Confidently apply for your marriage based green card with a licensed immigration attorney by your side. We guide your adjustment of status application from start to finish, handling every form, document, and legal detail. From work authorization to green card approval, we help secure your future together in the U.S.
Skip the stress, confusion, and fear of rejection.We handle the legal process. You focus on building your life together.
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You’re Tired of Not Knowing What’s Next…
You’re a couple dreaming of building your life together in the U.S. but one of you is a U.S. citizen and the other is an immigrant.
And now you feel stuck.
The green card process feels overwhelming. The paperwork never seems to end. The rules are confusing and the consequences of getting it wrong feel terrifying.
You just want to live together legally… without immigration stress hanging over your head.
But trying to figure this out on your own is slow, exhausting, and risky. You worry about mistakes. About delays. About rejection.
It shouldn’t be this hard to stay with the person you love.
You deserve clarity. You deserve confidence. You deserve a legal team that treats your case like it’s their own.
Meet the Founder
Hey there! I’m Orelmy Díaz. I help U.S. citizens and their immigrant spouses live together legally in the United States, without fear, confusion, or costly mistakes.
I’m a proud Latina immigration attorney and the founder of ABOGADA ORELMY DÍAZ, PLLC.
I’ve helped countless couples secure legal status for the immigrant spouse, and I know the immigration journey personally, because I lived it myself.
My firm focuses exclusively on marriage based green cards. It’s what I love doing. It’s what I do best.
And I’ve built this service to give you the clarity, protection, and peace of mind you deserve.
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How to Help Your Spouse Get a Green Card Without Leaving the U.S.
By Orelmy Díaz, Esq.
If your spouse entered the United States with a visa and is now married to you, a U.S. citizen, they may be eligible to apply for a green card without having to leave the country. This process, known as Adjustment of Status (AOS), allows the immigrant spouse to become a lawful permanent resident while remaining in the U.S.
As an immigration attorney who once walked the immigration path myself, I’ve helped hundreds of couples file successful green card applications—and I want you to feel just as empowered and informed. This article breaks down the AOS process step-by-step, so you understand what’s required and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Who Qualifies for a Marriage Green Card Without Leaving the U.S.?
To adjust status from within the U.S., your spouse must:
Have entered the country legally (with a valid visa, such as a tourist or student visa)
Be physically present in the U.S. at the time of filing
Be married to a U.S. citizen
Be admissible under immigration law
If your spouse has a criminal record, a prior immigration violation, or misrepresentation on a past application, consult an immigration attorney before filing. These issues may trigger inadmissibility and might require a waiver.
What makes someone inadmissible to the U.S.?
Forms You Need for Adjustment of Status
A marriage-based green card application consists of multiple forms that can be submitted together. Here's what you’ll need:
1. Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative
Filed by the U.S. citizen spouse to prove the relationship is real. You must also submit evidence of a bona fide marriage, such as:
Joint lease/mortgage
Shared bank or credit card accounts
Utility bills
Insurance with both names
Children’s birth certificates (if any)
2. Form I-130A – Information About the Immigrant Spouse
This for gathers additinal background details from the foreign spouse. They sign this form.
3. Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence
This is the actual green card application and must be signed by the foreign spouse.
4. Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support
This form is a legally binding promise from you (the U.S. citizen spouse) that you will financially support your immigrant spouse and ensure they won’t become dependent on public benefits. USCIS uses this form to evaluate whether your household meets the minimum income requirement to sponsor someone for a green card.
If your income isn’t high enough on its own, you can add a joint sponsor or use the income of another household member, as long as they also meet the requirements and sign their own version of the I-864.
2025 Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support — USCIS
This link takes you directly to the official poverty guidelines USCIS uses to determine the income requirement. The income threshold depends on:
Your household size (including dependents and the immigrant spouse)
Whether you’re on active military duty
Whether you're using a joint sponsor
Always check these numbers before filing—the guidelines are updated annually.
5. Form I-693 – Report of Medical Examination
Your spouse must complete a medical exam with a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon. The sealed results must be submitted with your application.
Find a civil surgeon near you — USCIS Tool
6. Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (Optional)
Allows your spouse to legally work while their green card application is pending. Recommended.
7. Form I-131 – Application for Advance Parole (Optional)
Allows your spouse to travel internationally during the green card process. Your spouse should not leave the U.S. until this is approved.
⚠️ Even with advance parole, traveling can carry risks. I recommend speaking with an attorney before planning any trip.
Fees and How to Pay USCIS
You must include the correct government filing fees with your application. Use:
Form G-1450 to pay by credit/debit card; or
Form G-1650 for ACH/direct debit
Each paid form must have its own separate payment authorization. Always check the latest fees on the USCIS Fee Schedule.
Mailing Your Application
Before you send anything to USCIS:
Double-check that you’ve included all required forms, signatures, fees, and supporting documents
Make digital scans or photocopies of everything for your records
Use a trackable mailing service, like USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS
Send your application to the correct USCIS Lockbox address based on where you live and whether you're using USPS or a private courier
🔗 Find the right mailing address here — USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations
⚠️ Avoid requiring a signature on delivery—it can delay processing at the Lockbox.
What Happens After You File?
Processing times can vary based on your local USCIS field office, current workloads, and even seasonal backlogs. While processing times vary by field office, here’s a general outline of what I’ve seen in most marriage-based green card cases over the past few years:
Typical Timeline After Filing
7–10 days
You’ll receive official receipt notices (Form I-797C) confirming that USCIS received your package and fees. These notices include your case numbers—save these.
2–3 weeks
Your spouse will get a biometrics appointment notice. This is when USCIS takes their fingerprints and photo for background checks.
2–4 months
If you included Forms I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (travel permit), these are often approved within this window.
6–12 months
USCIS will send your marriage-based interview notice. Both spouses must attend this interview. The timing can depend heavily on your local field office.
1–2 weeks after interview
You’ll typically receive a decision—either an approval or a Request for Evidence (RFE) if something is missing or needs clarification.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary by location. On average, cases take 8 to 12 months, but some are faster and others may take longer depending on the local field office.
If your marriage is:
Under 2 years at approval → Spouse receives a 2-year conditional green card
2 years or more → Spouse receives a 10-year green card
To remove conditions, you’ll need to file Form I-751 90 days before the 2-year conditional card expires.
Free Resource: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Download the Free Marriage Green Card Guide
I created this guide to help couples just like you avoid delays, organize your documents, and understand the full process from start to finish.
Click here to download your Free Green Card Guide
🧡 Final Thoughts
Helping your spouse get a green card without leaving the U.S. is absolutely possible—and often the best path for couples already living together here. This process may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right information and careful preparation, you can move forward confidently.
You deserve to build your future without fear, separation, or legal confusion. If you ever feel stuck, know that you don’t have to do this alone.
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How to Help Your Spouse Get a Green Card Without Leaving the U.S.
By Orelmy Díaz, Esq.
If your spouse entered the United States with a visa and is now married to you, a U.S. citizen, they may be eligible to apply for a green card without having to leave the country. This process, known as Adjustment of Status (AOS), allows the immigrant spouse to become a lawful permanent resident while remaining in the U.S.
As an immigration attorney who once walked the immigration path myself, I’ve helped hundreds of couples file successful green card applications—and I want you to feel just as empowered and informed. This article breaks down the AOS process step-by-step, so you understand what’s required and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Who Qualifies for a Marriage Green Card Without Leaving the U.S.?
To adjust status from within the U.S., your spouse must:
Have entered the country legally (with a valid visa, such as a tourist or student visa)
Be physically present in the U.S. at the time of filing
Be married to a U.S. citizen
Be admissible under immigration law
If your spouse has a criminal record, a prior immigration violation, or misrepresentation on a past application, consult an immigration attorney before filing. These issues may trigger inadmissibility and might require a waiver.
What makes someone inadmissible to the U.S.?
Forms You Need for Adjustment of Status
A marriage-based green card application consists of multiple forms that can be submitted together. Here's what you’ll need:
1. Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative
Filed by the U.S. citizen spouse to prove the relationship is real. You must also submit evidence of a bona fide marriage, such as:
Joint lease/mortgage
Shared bank or credit card accounts
Utility bills
Insurance with both names
Children’s birth certificates (if any)
2. Form I-130A – Information About the Immigrant Spouse
This for gathers additinal background details from the foreign spouse. They sign this form.
3. Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence
This is the actual green card application and must be signed by the foreign spouse.
4. Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support
This form is a legally binding promise from you (the U.S. citizen spouse) that you will financially support your immigrant spouse and ensure they won’t become dependent on public benefits. USCIS uses this form to evaluate whether your household meets the minimum income requirement to sponsor someone for a green card.
If your income isn’t high enough on its own, you can add a joint sponsor or use the income of another household member, as long as they also meet the requirements and sign their own version of the I-864.
2025 Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support — USCIS
This link takes you directly to the official poverty guidelines USCIS uses to determine the income requirement. The income threshold depends on:
Your household size (including dependents and the immigrant spouse)
Whether you’re on active military duty
Whether you're using a joint sponsor
Always check these numbers before filing—the guidelines are updated annually.
5. Form I-693 – Report of Medical Examination
Your spouse must complete a medical exam with a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon. The sealed results must be submitted with your application.
Find a civil surgeon near you — USCIS Tool
6. Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (Optional)
Allows your spouse to legally work while their green card application is pending. Recommended.
7. Form I-131 – Application for Advance Parole (Optional)
Allows your spouse to travel internationally during the green card process. Your spouse should not leave the U.S. until this is approved.
⚠️ Even with advance parole, traveling can carry risks. I recommend speaking with an attorney before planning any trip.
Fees and How to Pay USCIS
You must include the correct government filing fees with your application. Use:
Form G-1450 to pay by credit/debit card; or
Form G-1650 for ACH/direct debit
Each paid form must have its own separate payment authorization. Always check the latest fees on the USCIS Fee Schedule.
Mailing Your Application
Before you send anything to USCIS:
Double-check that you’ve included all required forms, signatures, fees, and supporting documents
Make digital scans or photocopies of everything for your records
Use a trackable mailing service, like USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS
Send your application to the correct USCIS Lockbox address based on where you live and whether you're using USPS or a private courier
🔗 Find the right mailing address here — USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations
⚠️ Avoid requiring a signature on delivery—it can delay processing at the Lockbox.
What Happens After You File?
Processing times can vary based on your local USCIS field office, current workloads, and even seasonal backlogs. While processing times vary by field office, here’s a general outline of what I’ve seen in most marriage-based green card cases over the past few years:
Typical Timeline After Filing
7–10 days
You’ll receive official receipt notices (Form I-797C) confirming that USCIS received your package and fees. These notices include your case numbers—save these.
2–3 weeks
Your spouse will get a biometrics appointment notice. This is when USCIS takes their fingerprints and photo for background checks.
2–4 months
If you included Forms I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (travel permit), these are often approved within this window.
6–12 months
USCIS will send your marriage-based interview notice. Both spouses must attend this interview. The timing can depend heavily on your local field office.
1–2 weeks after interview
You’ll typically receive a decision—either an approval or a Request for Evidence (RFE) if something is missing or needs clarification.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary by location. On average, cases take 8 to 12 months, but some are faster and others may take longer depending on the local field office.
If your marriage is:
Under 2 years at approval → Spouse receives a 2-year conditional green card
2 years or more → Spouse receives a 10-year green card
To remove conditions, you’ll need to file Form I-751 90 days before the 2-year conditional card expires.
Free Resource: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Download the Free Marriage Green Card Guide
I created this guide to help couples just like you avoid delays, organize your documents, and understand the full process from start to finish.
Click here to download your Free Green Card Guide
🧡 Final Thoughts
Helping your spouse get a green card without leaving the U.S. is absolutely possible—and often the best path for couples already living together here. This process may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right information and careful preparation, you can move forward confidently.
You deserve to build your future without fear, separation, or legal confusion. If you ever feel stuck, know that you don’t have to do this alone.
Forms We Complete For You
G‑1145 – E‑Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
Form G-1145 allows applicants to receive an electronic notification by text message or email when USCIS accepts an application or petition.
Its function is to provide a digital confirmation of receipt in addition to the physical notices mailed by USCIS.
I‑130 – Petition for Alien Relative
Form I-130 is used by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to officially inform USCIS that a qualifying family relationship exists with a foreign national.
Its primary purpose is to establish the legitimacy of the family relationship under U.S. immigration law and create the foundation for the immigrant to pursue further immigration benefits.
I‑130A – Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
Form I-130A collects additional biographical information about the spouse who is the beneficiary of the I-130 petition.
Its function is to supplement the family petition with personal data that helps USCIS verify the identity, history, and background of the immigrant spouse.
I‑485 – Application for Adjustment of Status
Form I-485 is used by eligible individuals located within the United States to request that their immigration status be adjusted to lawful permanent resident.
Its purpose is to allow USCIS to evaluate whether the applicant meets the legal, medical, immigration, and admissibility requirements to become a permanent resident.
I‑765 – Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-765 is used to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Its function is to provide lawful permission for an individual who qualifies under immigration regulations to work in the United States.
I‑131 – Application for Advance Parole (Travel Document)
Form I-131 is used to request a travel document.
In many immigration processes, its function includes Advance Parole, which allows certain individuals to re-enter the United States after authorized travel abroad while maintaining their pending immigration status or application.
I‑864 – Affidavit of Support
Form I-864 is a legally enforceable financial declaration required by immigration law for certain applicants seeking permanent residence.
Its purpose is to demonstrate that the intending immigrant will have adequate financial support and will not rely on specific public benefits, through the financial responsibility of a qualified sponsor.
G‑1650 – Authorization for ACH Transactions
Form G-1650 authorizes USCIS to process application or petition fees through electronic bank transfers using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system.
Its function is to enable direct payment of government filing fees from a bank account.
I‑693 – Medical Exam / Vaccination Record (we provide instructions)
Form I-693 documents the results of a medical examination conducted by a USCIS designated civil surgeon.
Its purpose is to certify that the applicant does not have medical conditions and vaccination issues that would make them inadmissible under U.S. immigration law.
What You Get With the Together in the U.S.™ Marriage Green Card Service
Filed in 2 Weeks: Once we receive your documents and complete onboarding, we prepare and file your full marriage green card application within 14 days—so you can move forward without delay.
Guided Online Application
Our secure online system walks you through every question in plain English, no confusing legal language or paperwork stress.
Personalized Document Checklist
We build a custom checklist based on your relationship, background, and eligibility, so you know exactly what to gather.
Attorney Support (Included)
You’ll receive personalized legal guidance from an experienced immigration attorney who leads your case from day one.
Expert Application Review
Your full marriage green card application is reviewed line by line to ensure accuracy, completeness, and strength.
Complete Filing Service
We assemble, organize, and file your application according to USCIS requirements, reducing the risk of rejections or delays.
Interview Preparation
Before your USCIS interview, you’ll meet with an experienced immigration attorney for a personalized prep session. We’ll walk through common questions, review your evidence, and help you feel calm, ready, and confident on the day of your interview.
Our Proven 3‑Step Process
1
Case Kickoff + Strategy (Week 1)
We review your entry history, marriage timeline, and legal eligibility. You’ll get:
A personalized legal strategy
Bilingual onboarding
Access to our secure client portal
2
Complete Filing Service
We prepare all required forms for your case. Everything is attorney‑reviewed.
3
Interview Preparation
We file your complete USCIS package and stay with you through:
Biometrics
Interview preparation
RFE response
Final decision
Who This Is For
This is for you if:
You’re married to a U.S. citizen
You entered the U.S. legally (e.g. tourist visa, student visa, work visa, K-1, DACA with advance parole)
You want legal representation for your green card application
You want your case done right the first time
Who This Is NOT For
his service is not for:
Entry without a visa / inspection / authorization
Serious criminal or immigration violations history
DIY filers
Call Us
(646) 444-1252
