The process of obtaining a green card in the United States is a crucial step for many people who want to settle in the country permanently. Marriage to a US citizen is one of the most common ways to obtain a green card, but what are the effects of this marriage on the application process?

First, it is important to note that marriage to a US citizen generally speeds up the process of obtaining a green card. While for other types of green card applications, such as employment-based, there may be long wait times, the spouse of a US citizen generally receives preferential treatment and can obtain a green card more quickly.

Additionally, marriage to a US citizen also provides certain advantages in terms of eligibility. In many green card application categories, there are numerical quotas and limits that can make the wait even longer. However, spouses of US citizens are not subject to these limitations, meaning they do not have to wait their turn on a waiting list.

On the other hand, marriage does not automatically guarantee approval of a green card application. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts a thorough review process to determine whether the marriage is genuine and was not entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card. This involves providing evidence of the authenticity of the marriage, such as photographs, joint bank accounts, and testimonials from friends and family.

It is also important to note that marriage to a US citizen does not immediately grant citizenship. After obtaining the green card, the foreign spouse must wait a period of time before they can apply for US citizenship.

In short, marriage to a US citizen can have a significant impact on the green card application process. It can speed up the process and provide certain advantages in terms of eligibility, but it also involves rigorous scrutiny to ensure the authenticity of the marriage. Do you need legal guidance? Contact us today!