Green card through marriage: the path for your spouse.
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or resident, you can start the process for your spouse to obtain residency. We guide you step by step, nationwide, in Spanish and English.
Evaluate your case
Tell us your situation. It is confidential.
How does marriage-based residency work?
It all begins with a petition (Form I-130) proving the marriage is genuine. Approving the petition does not grant status by itself; then comes the green card step, either by adjusting status inside the U.S. or through consular processing abroad. The wait time depends on whether the petitioner is a citizen or a resident.
What shapes your case
Two factors shape the route and the wait time:
Spouse of a citizen
Is an "immediate relative": a visa is always available, with no waiting line for the visa number (only processing time).
Spouse of a resident
Falls in the F2A category, subject to the Visa Bulletin. If the resident naturalizes, the case can move up and skip the line.
Conditional residence
If the marriage is under 2 years at approval, the green card is conditional for 2 years and then you file to remove conditions (I-751).
Good-faith marriage
It must be a real marriage. Marriage fraud has serious and permanent consequences; we document a genuine shared life.
The steps
I-130 petition
The citizen or resident spouse files the petition proving the relationship.
Choose the route
Adjustment of status (inside the U.S., if eligible) or consular processing (abroad).
Affidavit of support (I-864)
The sponsor shows sufficient income; it is a legal commitment that survives even divorce.
Interview and decision
The couple attends the interview and, if everything proceeds, residency is granted (conditional or 10-year).
Timelines and notices
Timelines vary by office and category; a citizen's-spouse case is usually faster than a resident's-spouse case. Processing times change, so it's best to verify them at the moment.
Important notice: if your spouse entered without inspection (crossed without being admitted), they generally CANNOT get the green card inside the U.S. and may need consular processing, which can trigger unlawful-presence bars upon leaving. Before choosing the route, a legal evaluation is essential.
Why Zavala Law Group
Immigration is a federal matter, so we represent cases throughout the United States. We are a 100% remote, bilingual firm: you can work with us from wherever you are, in Spanish or English. Attorney Salomón Zavala directs your case together with our immigration team, and we offer payment plans so cost is not the obstacle.
Frequently asked questions
Your first step is a confidential evaluation
Tell us your situation and our immigration team reviews it with you. The sooner, the more options.
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