Getting a marriage green card? Here’s a field guide to the many forms you may encounter along the way.
You fell in love with a foreign citizen and got married. Congratulations! But before you can live happily ever after, your spouse must first apply for a marriage-based green card to stay and work permanently in the United States.
Filling out immigration forms is like dating — except in this case you’re in a love triangle with Uncle Sam: On each document, you and your partner will disclose personal details to the government before hopefully making things official. This get-to-know-each-other process can be nerve-wracking for many people, and that’s natural.
Familiarizing yourself with the different marriage green card forms will help you limit this dating anxiety. Following is a break down of the forms required for a U.S. citizen whose foreign spouse is already in America. (You may need different forms if your situation is different.)
Family Sponsorship Form (I-130)
Think of this as the first date. It usually starts with harmless questions like where you live and work. But Uncle Sam likes to move fast, so you’ll also talk about your parents and introduce your spouse. The only part that may get uncomfortable is the section about your exes. It’s okay to be a little self-absorbed this time, though, because this first date is really about you—the U.S. citizen—and you’re the one who signs the form.
Supplemental Information Form (I-130A)
Since the first introductions were mostly one-sided, it’s only fair that the second date focuses on your spouse. It’s a chance for your partner to tell their story: Where were they born? Where do they work? Where have they lived? They’ll be the one to sign this form.
Green Card Application Form (I-485)
Be prepared. This is a meet-the-parents type of situation. This form will ask a lot of the intimate details already shared during the first and second dates, but it’ll dig more deeply into your spouse’s past. For instance, was your partner ever involved in any criminal activity, such as smuggling, spying, or illegal gambling? Have they committed any immigration-related violations? You get the picture — or you will if you didn’t already know these things about your spouse. Your spouse will sign this form, which is technically called an application for “adjustment of status.” (Don’t worry—we’re talking about immigration status, not Facebook relationship status.)
Credit Card Payment Form (G-1450)
It used to be really awkward to split the bill (which is going to be nearly $2,000, by the way). But Uncle Sam recently started accepting credit cards, so this part of the date should go smoothly.
Financial Support Form (I-864)
In any relationship, you eventually need to talk finances. The green card application process is no different. Based on your answers on this form, the government will determine if you’ll be able to support your spouse in the United States. To meet the minimum income requirements, you can use your salary and assets, plus some of your spouse’s if necessary. You can phone a friend, too. A willing friend or relative — also called a “joint sponsor” — can pledge to help financially.
Applications for a Work Permit (I-765) and Travel Permit (I-131)
Maintaining a sense of independence and purpose is important when you’re in a relationship. A green card gives your spouse the long-term freedom to travel internationally and work for any U.S. employer without a special permit. But in the meantime, your spouse will need interim permits to work and travel while their green card application is pending. Both of these application forms require some basic information and will be signed by your spouse. The work and travel card should arrive within three to seven months.
Electronic Notification Form (G-1145)
Communication is key to a healthy relationship. After submitting this short and easy form, the government will provide updates about your case status, so you’ll always know where you stand. Fail to stay in touch, however, and the relationship with Uncle Sam could go south. The government wants you to call or write if you’ve moved to a new address; nobody likes to be ghosted. But two can play that game. If Uncle Sam gives you the silent treatment, be the bigger person and reach out.
Medical Examination Form (I-693)
There’s no non-awkward way to say this, but before Uncle Sam commits to being your third wheel, he’ll make sure your spouse is fully vaccinated and disease-free. A government-approved physician must perform a medical exam and provide this form to record the results, so you won’t have to fill it out yourself.
Taking the Plunge
Once you put together all these forms (and fees) and sent them to Uncle Sam, you’ve only made it to first base. Your full green card journey is likely to take 10 months to over a year, and includes some extra milestones like the photo shoot (a.k.a. biometrics appointment) and the big interview (where the two of you must once again prove that your love is real).
But remember, every couple in your situation goes through the same process. And while the courting can take a long time, the journey itself doesn’t have to be painful. Now that you know what to expect with the forms, you can ride off into the sunset and kiss your worries goodbye.
