Marriage Green Cards of USA from Bangladesh

Marriage Green Cards of USA from Bangladesh, Explained (2025)

How to Get a U.S. Green Card Through Marriage

Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is one of the most common and trusted pathways to obtaining a green card, allowing a foreign spouse to live and work permanently in the United States. However, the process is not automatic and requires navigating a complex legal and bureaucratic journey. With rising scrutiny on immigration applications in 2025, it is more important than ever to understand every step, document, and requirement involved.

This comprehensive guide from TRW Law Firm breaks down the latest information on marriage green cards, including recent USCIS updates, timelines, costs, documentation, interview procedures, pitfalls to avoid, and what happens after receiving your green card. Whether you’re applying from within the U.S. or abroad, this guide will help you confidently move forward.

What Is a Marriage Green Card?

A marriage green card is a document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that grants lawful permanent residence to the foreign-born spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder. It allows the spouse to legally reside and work in the U.S., travel freely, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship if certain conditions are met.

Once approved, the green cardholder becomes a “permanent resident” and receives a physical green card (Form I-551), which proves their immigration status.

Recent USCIS Changes and Updates (As of March 2025)

USCIS has implemented a series of policy updates and form changes aimed at making the marriage green card process more rigorous and less prone to error or fraud.

Key Updates Include:

■ New I-130 Webpage Language: USCIS now explicitly encourages individuals to report suspected marriage fraud. While this doesn’t change application criteria, it signals greater emphasis on fraud detection.

■ Form I-485 New Edition (01/20/25): As of April 3, 2025, only this edition is accepted. It includes changes to how fees are paid, how medical exams are submitted, and document filing standards.

■ Medical Exam Requirement: COVID-19 vaccination documentation is no longer required on Form I-693. However, all other immunization requirements remain.

■ Form I-129F (for K-1 visas): A new edition goes into effect May 1, 2025, with stricter formatting and instructions.

■ Form Payment Rules: Each immigration form now requires a separate payment. Combined checks are no longer accepted.

■ Simultaneous Submission Requirement: Medical records (Form I-693) must now be submitted at the same time as Form I-485. Delays in submission may result in application rejection.

Marriage Green Card at a Glance

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Marriage Green Card

The marriage green card process involves three major steps:

Step 1: Establish the Marriage (Form I-130)

The process begins with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form is filed by the U.S. citizen or green card holder to prove the marriage is legitimate.

Required Documents:

■ Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, green card) ■ Marriage certificate ■ Proof of termination of previous marriages (if any) ■ Evidence of shared life (lease agreements, bank accounts, joint taxes, photos)

Timeline:

• Receipt Notice: Within 2–3 weeks of submission
• Approval Timeline: ~14.6 months (subject to USCIS backlogs and individual case factors)

Step 2: Apply for the Green Card (Form I-485 or DS-260)

This step depends on whether the foreign spouse is currently in the United States or abroad.

For Spouses in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status):

File Form I-485 to adjust immigration status from within the United States.

Eligibility: Must have entered the U.S. legally (with a visa or parole)

Concurrent Filing: If the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen, Form I-130 and I-485 may be filed at the same time.

For Spouses Abroad (Consular Processing):

Once Form I-130 is approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign spouse’s country.

Required Forms: DS-260, I-864 (Affidavit of Support)

Interview Location: U.S. consulate in the applicant’s country of residence

Required Documentation (Step 2)

Adjustment of Status (U.S. Applicants):

■ Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) ■ Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) ■ Form I-693 (Medical Exam Report) ■ Form I-765 (Work Authorization – optional) ■ Form I-131 (Travel Document – optional) ■ Entry documents (passport, I-94) ■ Two passport-style photos ■ Tax returns, pay stubs (sponsor’s financial documents)

Consular Processing (Abroad Applicants):

■ DS-260 confirmation page ■ Form I-864 with financial evidence ■ Birth certificate (translated if not in English) ■ Police certificates (from every country lived in for 6+ months since age 16) ■ Marriage certificate ■ Passport ■ Medical exam results from a panel physician

Step 3: The Interview

The final step is the in-person interview conducted by a USCIS officer or consular officer.

Interview Goals:

■ Verify the legitimacy of the marriage ■ Confirm that the foreign spouse is eligible for permanent residence

Interview Questions May Include:

• How did you meet?
• When and where did you marry?
• Where do you live?
• Who wakes up first?
• What are your spouse’s hobbies?
• What side of the bed do you sleep on?

If the couple appears genuine, approval is often granted at the interview or shortly after.

Green Card Issuance & Validity

Marriage under 2 years:

• Issued a CR1 (Conditional Resident) green card valid for 2 years
• Must file Form I-751 within 90 days before expiration to convert to 10-year green card

Marriage over 2 years:

• Issued IR1 (Immediate Relative) green card valid for 10 years
• Renewal is a routine administrative process

Costs Breakdown (2025)

For Spouses in the U.S.:

For Spouses Abroad:

Common Reasons for Denial

■ Insufficient documentation of bona fide marriage ■ Incomplete or inconsistent forms ■ Previous immigration violations ■ Misrepresentation or fraud ■ Health-related inadmissibility ■ Inadequate financial support by the sponsor

After Approval: Life as a Green Card Holder

Once approved, the green cardholder enjoys:

■ Legal permanent residence ■ Ability to work for any employer ■ Travel in and out of the U.S. with fewer restrictions ■ Access to financial services, health insurance, education ■ Eligibility for naturalization after 3 years (if married to a U.S. citizen)

Naturalization Through Marriage

After 3 years of permanent residence, green card holders married to U.S. citizens can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Requirements:

■ Three years of permanent residency ■ 18 months physical presence ■ Continuous cohabitation ■ Good moral character ■ Pass civics and English test ■ Oath of allegiance

Marriage Fraud: A Serious Crime

USCIS and ICE are vigilant against fraudulent marriages.

Consequences:

■ Up to 5 years imprisonment ■ $250,000 fine ■ Deportation ■ Lifetime ban from future immigration benefits

Investigative Measures:

■ Surprise interviews ■ Home visits ■ Social media checks ■ Interviews with family, friends, and employers

Marriage Green Card FAQs

Can I work with a green card? Yes, unrestricted.

Can I travel abroad while it’s pending? Only if you have Advance Parole.

What if we divorce before approval? It jeopardizes your eligibility.

Is it automatic after marriage? No, application is mandatory.

Do I need a sponsor? Yes, your spouse.

Can a criminal record affect my application? Yes, depending on the severity.

Do we need to stay married after the green card? Yes, especially during the conditional period.

Contact TRW Law Firm

Let Experts Handle Your Immigration Journey

From start to finish, TRW Law Firm provides dedicated legal support:

■ Document review and filing ■ Strategy for unique cases ■ Interview preparation ■ RFE response assistance ■ Removal of conditions ■ Naturalization support

Contact Info:

Phone: +8801708000660, +8801847220062, +8801708080817
Email: info@trfirm.com | info@trwbd.com | info@tahmidur.com
Offices:

• Dhaka: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS
• Dubai: Rolex Building, L-12 Sheikh Zayed Road

Book Consultation: https://booking.tahmidurrahman.com

Secure your future in the U.S. with expert legal guidance from TRW Law Firm. We make your family’s journey smooth, lawful, and successful.