Marriage-Based Green Card Process: Step-by-Step
[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 about Marriage-based green card process and 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.]
Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Marie traveled to Georgia on an F-1 student visa to study science and technology. During her stay, she met Joseph, a successful businessperson and green card holder also from the Congo. Their connection was instant, and they married in July 2018. Soon after, they booked an appointment with our team in Atlanta to discuss their immigration options.
Initial Challenges
At the time, Joseph was a legal permanent resident and had applied for U.S. citizenship earlier in 2018. Marie had just started her OPT, scheduled to end in February 2019. If Joseph had already been a U.S. citizen, we could have immediately started the marriage-based green card process. However, since he was still waiting for citizenship, the situation required a strategic approach.
We advised Joseph to file an I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) for Marie. This ensured she had a priority date and a path toward legal permanent residency, even if Joseph’s citizenship was delayed. Fortunately, Joseph’s USCIS interview was scheduled for March 2019, and we anticipated a quick approval.
Maintaining Legal Status
Marie extended her OPT without difficulty, thanks to her employer’s support. The company even considered sponsoring her for an H-1B visa and an employment-based green card. This allowed her to remain in the U.S. legally while waiting for Joseph’s citizenship
In June 2019, Joseph became a U.S. citizen. By the end of the month, we filed Marie’s marriage-based green card application. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her USCIS interview was delayed until late 2020. Just before Thanksgiving, Marie attended her interview and received her two-year marriage-based green card two weeks before Christmas.
Looking Ahead
Our team celebrated virtually with a champagne toast. Marie promised to return when it was time to apply for her permanent green card in 18 months. She hoped the pandemic would be over by then so she could thank us in person. If you or someone you know needs help with the marriage-based green card process, feel free to contact us. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.