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Bring your spouse to the United States or help them become a lawful permanent resident with confidence.
Marriage-based immigration is one of the most common paths to a green card, but it is also one of the most closely reviewed. Our immigration attorneys help couples across New York navigate the marriage-based green card process from start to finish, avoiding delays, mistakes, and unnecessary stress.
Whether your spouse is already in the U.S. or living abroad, we guide you through every step, from eligibility review to final approval.
Marriage-Based Immigration Services for New York Couples
Marriage-based green card cases are deeply personal. They involve real relationships, real families, and real timelines that matter. At the same time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) applies strict legal standards and closely examines each application to confirm the marriage is legitimate.
Our role is to help you balance both sides of the process. We make sure your application is legally strong, thoroughly documented, and clearly presented, while also supporting you through what can feel like a confusing and emotional experience.
We assist couples throughout New York, including New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, Upstate New York, and surrounding areas.
What Is a Marriage-Based Green Card?
A marriage-based green card allows a foreign national to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Once approved, the green card holder can:
Live and work permanently in the United States
Travel internationally with fewer restrictions
Build a long-term future with their spouse in the U.S.
Eventually apply for U.S. citizenship, if eligible
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you are considered an immediate relative, which means there is no annual cap on visas and no waiting period for visa availability. If you are married to a green card holder, you may still qualify, but wait times can be longer depending on visa availability.
Who Qualifies for a Marriage-Based Green Card?
Marriage-based green cards are our specialty, but eligibility depends on several factors. In general, you may qualify if you are one of the following:
The spouse of a U.S. citizen
The spouse of a lawful permanent resident
An unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen
A parent of an adult U.S. citizen
A sibling of an adult U.S. citizen (limited availability and long wait times)
Each category has different requirements, timelines, and procedures. Our attorneys help you identify the correct category and strategy based on your situation.
Marriage-Based Green Cards for Spouses of U.S. Citizens
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may qualify as an immediate relative. This is one of the most favorable immigration categories because:
There is no annual visa cap
You do not need to wait for a priority date to become current
Processing is generally faster than other family-based categories
Immediate relative cases are often approved more quickly, but they are also scrutinized closely for marriage fraud. Proper preparation and documentation are critical.
Marriage-Based Green Cards for Spouses of Permanent Residents
If your spouse is a lawful permanent resident, you may still qualify for a marriage-based green card, but the process is different.
These cases fall under a preference category, which means:
Visa availability is limited each year
You may need to wait for your priority date to become current
Processing times are typically longer
Our attorneys help New York couples understand the timeline, monitor visa bulletin updates, and avoid mistakes that could cause further delays.
Our Attorney-Led Marriage Green Card Process
Marriage-based immigration is not just about filing forms. It is about building a clear, consistent case that tells your story and meets USCIS requirements. Our attorney-led process ensures every detail is handled correctly.
Petition Filing
Your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse files Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative. This establishes the qualifying family relationship and forms the foundation of your case.
We prepare and submit the petition with supporting evidence that demonstrates the legitimacy of your marriage.
Priority Date and Visa Availability
If your category requires a priority date, we track visa availability and advise you on when the next step can begin. Timing matters, especially for spouses of permanent residents.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Depending on your location, your case will proceed through one of two paths:
- Adjustment of Status if you are already in the United States
- Consular Processing if you are outside the United States
We determine the correct path and prepare all required filings, ensuring consistency across every form and document.
Green Card Interview Preparation
Most marriage-based green card cases require an interview. This is a critical step where USCIS evaluates both your paperwork and your relationship.
We prepare you for:
- Common interview questions
- How to present your relationship evidence
- What red flags USCIS looks for
- How to avoid inconsistencies
Proper preparation can make the difference between approval and delays.
Green Card Approval
After a successful interview and final review, USCIS approves the green card. Depending on your marriage length, you may receive a conditional or permanent green card.
We also guide you through next steps, including removing conditions if applicable.
How Long Does the Marriage-Based Green Card Process Take in New York?
Processing times vary depending on your category, location, and USCIS workload. While timelines are never guaranteed, the following are general estimates:
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
12 to 18 months
Spouses of Permanent Residents
24 to 36 months
Unmarried Adult Children or Other Categories
Timelines vary significantly by country and visa availability.
Because processing times change frequently, we provide up-to-date guidance specific to your case.
Common Challenges in Marriage-Based Green Card Cases
Many couples assume marriage automatically guarantees approval. Unfortunately, that is not the case. USCIS carefully examines each application for potential issues such as:
Insufficient relationship evidence
Prior immigration violations
Inconsistent information across forms
Previous visa denials or overstays
Concerns about marriage fraud
Our job is to identify these issues early and address them proactively.
Why New York Couples Choose Our Firm
New York is one of the busiest immigration jurisdictions in the country. USCIS offices here handle a high volume of cases, which means accuracy and preparation matter even more.
Clients choose our firm because:
We focus on marriage-based immigration
We provide clear, honest guidance
We prepare cases thoroughly, not minimally
We treat your case like it matters, because it does
We work with couples from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and immigration histories across New York.
About Relocate Legal: A New York Immigration Firm Built for Families
At Relocate Legal, we focus exclusively on family-based immigration. That means we do not divide our attention across dozens of unrelated immigration categories. Instead, our attorneys dedicate their practice to helping couples and families reunite in the United States through marriage-based green cards and fiancé visas.
We founded Relocate Legal with a clear purpose. Immigration should not feel confusing, intimidating, or overwhelming, especially when the outcome determines whether families can live together. Too often, couples are left guessing what comes next, worrying about mistakes, or struggling to understand why a delay happened. Our mission is to remove that uncertainty and replace it with clarity, transparency, and confidence.
By concentrating solely on marriage green cards and fiancé visas, we have developed deep, hands-on experience with the exact issues New York couples face. From preparing strong relationship evidence to navigating USCIS interviews and responding to requests for evidence, we understand how these cases are reviewed and what it takes to move them forward successfully.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Marriage-Based Green Card?
Strong documentation is essential. Evidence may include:
Marriage certificate
Joint leases or mortgages
Shared bank accounts or financial records
Photos together over time
Travel records
Affidavits from friends and family
We help you organize and present this evidence in a way that is clear, logical, and persuasive.
Reviews From Clients We’ve Helped
“Julian has been great in helping us with a US spouse visa! He is very professional and personable! We highly recommend him for your immigration needs!”
— BR
“I contacted Julian at Relocate Legal expressing my discontentment for a recent refusal of a k-1 visa case from another company. Julian listened to my concerns, intentively and told me that he would take on our new case at a very decent price. Because he realized it my wife and I went through So much financially and emotionally. Julien is good people he responsibly promptly to emails and messages. Julian is a no B/S Lawyer and we’re happy to have him working with us. Thanks Julian.”
— CC
“My experience has met my expectations. They have been very thorough. I’m in a long distance relationship with a wonderful woman, and we long to be together. Relocate has been with me from the beginning almost a year ago. It takes time to do things correctly. There are no shortcuts. Im greatful for the person who im working with. Julian returns my emails, and we talk on a regular basis via Google meets. Relocate is extremely knowledgeable , and keeps up to date with all the immigration laws . Im greatful for Relocate Legal .”
— DW
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage-Based Green Cards in New York
Start Your Marriage-Based Green Card Application in New York
Marriage-based immigration is too important to leave to chance. Whether you are just getting started or facing complications, we are here to help.
Take our free eligibility check and schedule a consultation to get clear answers about your options.
