Marriage-Based Green Card Process: Marthe’s Story
[Please note: The Client’s name and case key details may have been altered to preserve the identity of the client. This Success Story about Marriage-based green card process is not intended to be an offer of service or case plan. Every case is unique. The Success Story is presented for information purposes only.]
From late 2019 to early 2021, our Cleveland team assisted Marthe from Canada. She was seeking a marriage-based green card after marrying Charles, a U.S. citizen who impressed us as a very good man.
Document Challenges
The process took longer than expected. Marthe had a copy of her birth record but needed a certified long-form certificate, a USCIS requirement. We helped by finding the correct website and guiding Marthe through the application. This was difficult because Marthe suffered frequent pain from a health issue. Despite everyone’s efforts, several months passed before we obtained the document and forwarded it to USCIS.
Another delay involved obtaining her previous husband’s death certificate. Marthe found this emotionally difficult because he had been abusive. Finally, Charles stepped in and completed the task.
Pandemic and Health Issues
The COVID-19 pandemic slowed immigration procedures for many applicants, including Marthe. These delays were especially hard because Marthe had recurring back problems. She needed a travel document (form I-131) to visit her doctor in Canada, who knew how to relieve her pain. She could not return without an approved travel document, which we secured after requesting expedited processing.
When Marthe returned, she was more relaxed and focused. We advised her to bring Charles’ private health insurance policy to her USCIS interview. This showed she was unlikely to become a public charge.
The Interview
In November 2020, Marthe and Charles attended their interview in Cleveland with a member of our team. Thankfully, her recent medical trip to Canada was not questioned.
However, Marthe was asked about a denial of entry that occurred after her marriage. When crossing the U.S.-Canada border, she told a guard she lived in Northeast Ohio instead of saying she was visiting her husband. The issue was resolved quickly, and Marthe was allowed entry within hours.
Overall, the officer liked Marthe, and the interview went well. As expected, Marthe was approved for a green card, which arrived shortly after—just in time for her birthday.
Looking Ahead
Marthe expressed deep gratitude for our patience and support. She promised to return in August 2022 to apply for a permanent green card and later for U.S. citizenship.
Meanwhile, her Canadian doctor connected with a counterpart in Northeast Ohio who accepted her insurance. He learned how to treat Marthe if her back problems returned.
“I now don’t have to leave this man for any reason,” Marthe said, smiling at Charles.
Marthe’s story shows that with persistence and guidance, the marriage-based green card process can succeed despite challenges.
If you or someone you know needs help with the marriage-based green card process, contact our team today.