Do you automatically get a green card when you marry a U.S. citizen?

The beneficiary, or person who is applying to receive a green card, is generally automatically eligible to receive a green card once they are lawfully married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
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How long does it take to get green card after marrying an American citizen?

The current total wait time for a marriage-based green card ranges between 9 to 36 months, depending on whether you are married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder and where you currently live (not including possible delays).
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Do you get a green card if you marry a U.S. citizen?

After you marry a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a green card. While USCIS is processing your application, you can apply for “advance parole,” which gives you permission to travel. Unless you have an emergency situation, USCIS will take two to three months to process your parole.
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How long does it take to get a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen 2021?

If you're the spouse applying for a marriage based green card and living outside the U.S., while your spouse is a U.S. citizen, then you'll apply through a USCIS procedure called “Consular Processing“. Total estimated time: The estimated time to receive your green card will be from 11-17 months.
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What are the benefits of marrying a U.S. citizen?

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you will enjoy many benefits, but also face a few inconveniences.
  • No Annual Limit on Visas. ...
  • Long Wait for Government Processing of Applications. ...
  • Possibility to Adjust Status After Legal U.S. Entry. ...
  • First Two Years of Residence Are Likely to Be Conditional.
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Green Card through Marriage to US Citizen Process Explained (2020-2021)



Can I stay in the US after marrying a U.S. citizen?

Once you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residence and remain in the United States while we process the application. If you choose this method, file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Filing instructions and forms are available on our Web site at www.
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What to do after marrying a U.S. citizen?

Applying for US citizenship after marrying a US citizen
  1. Vote in federal elections.
  2. Travel with a US passport.
  3. Run for elective office where citizenship is required.
  4. Become eligible for jury service.
  5. Become eligible for federal and certain law enforcement jobs.
  6. Obtain certain state and federal benefits.
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Can I marry a U.S. citizen if I overstay my visa?

If you overstay your visa for less than 180 days, you may leave the U.S. and apply for a Green Card through consular processing. If your overstay has been more than 180 days, the only option is to wait for your spouse to become a U.S. citizen and then apply for I-485 Adjustment of Status inside the U.S.
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How much does it cost to get a green card through marriage?

Cost Of Applying For A Marriage Based Green Card In The U.S. As of February 2021, the cost of applying for a marriage-based green card in the United States is $1760. However, it is important to note that these fees may be subject to change.
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Can you work while waiting for marriage green card?

No, you are not allowed to work while your I-765 is pending. However, if you receive a job offer and your I-765 is pending, it is best to be transparent with the employer and tell them that you can only begin working when USCIS has approved your form. Can you file Form I-765 at a different time than Form I-485?
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How can I get a green card fast?

There are several quick ways to achieve that goal.
  1. Marriage to U.S. Citizen. This is the fastest way to immigrate. ...
  2. Immigration through family reunification. ...
  3. Political Asylum in the USA. ...
  4. Immigration of extraordinary ability people. ...
  5. Investment immigration.
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Can I divorce after green card?

If you already have a green card and are a permanent resident at the time of the divorce, the divorce should not change your status. However, the divorce may force you to wait longer to apply for naturalization. In this case, you would need to wait five years, rather than three.
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What do I need to get a green card through marriage?

The documents needed to apply for a green card through marriage
  1. Birth certificate.
  2. Marriage certificate.
  3. Financial documents.
  4. Proof of sponsor's U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
  5. Proof of lawful U.S. entry and status, if applicable.
  6. Police clearance certificate, if applicable.
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How long does a green card last?

A Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551)

Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years. It is important to keep your card up-to-date.
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What happens if you marry a U.S. citizen and then divorce?

Divorce After Conditional Green Card

A divorce or annulment may pose a problem if you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In these cases, USCIS issues a two-year conditional green card. The two-year period provides USCIS time to evaluate the bona fides of the marriage.
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Can my wife stay in the US while waiting for green card?

Adjustment versus Consular Processing

In most cases, spouses who are eligible to adjust status prefer to do so. It allows the foreign spouse to stay in the United States while waiting for the marriage green card. On the other hand, consular processing can often result in quicker processing times.
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Can you become a U.S. citizen by marriage?

Who Qualifies For Citizenship? All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).
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What happens if you get married while on a tourist visa?

Legally, there is nothing wrong with getting married while you are in the U.S. as a visitor (on a B-2 visa), if you return home at the end of your permitted stay.
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Do parents get citizenship through birth of their child in USA?

A child can also obtain U.S. citizenship through parents after his or her birth. Derivative citizenship may be established after birth but before the age of 18. If you have a parent that became a U.S. citizen after your birth and met a few other requirements, you could be a U.S. citizen automatically through this path.
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Does adultery affect green card?

Yes. If you have had an extramarital affair within the Good Moral Character period that is required in order to naturalize (usually the past five years), it is possible you might not qualify for U.S. citizenship.
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Can I lose my citizenship if I divorce?

Divorce Before Naturalization

Depending on your circumstance, a divorce may affect your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen even with a green card. When you file to become a citizen, the USCIS will review your immigration file in its entirety. They may find the timing of your divorce to be suspicious.
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Who gets a 10 year green card?

If you got your residency through your employer or your parent or adult child or brother or sister you will be issued the regular 10-year card. Also if you get residency through marriage and have been married more than two years at the time you are granted then you also will get the regular 10-year card.
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Can you buy a green card?

If you are currently in the United States, an immigrant visa is immediately available to you as an EB-5 immigrant investor, and you meet certain other requirements, you may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to apply for a Green Card without leaving the country.
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How difficult is green card?

No matter how you attempt it, it's not easy to get a green card. The process of getting a green card can be very long and complicated. Doing it incorrectly could waste years and a lot of money. It also could expose you to deportation, criminal charges, and being barred from ever entering the US.
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Why is getting a green card so hard?

The bottom line is, the supply of visas often fails to meet the demand, and waiting lists develop in most visa-preference categories. The waits are especially long for people attempting to immigrate from China, Mexico, India, and the Philippines, due to the high demand from those countries.
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