How long does it take to get a green card through marriage?
The process of obtaining a green card through marriage can take anywhere from 10 to 13 months. The amount of time it takes from start to finish is highly dependent on several factors, such as the location of the applicant and the particular circumstances of the marriage. The process starts when the U.S. citizen spouse of the foreign national submits the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form must be filled out and submitted with supporting documentation to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). From there, the USCIS reviews the application and sends a receipt notice. The timing of the next step, which is when the foreign national receives and then completes the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, depends on their visa status in the United States. For most foreign nationals who are already in the United States, they will need to file the I-485 first before going to their visa interview. Assuming all goes well, the foreign national will then receive a green card and become a lawful permanent resident within six months to a year. However, if the foreign national is from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, the process can be much quicker (under 90 days). Overall, the best way to estimate how long it will take is to consult with an experienced immigration attorney in California. They can provide an estimate based on your particular situation.
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