Residency & Citizenship
U.S. Citizen Spouse Immediate Relative Green Card
Marriage to a U.S. citizen is one of the fastest paths to permanent residence. Attorney Jesus Reyes guides you through every step of the process.
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, immigration law classifies you as an "immediate relative" — a category with no annual visa cap, which significantly accelerates your path to a green card. Attorney Jesus Reyes has helped hundreds of families in Miami and South Florida reunite permanently through this benefit.
What Is the U.S. Citizen Spouse Green Card?
Permanent residence — commonly known as a "green card" — allows a U.S. citizen to sponsor their spouse to live and work legally in the United States indefinitely. As the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you fall under the "immediate relative" category of the Immigration and Nationality Act, meaning there are no annual numerical limits restricting your case.
The process begins with filing the family petition (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you are already in the United States with valid legal status, you may file for adjustment of status (the residence application) concurrently, allowing you to complete the entire process without leaving the country. Many of our Miami-area clients take advantage of this option to reunite with their families more quickly.
If you are outside the United States, the process proceeds through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. In both scenarios, the average processing time from initial filing to green card approval is approximately 12 to 18 months, though this varies depending on USCIS workloads and individual case circumstances.
Who Qualifies?
To apply for a green card as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the following requirements must be met:
- The petitioning spouse must be a U.S. citizen (not a permanent resident — for that scenario, see Family Petitions).
- The marriage must be legally valid and entered in good faith, not solely for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits.
- Original marriage documents must be provided: marriage certificate, proof of the petitioner's citizenship, and evidence of a shared life (joint bank accounts, leases, photographs, etc.).
- The beneficiary must not have criminal convictions that render them inadmissible under U.S. immigration law.
- The petitioner must meet the minimum income requirement of the affidavit of support to demonstrate the beneficiary will not become a public charge.
- If the beneficiary entered the U.S. without authorization, bars to inadmissibility may apply; a personalized legal evaluation is required in such cases.
The Process with Our Firm
Consultation and Case Evaluation
In a consultation of up to 30 minutes, $200, Attorney Jesus Reyes reviews your full immigration history, identifies the correct strategy (adjustment of status or consular processing), and explains realistic timelines and costs for your specific situation.
Preparation and Filing of the family petition
Our firm collects, organizes, and reviews all required documentation. We prepare the family petition and, if applicable, the residence application for concurrent adjustment of status, ensuring every form is free of errors that could cause delays.
Interview Preparation and USCIS Responses
We prepare you for your interview with the USCIS officer or consular officer, and we handle any Requests for Evidence (RFE) that may arise during the process. You never face USCIS alone.
Approval and Next Steps
After approval, we advise you on the conditions of your residence (if your marriage is less than two years old, conditional residence is granted) and the process for removing conditions with the petition to remove conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Spouse Green Card
How long does the U.S. citizen spouse green card process take?+
On average, adjustment of status for spouses of U.S. citizens takes 12 to 18 months from initial filing. Timelines vary depending on the USCIS field office and whether a Request for Evidence is issued. Consular processing can take 12 to 24 months depending on the embassy.
Can I work while waiting for my green card to be approved?+
Yes. If you filed for adjustment of status (the residence application) inside the United States, you can simultaneously apply for an Employment Authorization Document (the work permit application) and an Advance Parole travel document. The work permit is typically approved within 3 to 6 months.
What is conditional residence and how is the condition removed?+
If your marriage is less than two years old on the date your green card is approved, you will receive a conditional green card valid for 2 years. Within the 90 days before it expires, you and your spouse must jointly file the petition to remove conditions to remove the conditions and obtain a 10-year permanent resident card.
What if I entered the U.S. illegally or have periods of unlawful presence?+
Unlawful entries and periods of unlawful presence can trigger 3-year or 10-year bars to inadmissibility, or even permanent bars in some cases. However, waivers may be available. It is essential to consult with Attorney Jesus Reyes before filing any petition to evaluate your situation individually.
How much does the full marriage-based green card process cost?+
USCIS filing fees for the full adjustment package (the family petition + the residence application + the work permit application + the travel document application) currently total approximately $3,005, plus biometrics. On top of that, you should plan for attorney fees and the medical exam, which generally ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the designated civil surgeon. During the initial consultation we provide a detailed cost breakdown so there are no surprises during the process.
Your situation has a solution.
Schedule a consultation with Attorney Jesus Reyes and learn your legal options. From $200.