US Marriage Green Card: The Real Step-by-Step Process

You can file everything together

If you're married to a U.S. citizen and living in the U.S. after a lawful entry, you are an immediate relative. That means you can file Form I-130 (petition) and Form I-485 (adjustment of status) concurrently — there is no wait for a visa number.

The real steps

• Prepare the package: I-130, I-130A, I-485, I-864 (many also file I-765 for a work permit and I-131 for travel)
• Gather evidence: marriage certificate, proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship, proof prior marriages ended, photos, the beneficiary's I-94, and evidence of a bona fide marriage
• Sign, pay the fees, and mail to the USCIS lockbox (I-130 may be filed online)
• Receive Form I-797C receipt notices (about 2–4 weeks)
• Attend your biometrics appointment at an ASC
• Attend the interview at a USCIS field office — both spouses go
• Approval → green card by mail (if the marriage is under 2 years old, the card is conditional and you later file I-751)

Official sources

• USCIS — Adjustment of Status
• USCIS — Concurrent Filing of Form I-485
• Form I-130 · Form I-485

Always confirm current forms, fees and steps on uscis.gov. This is self-help information, not legal advice.