing the Petition: The U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the relationship with their foreign spouse.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Depending on whether the foreign spouse is already residing in the United States or abroad, they may apply for adjustment of status or undergo consular processing to obtain their green card.
Interview and Adjudication: The foreign spouse will attend an interview with USCIS to review their eligibility for a green card. If approved, they will receive their green card and become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
Why Choose Namona for Your Marriage-Based Green Card Journey: At Namona Family Immigration, we understand that the process of obtaining a marriage-based green card can be daunting. That's why we're here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way.
When you choose Namona for your immigration needs, you can expect:
Expertise: Our team of experienced immigration attorneys specializes in marriage-based green card cases and stays up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations.
Personalized Service: We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs and objectives.
Accessibility: We're here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide support throughout the entire green card process.
Peace of Mind: With Namona by your side, you can have confidence knowing that your case is in capable hands, allowing you to focus on building a future with your spouse in the United States.
A marriage-based green card opens the door to a world of opportunities in the United States. If you're considering applying for a green card through marriage or have questions about the process, contact Namona Family Immigration today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. Let us help you navigate the pathway to permanent residency with confidence and ease.
