While it's possible to apply for a marriage-based green card without a lawyer, the stakes are high, and the process can be challenging. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in immigration law can greatly increase your chances of success and reduce the stress and uncertainty of the process.
The U.S. citizen spouse establishes the marriage relationship by filing Form I-130. Apply for the green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485) if you're living in the U.S. or Form DS-260 if you're a foreign national living abroad. Attend the marriage-based green card interview and await approval.
As long as you are in a genuine, legal marriage, there is no length requirement. Marrying a U.S. citizen is one of the fastest ways to get a green card. Even so, it typically takes one to two years for an immigrant to receive a marriage-based green card.
485 never needs to be filed with 130. t can be filed concurrently sometimes. Usually that's the case when the beneficiary is an immediate relative but it's not a requirement to file concurrently. f you want, you can file 130, wait for approval, then file 485. Nobody stopping you.
The length of time it takes to get a green card varies depending on several factors, including the type of application you are submitting and current USCIS processing times. A marriage green card or spousal visa, for example, can take anywhere from 10–35 months.
Getting a green card through marriage is a 3-step process: The U.S. citizen spouse establishes the marriage relationship by filing Form I-130. Apply for the green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485) if you're living in the U.S. or Form DS-260 if you're a foreign national living abroad.