Can you get a green card if you marry a green card holder? (2024)

Can you get a green card if you marry a green card holder?

If you are married to either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (a green card holder), then you could potentially qualify for a green card based on your marriage to the U.S. citizen or the green card holder. In order to qualify for this, you must be in a “bona fide” marriage.

Can you be denied a green card after marriage?

Marriage-based green card applications have a relatively high approval rate, but that doesn't mean that they are never denied. Here are some of the most common problems that marriage-based green card applications run into, and how you can avoid them. Start planning your immigration journey today with Boundless.

What percentage of marriage green card is denied?

Every year, about 810,558 immigrants apply to become U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (“LPRs,” better known as green card holders) through family members. Of these, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) approves about 88% and denies 12%.

What disqualifies you from getting a green card?

If you entered the U.S. unlawfully, have prior immigration violations, failed to attend removal proceedings, or otherwise abused the U.S. immigration process, you may be ineligible for a green card.

What happens if I marry a green card holder?

A marriage-based green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder to live and work anywhere in the United States. A green card holder will have “permanent resident” status until they decide — if they wish — to apply for U.S. citizenship, for which they become eligible after three years.

How long to get a green card if you marry a green card holder?

The current total wait time for a marriage-based green card averages about 16.5 months (Boundless updates these figures monthly, based on analysis of USCIS data).

What's the worst can happen marrying for a green card?

At a Glance:

Both the US citizen and the immigrant involved can face prosecution. Immigrants convicted of marriage fraud may be imprisoned for up to five years, fined up to $250,000, and face deportation. US citizens involved in fraudulent marriages may also face fines, jail time, and potential deportation.

What are the red flags for green card marriage?

USCIS has identified general “red flags” that suggest the possibility of a fraudulent marriage (for example: a large age gap between the spouses, a very short marriage, very different cultural backgrounds, or different addresses showing up for the spouses online).

Do I lose green card after divorce?

While your divorce may not affect your immigration status, it will affect the time you must wait before applying for your permanent resident status. Because you are no longer married, you will have to wait 5 years to apply, versus the 3 years if you were still married.

Do you get deported if your green card is denied?

Whatever the reason for the denial of the immigration case, the consequences are serious and in some cases, we could face deportation proceedings.

What happens if you fail marriage green card interview?

If you do not pass the green card interview, USCIS may investigate your case further. Additionally, USCIS may provide you with the opportunity to submit additional evidence. They may otherwise issue a Notice of Intent to Deny your Green Card application.

Can I sue my husband for using me for a green card?

The spouse who perpetrates the fraud could face civil and criminal penalties, as well as possibly deportation. If you believe that your spouse wanted you only for a green card and never intended to enter into a valid marriage with you, you may be able to get an annulment instead of a divorce.

How does USCIS verify marriage?

Proof of relationship can include joint financial documents (bank statements, joint leases, etc.), photographs of the couple together, affidavits from friends and family attesting to the authenticity of the relationship, joint utility bills, joint insurance policies, travel itineraries, and any other relevant ...

Can I be deported if I have a green card?

People who carry nonimmigrant visas or green cards, though they have certain rights to live and work in the United States long-term, can be deported if they don't follow certain rules and avoid certain types of legal violations.

What is the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant 2023?

Immigration Sponsorship Income Requirements for 2023

Therefore, a financial sponsor who is sponsoring only one immigrant and no family members must make at least $24,650 annually. This figure also assumes the sponsor is not currently on active duty in the military.

What is the 90 day rule for green card?

What is the 90-day rule? The 90-day rule refers to a presumption that a nonimmigrant visa holder made a willful misrepresentation at admission or application for a nonimmigrant visa when that nonimmigrant enters the U.S. and within 90 days engages in conduct that is not allowed with their nonimmigrant status.

How hard is it to get a green card through marriage?

Getting a green card through marriage is not as simple as you might think. There are multiple requirements and steps that must be carefully followed. Failure to properly file your case or to follow each of the required steps can result in your case being delayed, or even worse, denied.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a green card through marriage?

You do not have to hire an immigration lawyer to apply for a marriage-based green card. More than half of all marriage-based green card applications are filed by individuals who do not work with an attorney. You can definitely do it! In certain circ*mstances, having an immigration lawyer is essential.

How much does it cost to get a green card through marriage 2023?

If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and you currently live in the U.S, you and your spouse will need to file a Petition for Alien Relative and an Adjustment of Status through marriage (Don't run, you will become an expert in this in the next five minutes). Total filing fee: $1,760.

How much do I need to make to sponsor my wife?

2023 Income Requirments for Green Card Sponsors

The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $24,650. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not on active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.

Can I divorce after getting a 10 year green card?

If you want to divorce after getting a 10-year green card, it's possible to do so in many cases. You may have come to the U.S. to be with your spouse. While your marriage may not have worked out, you may not want to give up the life you have built.

What is the 5 year rule green card marriage?

You can apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years if you are a permanent resident (Green Card holder) and have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse during that time. Otherwise, most Green Card holders must wait 5 years before applying for naturalization. Learn more.

Why is it illegal to marry for a green card?

Although this can mean different things to different people, one thing is clear: A marriage entered into for the sole purpose of getting the immigrant a green card is not bona fide. It's called a "sham" or "fraudulent" marriage, and uncovering these relationships is a top U.S. government priority.

Is marrying for green card a felony?

A marriage created solely for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit, such as to get a green card, is a fraudulent marriage under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Using a fraudulent marriage to obtain an immigration benefit is a crime and may result in deportation as well as criminal prosecution.

How to pass marriage green card interview?