In today’s globalized world, love knows no borders. Many couples find themselves separated by international boundaries but united by commitment. If you are planning to marry a U.S. citizen and live together in the United States, there are specific legal steps you must follow to make that dream a reality.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys help couples navigate the complex process of obtaining a marriage-based green card—ensuring every requirement is met so you can begin your life together in the United States with confidence.
How to Live Permanently in the U.S. With Your Spouse
To reside permanently in the U.S. as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must apply for a marriage-based green card. Your U.S. citizen spouse will act as your sponsor in this immigration process. Before beginning, it is vital to confirm that both partners meet all legal eligibility requirements. The sponsoring U.S. citizen must be at least 21 years old, and any prior marriages must be legally dissolved. Moreover, a U.S. citizen cannot have multiple pending marriage-based green card applications.
Does It Matter Where You Get Married?
You can marry your significant other anywhere—either inside the U.S. or abroad. However, the green card processing timeline will vary depending on where the application is filed.
Getting Married in the United States
If you choose to marry within the U.S., you will typically apply for an Adjustment of Status (AOS). This allows you to remain in the country legally while your green card application is being processed.
Work Authorization:
While waiting, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing you to work lawfully in the United States.
Travel Authorization:
You can also apply for Advance Parole, which permits you to travel outside the U.S. during your pending green card process without jeopardizing your application.
Getting Married Abroad (Consular Processing)
If you marry outside the United States, your green card application will proceed through consular processing. This means your case will be reviewed and processed by the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. During this period, you must remain abroad until your green card is approved.
Can a U.S. Citizen Live Abroad With Their Spouse?
While waiting for your spouse’s green card (a process that can take 18–24 months), you may choose to live abroad together. However, it’s essential that the U.S. citizen maintains a U.S. domicile, or reestablishes it later in the process. Maintaining domicile helps prove continued ties to the United States.
You can demonstrate U.S. domicile by:
- Keeping a valid U.S. driver’s license or state ID
- Filing U.S. tax returns regularly
- Owning or leasing a U.S. home or property
- Maintaining U.S. bank accounts and credit cards
- Retaining a car title or financial assets in the U.S.
- Transferring funds from abroad to U.S. accounts
- Registering to vote (if eligible)
Why Are Tax Documents Needed for a Green Card Application?
The U.S. government requires proof that the U.S. citizen sponsor can financially support their spouse. The sponsor must show an income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Level. Assets such as property, checking or savings accounts, and investments may also be considered.
This requirement ensures that the immigrant spouse will not need to rely on public benefits for financial support.
If the sponsoring spouse does not meet this requirement or has not filed U.S. taxes, a joint sponsor—who is either a U.S. citizen or green card holder—may assist in meeting the income threshold.
Documents Needed for a Marriage-Based Green Card
When applying for a marriage-based green card, it is crucial to provide complete and accurate documentation, including:
- Your marriage certificate
- Financial records demonstrating the sponsor’s eligibility
- Evidence of a bona fide (genuine) marriage, such as photos, joint leases, shared bank accounts, or communication records
Demonstrating that your marriage is authentic and not solely for immigration purposes is one of the most important parts of the application.
Couples from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds may experience adjustment challenges. Open communication and mutual understanding are key to overcoming these differences and building a strong, lasting relationship.
(Learn more: What Happens to a Green Card After Divorce?)
Medical Examination Requirements
All green card applicants must undergo a medical examination by an authorized physician.
- If you are applying within the United States, you must see a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
- If you are applying from abroad, the examination must be completed by a U.S. embassy–approved panel physician.
This exam ensures that all applicants meet U.S. public health standards and are admissible to enter the country.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card After Marrying a U.S. Citizen?
If you are already living in the United States when you apply for your marriage-based green card, the entire process typically takes about 6 to 10 months.
However, if you apply from outside the U.S., the overall processing time can extend to 18 to 24 months. This longer timeline is mainly due to consular processing, which involves coordination with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country and potential delays caused by visa backlogs.
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys regularly handle complex marriage-based immigration cases. In one recent approval, even though our client faced a minor medical exam issue, our experienced immigration attorneys efficiently resolved it, leading to a smooth and swift approval.
What If We Are Only Engaged?
If you and your partner are engaged but not yet married, the U.S. citizen may file a K-1 fiancé(e) visa petition for their foreign fiancé(e). To qualify, the couple must have met in person and must intend to marry within 90 days after the foreign fiancé(e) enters the United States.
Typically, the K-1 visa process takes 12 to 18 months to complete. Once the fiancé(e) enters the U.S. and the marriage occurs, the foreign spouse can then apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
Many couples choose the fiancé(e) visa route, especially when their home country does not legally recognize their marriage or if marrying abroad would delay their immigration process.
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How Do I Become a U.S. Citizen?
When a foreign spouse receives a conditional green card, it is valid for two years. Before it expires, the couple must jointly file a petition to remove conditions and obtain a permanent green card.
After holding a green card for three years and remaining married to the U.S. citizen spouse, the foreign national becomes eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship (naturalization).
The naturalization process is the final step toward becoming a U.S. citizen and enjoying all the rights and privileges that come with it. Note that there are government filing fees associated with citizenship applications.
If you are preparing for your marriage-based interview, explore our guide on [Common Marriage-Based Green Card Interview Questions] to help you get ready.
How Green Card Link Can Help
Marrying a U.S. citizen is a joyful milestone—but navigating the green card and citizenship process can be complex. At Green Card Link, our dedicated immigration attorneys provide personalized guidance throughout every stage of your immigration journey.
From filing petitions and preparing documentation to addressing interview concerns and potential delays, our experienced team ensures that your case moves forward efficiently and confidently.
With Green Card Link by your side, you can focus on building your new life together in the United States while we handle the legal complexities.