Divorce and Green Card Process: What You Need to Know
Divorce is one of life’s most emotionally challenging experiences, and while no couple enters marriage expecting it to end, sometimes separation is unavoidable. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 40–50% of U.S. marriages end in divorce. But what happens if you marry a U.S. citizen as a green card holder and later divorce? Or if you marry a foreign national and the marriage dissolves? Understanding how divorce impacts immigration status is critical, and Green Card Link is here to help guide you every step of the way.
Marriage Immigration and Divorce: How It Impacts Your Case
Divorce can affect both the social and immigration standing of non-U.S. citizens, particularly those in the middle of the green card process. If you are separated or divorced before your green card interview, your immigration status may be at risk depending on whether you were the primary beneficiary or a derivative beneficiary of the visa.
The marriage-based green card process involves multiple steps, including the conditional green card stage and the removal of conditions after two years. At any stage, USCIS will closely evaluate whether your marriage was entered into in good faith.
Divorce Before Your Conditional Green Card Interview
If you file for a green card and divorce before approval, your eligibility depends on your role in the visa petition:
- Primary beneficiary: If you are the principal applicant—for example, through an employment-based visa—you may continue your green card process independently.
- Derivative beneficiary: If your eligibility was based on being the spouse of the primary applicant, divorce generally ends your qualification.
Because conditional green card divorce cases are complex, working with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link is highly recommended to protect your status.
Divorce During the Immigration Process
If you divorce after filing your green card application, you must demonstrate that your marriage was bona fide, meaning it was genuine and not entered into solely for immigration benefits. USCIS places heightened scrutiny on marriages that end before two years of permanent residency.
Separation vs. Divorce
- Divorce: The marriage is legally dissolved by a court.
- Separation: The couple lives apart but remains legally married. In some states, prolonged separation may eventually convert into divorce.
Because rules vary by state, it is important to understand your local laws and how they impact immigration.
Real-World Example
Consider a case where a U.S. employer sponsors Rasheed for a green card, and his wife Valeria is included as a derivative beneficiary. If they divorce before the interview, Rasheed can continue as the primary beneficiary. However, Valeria no longer qualifies since her eligibility was based solely on being his spouse.
Children involved in such cases add further complications, particularly regarding custody and derivative benefits. Consulting with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link ensures that your family’s immigration rights are protected.
Divorce After Conditional Green Card Approval
Receiving a marriage-based green card through a spouse does not immediately make you a permanent resident. Instead, USCIS issues a conditional green card valid for two years. To maintain status, couples must jointly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions.
If the marriage ends before the two years are complete, USCIS may view it as a potential fraudulent marriage. To continue, the immigrant spouse must file a waiver of the joint filing requirement, showing evidence that the marriage was entered in good faith.
Examples of acceptable evidence include:
- Proof of attempts to reconcile (e.g., counseling records).
- Documentation of irreconcilable differences, abuse, or misconduct by the spouse.
Because USCIS will carefully examine such cases, legal guidance from Green Card Link can make the difference between approval and denial.
Divorce While Form I-485 Is Pending
If divorce becomes final while your Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) is pending, the application will be denied because the underlying relationship no longer exists. This particularly affects derivative beneficiaries, who cannot continue once separated from the principal applicant.
For example, if a couple files under the EB-5 program but divorces before the I-485 is approved, the derivative spouse loses eligibility for both the conditional green card and subsequent removal of conditions. In some cases, timing the divorce strategically may protect immigration options.
Why Work With Green Card Link?
The intersection of divorce and immigration law is one of the most complicated areas of U.S. immigration. Small mistakes in forms, missing evidence, or poorly timed filings can result in long delays or outright denials. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys are dedicated to ensuring your petition is handled with accuracy and care.
Whether you are facing separation, divorce, or ongoing green card processing, Green Card Link will:
- Evaluate your immigration options based on your marital status.
- Assist with filing waivers and petitions such as Form I-751.
- Protect your eligibility for permanent residency.
- Provide compassionate, professional guidance during a difficult personal transition.
Divorce After Filing Form I-751 Jointly
Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is the critical step for conditional permanent residents to secure full permanent residency. If you filed this petition jointly with your spouse but later went through a divorce, you will typically need to amend your I-751 and request a waiver of the joint filing requirement. Depending on your circumstances, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may also require you to attend an in-person interview.
Amending Your Petition to a Waiver
If you are divorcing or already divorced, you should immediately consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to determine the right course of action. To strengthen your case, you must provide evidence proving that your marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely for immigration purposes. Documentation you may need includes:
- A notarized affidavit after your divorce is finalized
- A copy of any Request for Evidence (RFE) or USCIS interview notice
- A certified divorce decree
Keep in mind that it may take up to 18 months for a waiver request to be processed. Importantly, a divorce does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining approval on your I-751. Once approved, you will continue to enjoy the full rights of permanent residency in the United States.
How Separation Can Affect the Green Card Process
While legal separation does not necessarily end a marriage, it can complicate the green card process. USCIS will evaluate your circumstances based on both federal immigration policies and state laws.
- State Laws on Separation: In some states, legal separation is recognized as a step toward divorce. If you are separated at the time of your green card interview, USCIS may treat the separation as equivalent to a divorce, which could result in denial. However, in states where separation is not legally considered a divorce, you may still be eligible for a green card—provided you show evidence of a genuine marriage. This can include proof of counseling or reconciliation attempts.
- Spouse Refuses to Cooperate: If your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse refuses to jointly file the I-751 after separation, you may file a waiver petition independently. Many applicants choose to wait until the divorce is finalized before submitting this waiver.
- Friendly Separation: If you and your spouse are separated but still on good terms, and the marriage remains valid under state law, you may continue the green card process. However, be prepared to provide substantial evidence that the marriage was legitimate and not fraudulent.
Notifying USCIS of Divorce
It is crucial never to misrepresent your marital status to USCIS. Attempting to conceal a divorce constitutes marriage fraud, which carries severe legal penalties. USCIS must be formally notified of your divorce through submission of your divorce certificate or decree.
Preparing for the Green Card Interview After Divorce
Because divorce or separation adds complexity to your case, you must be well-prepared for the USCIS interview. Consider these key tips:
- Gather Strong Documentation – Collect marriage certificates, joint property records, shared financial accounts, and evidence of cohabitation or children. These help prove the authenticity of your marriage.
- Be Honest and Transparent – USCIS officers are highly trained in detecting inconsistencies. Providing truthful, consistent answers is essential.
- Request Extra Time if Needed – If you need additional time to prepare evidence, you may request a postponement of the interview.
- Show Proof of a Normal Marriage – Include photographs, joint bills, or proof of shared assets. Demonstrating the relationship was genuine before the divorce is critical.
- File On Time – Ensure you submit your I-751 or waiver application before your conditional residency expires to avoid penalties.
Filing Late: The Consequences
If you divorce within the two-year conditional residency period, you must file for a waiver within 90 days before the expiration of your conditional green card. Failure to file on time can result in:
- Termination of conditional resident status
- Initiation of removal (deportation) proceedings
- A USCIS notice stating you failed to remove conditions on your status
- A mandatory hearing before an immigration judge
In rare cases, if you can show valid reasons for late filing, USCIS may exercise discretion and allow you to submit your petition after the deadline. However, relying on this option is risky, and timely filing is strongly recommended.
What Happens After Filing a Waiver?
Once you submit your waiver request, USCIS will send you Form I-797, Notice of Action, which serves as a receipt and extends your conditional status. This extension allows you to live, work, and travel internationally while USCIS reviews your case.
Divorce Before or After Green Card Renewal
- Divorce Before Green Card Renewal: If you are still a conditional resident at the time of your divorce, USCIS will closely review your waiver petition to confirm the marriage was bona fide.
- Divorce After Receiving Permanent Residency: If you already hold a 10-year green card, your divorce will not affect your residency status. However, it may impact your path to U.S. citizenship. Typically, marriage to a U.S. citizen allows you to apply for naturalization after three years. Following a divorce, you must generally wait five years.
During the naturalization process, USCIS may still investigate the legitimacy of your original marriage. If they determine the marriage was fraudulent, it could lead to denial of citizenship or even criminal charges.
What If USCIS Denies My Waiver Application?
If USCIS denies your I-751 waiver request, you will receive a written explanation. This usually triggers removal proceedings, but your case will first be reviewed by an immigration judge.
If the judge orders removal, you may appeal the decision within 30 days. At this stage, having experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link is essential, as they can provide strong legal representation, submit compelling evidence, and guide you through the appeals process.
Victims of Marriage Fraud
If you believe your spouse married you solely for immigration benefits, you can report this to USCIS or ICE. If USCIS finds evidence of a sham marriage, the immigrant spouse may face deportation and a permanent bar from obtaining U.S. visas or green cards in the future.
How Green Card Link Can Help
The marriage-based green card process after a divorce or separation is one of the most challenging areas of immigration law. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link have extensive experience handling complex I-751 waivers, divorce-related green card issues, and removal defense.
By working with Green Card Link, you can gain:
- Step-by-step guidance tailored to your unique case
- Assistance with gathering and presenting strong evidence
- Skilled representation during USCIS interviews and hearings
- Strategic advice to protect your immigration status and future citizenship eligibility
If you are facing a divorce or separation during your immigration process, don’t leave your future to chance. Schedule a consultation with Green Card Link today and take the first step toward safeguarding your permanent residency and long-term path to U.S. citizenship.