Marriage Green Card Timeline by TRW law firm
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Green Card?
The Spousal Visa Timeline Explained (2025 Edition)
One of the most common and personal questions our clients ask at TRW Law Firm is: How long will it take to get my green card through marriage? While the answer depends on multiple factors—including your location, your spouse’s immigration status, and government backlogs—understanding the general timelines can help you plan more confidently.
As of early 2025, the average wait time for a marriage-based green card is approximately 9.5 months, but that figure can vary significantly. This guide breaks down the timelines by scenario—whether you’re married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), and whether you’re applying from inside or outside the United States.
Summary Timeline Table (2025)
| If your spouse is a… | And you currently live… | You will wait about… |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. citizen | In the U.S. | 9.5 months |
| U.S. citizen | Abroad | 14.3 months |
| U.S. green card holder | In the U.S. | 35 months |
| U.S. green card holder | Abroad | 35 months |
Step-by-Step Timeline: Couples Living in the U.S.
1. Married to a U.S. Citizen (Adjustment of Status)
If you’re a foreign national living in the U.S. and married to a U.S. citizen, you can concurrently file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status). This is often the fastest route to a green card.
Estimated Timeline:
- 9.5 months total (includes concurrent processing)
Key Steps:
- Submit I-130 and I-485 together
- Biometrics appointment (~4–8 weeks)
- Work/travel permit issued (~4–6 months)
- Interview scheduled (~6–10 months)
- Green card approval (~8–10 months total)
2. Married to a Green Card Holder (Adjustment of Status)
If your spouse is a permanent resident, you must first file Form I-130 and wait until a visa number becomes available according to the Visa Bulletin.
Estimated Timeline:
- 35 months total
Why the Delay?
- F2A category (spouses and children of green card holders) is subject to annual limits
- You can only file Form I-485 after your priority date becomes current
Step-by-Step Timeline: Spouses Living Abroad (Consular Processing)
1. Married to a U.S. Citizen (Consular Processing)
If the foreign spouse is abroad, the process begins with Form I-130. After USCIS approves it, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to a U.S. embassy or consulate for an interview.
Estimated Timeline:
- 14.3 months total (I-130 + NVC + consular interview)
Process Overview:
- File I-130 and wait ~14 months for approval
- Submit visa forms and fees to NVC (~1–2 months)
- Embassy schedules interview (~1–2 months after NVC approval)
2. Married to a Green Card Holder (Consular Processing)
This path takes the longest due to visa limitations for F2A category.
Estimated Timeline:
- 35 months total
Process Details:
- File Form I-130 and wait for approval (~14–16 months)
- Wait for priority date to become current (~19–21 months depending on backlog)
- Process continues via NVC and then U.S. consulate
Why the Wait Times Vary
Several factors influence how long the marriage green card process takes:
■ USCIS Case Volume: The number of applications received often exceeds available staff. ■ Priority Dates: Applicants under F2A category must wait for a visa to become available. ■ Interview Backlogs:COVID-19 and staffing shortages have delayed interview scheduling. ■ Security Checks: All applicants must pass background and medical checks.
Important USCIS Form Timelines (2025)
| Form | Purpose | Average Processing Time |
| I-130 | Establishes marital relationship | ~16 months |
| I-485 | Adjusts status to permanent resident | ~9.5 months |
| DS-260 | Immigrant visa application (abroad) | ~3–4 months including NVC |
| I-864 | Affidavit of Support | Reviewed with green card app |
| I-693 | Medical Examination | Valid for 2 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the marriage green card process cost?
- $3,005 for U.S.-based applicants
- $1,340 for consular applicants
What are the requirements for approval?
- Proof of a bona fide marriage
- Valid legal entry (for U.S.-based applicants)
- No disqualifying criminal record
- Strong financial sponsorship (Form I-864)
Can delays happen?
Yes. Common causes include:
- Errors on forms
- Incomplete supporting documents
- Backlogs at local USCIS offices or embassies
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
Can I work while my application is pending?
Yes—if you’re applying from within the U.S. You must file Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) along with your green card application. Processing usually takes 5–6 months.
Can I travel while my application is pending?
Yes—if you apply for Advance Parole (Form I-131). Traveling without it may lead to denial of your green card application.
What if my U.S. citizen spouse dies while my application is pending?
You may still be eligible to proceed under special provisions for surviving spouses, but legal consultation is strongly advised.
How long until I can apply for citizenship?
- After 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
- After 5 years for general green card holders
Tips to Minimize Delays
■ File a complete and accurate application with all required supporting evidence ■ Respond quickly to RFEs (Requests for Evidence) ■ Keep a copy of all submissions ■ Track your case using USCIS case status tools ■ Work with an immigration lawyer for complex situations
CR1 Visa Timeline in 2025
The CR1 visa is the immigrant visa issued to spouses married less than two years before approval.
CR1 for U.S. citizen spouse: ~14 months total (includes consular processing) CR1 for green card holder spouse: ~35 months total
Do I Need an Attorney?
While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, working with a legal expert:
- Ensures application accuracy
- Helps you avoid costly delays
- Assists with complex or unique situations (prior marriages, criminal records, overstays)
At TRW Law Firm, we guide you through the entire marriage green card process—from Form I-130 to final approval—providing expert legal counsel every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
The time it takes to get a marriage green card in 2025 depends on your circumstances—but with proper planning, careful filing, and professional guidance, you can minimize delays and maximize success.
Whether you’re adjusting status from within the U.S. or applying from abroad, TRW Law Firm can help you stay informed, compliant, and on track.
Contact TRW Law Firm for Immigration Support
Call Us: +8801708000660, +8801847220062, +8801708080817
Email: info@trfirm.com | info@trwbd.com | info@tahmidur.com
Dhaka Office: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS
Dubai Office: Rolex Building, L-12 Sheikh Zayed Road
Online Booking: https://booking.tahmidurrahman.com
Our team is ready to help you bring your family together with efficiency and confidence.