Marriage-Based Green Card Process: A Real Success 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 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 Argentina to the United States
In May 2016, Zoe arrived in the United States from Argentina on a tourist visa. Her goal was to explore the country before returning to Rosario. During her trip, Zoe visited Cleveland because an acquaintance worked for Cleveland Public Power. He offered her a tour, which excited Zoe since she dreamed of becoming an electrical engineer.
A Chance Encounter
On that tour, Zoe met Tom, a freelance journalist researching public and private energy sources. They connected immediately. Zoe changed her travel plans and spent most of her visit in Northeast Ohio. Within a month, they were engaged. The couple married in November so Tom’s mother could witness the wedding before passing away. Soon after, Zoe decided to remain in the United States. She wanted better educational opportunities and the chance to travel with Tom while taking online classes toward her advanced degree.
Beginning the Immigration Process
Moreover, after careful research, Zoe and Tom contacted our Cleveland team for help with the marriage-based green card process. Zoe was well organized. She kept all her records in a cabinet at her sister’s home in Rosario. Her sister shipped everything to the U.S., which made the process easier. Furthermore, we filed a complete package before November ended. It included an I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), I-485 (Application for Legal Permanent Residency), I-765 (Employment Authorization Document), and I-864 (Affidavit of Support). Tom’s income was sufficient to support Zoe during the process, but she was eager to finish her education and start her own consulting business.
First Approval
In March 2017, Zoe passed her USCIS interview and received a two-year temporary green card. She stayed in touch with us as immigration rules changed under the new administration.
Life on the Move
Over the next two years, Zoe and Tom traveled across the United States as Tom pursued journalistic assignments. Zoe completed online classes at a respected institution and built global engineering connections. Their travels prevented Zoe from finding a permanent job, but they planned to settle and start a family soon. By March 2019, Zoe provided enough evidence for us to file an I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence). In February 2020, her permanent green card was approved.
Unexpected Delays
The card was delayed because Zoe and Tom had recently moved. We updated their address only two days before the card was mailed. Our team placed several inquiries with USCIS and eventually filed an I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Green Card).
In November 2020, Zoe contacted us about renewing her driver’s license because her temporary green card had expired. We advised her to make an InfoPass appointment at USCIS. There, she presented the I-90 receipt and received an I-551 stamp in her passport. This served as temporary proof of her legal permanent residency.
Finally, just before Christmas 2020, Zoe received her permanent green card.
Looking Ahead
By January 2021, Zoe and Tom planned to make Cleveland their home. Zoe was preparing to launch her consulting firm and apply for U.S. citizenship in three years. Her journey proves that with proper guidance, the marriage-based green card process can be smooth and successful.
If you or someone you know needs help with the marriage-based green card process, contact our team today.