Marriage
A marriage-based green card is available to a U.S. citizen or green card holder’s foreign spouse. The U.S. citizen or green card holder will file an application on behalf of their foreign spouse to attest to their “bona fide” (legitimate) marriage, show evidence of their married life, and affirm the spouse meets all other eligibility, background, and medical requirements.
Fiancé
A fiancé-based green card process begins with the K-1 visa, which allows a foreign national fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying within 90 days.
After the marriage takes place, the foreign spouse becomes eligible to file to adjust their status to obtain a marriage based green card, which requires proving the marriage is “bona fide” (legitimate) and meeting all eligibility, background, and medical requirements.
Family
U.S. Citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs) can apply to sponsor certain relatives for a green card.
- U.S. Citizens can apply for spouses, parents, children, and siblings.
- Permanent residents can apply for spouses and children.
Potential sponsors will need to be prepared to show that they can help financially provide for their immigrant relative.