February 2024 Timeline: Marriage Green Card Application
Updated on January 19, 2024
A spouse green card application currently takes between 10 months and 66 months, depending on your type of application. To see all the steps involved in the application process, and how long it takes, select the timeline applicable to your case:
I'm married to a:
and I live:
For applicants who are married to a U.S. citizen and currently live in the U.S, you will apply through a USCIS procedure called "Concurrent Filing". Receiving a green card currently takes:
11 – 14 Months
Here is the application timeline:
Submit All Application Materials in One Package
The sponsor and applicant submit the following forms, along with supporting documents:
- Form I-130 — Petition for Alien Relatives
- Form I-130A — Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
- Form I-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-864 — Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
- Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization (optional)
- Form I-131 — Application for Travel Document (optional)
- G-1145 — e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional)
Form I-944 — Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS' new Public Charge Rule)[💡: This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.]
Did You Know?
You can complete application forms and collect supporting documents with easy step-by-step personalized instructions, using the GreenCardHero guided software. Try it for free!
December 23, 2022 Update
Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application.
Sept 30, 2020 Update
Great news – A U.S. District Court has temporarily blocked USCIS from increasing application fees (the higher fees were originally scheduled to start on Oct 2, 2020). So during a limited period of time starting from now, USCIS will only charge the lower old fees! 😇🙌🎉 Note that this temporary injunction could end at anytime, as USCIS appeals this court decision. The current injunction may not last for very long.
Once the injunction period ends, the application fees will go up from the current $1,760 to $2,830, a net increase of $1,070, almost doubling the current cost. Because it will be much more expensive to apply after the fee increase, we suggest applying soon while the old fee is still in effect.
Around 2 Weeks Later
USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797) Arrives
The receipt notice confirms that USCIS has received your application. It contains a set of case numbers, which you can use to track your case status with the USCIS Case Status Checker.
Around 3-5 Weeks after Filing
Biometrics Appointment Notice Arrives for the Applicant
The biometrics services appointment is a quick, low stress procedure where the USCIS takes the applicant's fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. This helps USCIS confirm the applicant's identity and run required background and security checks. Source
The appointment will be at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The applicant's appointment notice will include the date, time and location for the appointment. Source
Around 4-6 Weeks after Filing
The Applicant Goes to the Biometrics Appointment
Attend the scheduled biometrics services appointment. You can learn more about what it's like on the USCIS website.
Around 5.5-7.5 Months after Filing
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card Arrives for the Applicant
If the applicant filled out the optional forms for employment and travel authorization (Forms I-765 and I-131), the applicant will receive an approval notice and an EAD card in the mail. With an EAD card, the applicant can work in the U.S. and/or travel outside the U.S. while the application is pending.
Around 4-10 Months after Filing
Interview Notice Arrives for the Sponsor and Applicant
USCIS will schedule an in-person interview and mail an interview notice. Both the applicant and the sponsor need to attend. The interview notice will contain instructions on what supporting documents to bring to the interview.
Around 1-2 Months after Receiving Interview Notice
The Sponsor and Applicant Go to Green Card Interview
The day is finally here! Put on your cleanest shirts and arrive at the interview at the scheduled date and time. Both the applicant and the sponsor are required to attend.
The interview is an opportunity for USCIS to verify the information provided in your application, to discover new information, and to determine the credibility of the applicant.
During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask the applicant a series of questions to confirm that the applicant:
- Never committed a crime
- Hasn't defrauded the U.S. government
- Hasn't been deported
- Has no serious diseases
- The marriage is real
- Has financial support
Read our guide on how to prepare and what to expect at the interview.
Around 1-2 Months after Completing Interview
Green Card Arrives in the Mail! 🎉
Congratulations! You have made it!
Application Part One: The Sponsor Submits Immigrant Petition Forms and Documents to USCIS
The sponsor needs to submit two forms, along with supporting documents Source
- I-130 — Petition for Alien Relative, to be completed by the sponsor. (The US government uses the term "alien" 👽 to refer to foreigners. This can get truly confusing when real aliens from Mars arrive and start filing U.S. government paperwork).
- I-130A — Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, to be completed by the applicant.
Did You Know?
You can complete application forms and collect supporting documents with easy step-by-step personalized instructions, using the GreenCardHero guided software. Try it for free!
Around 2 Weeks Later
USCIS Receipt Notice Arrives
The Receipt Notice confirms that USCIS has received your immigrant petition. It contains your case number, which you can use to track your case status with the USCIS Case Status Checker.
Around 7-10 Months Later
USCIS Notice of Approval Arrives 😀
Your immigrant petition has been approved and it's time for Application Part Two — Immigrant Visa Application!
Around 3 Weeks after USCIS Notice of Approval
Welcome Letter from NVC Arrives
The Welcome letter from National Visa Center contains your unique case number and invoice ID number. You can now start Application Part Two — Immigrant Visa Application. Source
You will need these numbers for filing future applications, so make sure to save the numbers and only share them with people you trust. Source
Around 1 Week Later
Notice of Successful Fee Processing Arrives
Immigrant Visa Application — Item 2 of 2: The Applicant and the Sponsor Submits Application Forms and Documents to NVC
Part 1
Form DS-260 — Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, is a long form that collects the applicant's personal information, addresses, family members, U.S. travel history, employment history, education history, medical history, criminal history, etc.
You can fill out and submit DS-260 online through CEAC.
Part 2
The applicant and the sponsor need to complete the following three items and submit them in ONE package to NVC:
- Collect supporting civil documents for DS-260 (completed by the applicant)
- complete Form I-864 (completed by the sponsor)
- Collect supporting financial documents for I-864 (completed by the sponsor)
Did You Know?
You can complete application forms and collect supporting documents with easy step-by-step personalized instructions, using the GreenCardHero guided software. Try it for free!
Immediately Available Online After Submission
Receipt Notice for DS-260 Arrives
Around 3 Weeks Later
NVC Approval Notice Arrives 😀
Your application has been approved and it's time for the Green Card interview!
Around 1-2 Months after NVC Approval Notice
Interview Appointment Letter Arrives
After NVC schedules your interview appointment, you will receive a letter noting the appointment date, time and location. The letter usually arrives around one month before the scheduled interview date. Source
The Applicant Completes Pre-Interview Activities
The pre-interview activities must be completed before the interview date. The activities required vary from embassy to embassy. Use this NVC webpage to select your embassy/consulate and get a Pre-Interview Checklist specific for your case.
Some common requirements include:
Medical Exam
The applicant is required to schedule a medical appointment with an authorized doctor in the country where the applicant will be interviewed. The interview appointment letter you receive will provide information on how to find an embassy-approved doctor.
Gather Documents Required for the Interview
These documents include the original version of all civil documents and financial documents submitted to NVC, copies of those documents, and other documents specified in the interview appointment letter.
Embassy/Consulate Specific Requirements
For example, many embassies and consulates require the applicant to register for passport delivery service before the interview. To get the full embassy/consulate specific requirements, use the NVC Pre-Interview Checklist.
Form DS-5540, Public Charge Questionnaire
Form DS-5540 is a 4-page form used to demonstrate that the applicant can be self-sufficient financially. The applicant will be asked to present a completed DS-5540 at the time of the visa interview. You may want to start Form DS-5540 in advance, so you will have enough time to collect the required supporting evidence.
08/07/2020 Update:
Good news - On August 7, 2020, the State Department announced it would temporarily stop requiring applicants to complete or present the DS-5540 at the visa interview. This is in response to a temporary federal court injunction of the new Public Charge Rule.
Note that this injunction of the new Public Charge Rule is only temporary and can change at any time without notice. Please follow the instructions in your interview Appointment Letter, and contact NVC to get the most up-to-date DS-5540 requirements.
Around 1 Month after Receiving the Interview Appointment Letter
The Applicant Attends the Interview
The day is finally here! Put on your cleanest shirt and arrive at the interview at the scheduled date and time. The sponsor's attendance is optional. They probably won't call you on time, but, hey, at this point you are a master at waiting for the government, right?
During the interview, a consular officer will ask the applicant a series of questions to confirm that the applicant:
- Has never committed a crime
- Hasn't defrauded the U.S. government
- Hasn't been deported
- Has no serious diseases
- The marriage is real
- Has financial support
Read our article on what to expect at the Green Card interview.
A Few Weeks Later (varies by embassy)
Passport with Visa and Sealed Immigrant Packet Arrive 😀
Yay! You made it! The visa will be valid for 6 months and you can use it to travel to the U.S.. The sealed Immigrant Packet is to be handed over to the border customs official when you enter the U.S.. Keep the packet sealed. Again: Don't... Open... The Packet!
The Applicant Pays Immigrant Fee
Before we are done, the U.S. government needs to get paid one more time...
USCIS charges an Immigrant Fee of $220. Source
Pay it through the USCIS website after you receive the immigrant visa and before you travel to the U.S.. (What is this fee for? As far as we can tell, this fee is primarily an opportunity for USCIS to squeeze some final dollars out of you. Welcome to America!).
The Applicant Travels to the U.S. within 6 Months
Make sure you come to the U.S. before your visa expires! Immigrant visas are usually valid for 6 months, but double check yours to make sure. Source
Once you arrive in the U.S., go through the border customs and present the sealed Immigrant Packet (you kept it sealed, right?!) to a customs official. You will then be admitted into the country.
Around 2-3 Weeks Later
Green Card Arrives in the Mail! 🎉
Congratulations! You have made it!
🔑 Submit Application Part One: Immigrant Petition
The sponsor and applicant submit the following forms, along with supporting documents:
- Form I-130 — Petition for Alien Relatives
- Form I-130A — Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
- G-1145 — e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional)
Application Part One's purpose is to establish the applicant's eligibility for a Green Card. Since the applicant's eligibility is based on their marriage to the sponsor, Application Part One helps to demonstrate:Source:
- The sponsor is a real person.
- The sponsor is a U.S. permanent resident.
- The applicant is the sponsor's husband.
- This marriage is real.
Did You Know?
You can complete application forms and collect supporting documents with easy step-by-step personalized instructions, using the GreenCardHero guided software. Try it for free!
Sept 30, 2020 Update
Great news – A U.S. District Court has temporarily blocked USCIS from increasing application fees (the higher fees were originally scheduled to start on Oct 2, 2020). So during a limited period of time starting from now, USCIS will only charge the lower old fees! 😇🙌🎉 Note that this temporary injunction could end at anytime, as USCIS appeals this court decision. The current injunction may not last for very long.
Once the injunction period ends, the application fees will go up from the current $1,760 to $2,830, a net increase of $1,070, almost doubling the current cost. Because it will be much more expensive to apply after the fee increase, we suggest applying soon while the old fee is still in effect.
Around 2 Weeks Later
USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797) Arrives
The receipt notice confirms that USCIS has received your Application Part One. It contains a case number, which you can use to track your Application Part One case status with the USCIS Case Status Checker. It also contains a date labeled "Priority Date". You will use this date later to determine when to submit Application Part Two.
Around 40 Months After Filing Immigrant Petition (Application Part One)
USCIS Notice of Approval Arrives 😀
For around 7 Months after receiving USCIS Notice of Approval
Waiting period... ⏰
After the Waiting Period is Over
🌱 Submit Application Part Two: Adjustment of Status
The sponsor and applicant submit the following forms, along with supporting documents:
- Form I-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-864 — Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
- Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization (optional)
- Form I-131 — Application for Travel Document (optional)
- G-1145 — e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional)
Form I-944 — Declaration of Self Sufficiency (A new form that came into effect on February 24, 2020 due to USCIS’ new Public Charge Rule)[💡: This form is no longer needed due to the cancellation of the Trump-era Public Charge rule.]
Application Part Two's purpose is to apply for the applicant's Green Card. After USCIS approves Application Part One, the applicant has successfully established their Green Card eligibility; now they can apply for it. Application Part Two collects information that demonstrates Source:
- The applicant is a real person.
- The applicant's current immigration status doesn't bar them from receiving a Green Card.
- The applicant can financially support themselves in the U.S. without government assistance.
- The applicant is in good health.
- The applicant has good moral characters.
December 23, 2022 Update
Starting December 23, 2022, USCIS will implement the new Biden-era Public Charge rule and stop accepting previous editions of Form I-485. Instead, it will switch to a new Form I-485, which will contain additional questions compared to the previous editions. So please double check that your Form I-485 edition is correct when submitting your application.
Around 2-3 Weeks after Filing Adjustment of Status
USCIS Receipt Notices (Form I-797) Arrive
For each form you submit in Application Part Two, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Each receipt notice contains a case number. You can use these case numbers to track your Application Part Two case status with the USCIS Case Status Checker.
Around 3-5 Weeks after Filing Adjustment of Status
Biometrics Appointment Notice Arrives for the Applicant
The biometrics services appointment is a quick, low stress procedure where the USCIS takes the applicant's fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. This helps USCIS confirm the applicant's identity and run required background and security checks. Source
The appointment will be at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The applicant's appointment notice will include the date, time and location for the appointment. Source
Around 4-6 Weeks after Filing Adjustment of Status
The Applicant Goes to the Biometrics Appointment
Attend the scheduled biometrics services appointment. You can learn more about what it's like on the USCIS website.
Around 5.5-7.5 Months after Filing Adjustment of Status
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card Arrives for the Applicant
If the applicant filled out the optional forms for employment and travel authorization, the applicant will receive an approval notice and an EAD card in the mail. With an EAD card, the applicant can work in the U.S. and/or travel outside the U.S. while the application is pending.
Around 16 Months after Filing Adjustment of Status
Interview Notice Arrives for the Sponsor and Applicant
USCIS will schedule an in-person interview and mail an interview notice. Both the applicant and the sponsor need to attend. The interview notice will contain instructions on what supporting documents to bring to the interview.
Around 1-2 Months after Receiving Interview Notice
The Sponsor and Applicant Go to Green Card Interview
The day is finally here! Put on your cleanest shirts and arrive at the interview at the scheduled date and time. Both the applicant and the sponsor are required to attend.
The interview is an opportunity for USCIS to verify the information provided in your application, to discover new information, and to determine the credibility of the applicant.
During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask the applicant a series of questions to confirm that the applicant:
- Never committed a crime
- Hasn't defrauded the U.S. government
- Hasn't been deported
- Has no serious diseases
- The marriage is real
- Has financial support
Read our guide on how to prepare and what to expect at the interview.
Around 1-2 Months after Completing Interview
Green Card Arrives in the Mail! 🎉
Congratulations! You have made it!
Application Part One: The Sponsor Submits Immigrant Petition Forms and Documents to USCIS
The sponsor needs to submit two forms, along with supporting documents Source
- I-130 — Petition for Alien Relative, to be completed by the sponsor. (The US government uses the term "alien" 👽 to refer to foreigners. This can get truly confusing when real aliens from Mars arrive and start filing U.S. government paperwork).
- I-130A — Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, to be completed by the applicant.
Did You Know?
You can complete application forms and collect supporting documents with easy step-by-step personalized instructions, using the GreenCardHero guided software. Try it for free!
Around 2 Weeks Later
USCIS Receipt Notice Arrives
The Receipt Notice confirms that USCIS has received your immigrant petition. It contains your case number, which you can use to track your case status with the USCIS Case Status Checker.
Around 40 Months Later
USCIS Notice of Approval Arrives 😀
Your immigrant petition has been approved and it's time for Application Part Two — Immigrant Visa Application!
For Around 7 months after USCIS Notice of Approval
Waiting period until a visa number becomes available ⏰
Around 3 Weeks after the waiting period ends
Welcome Letter from NVC Arrives
The Welcome letter from National Visa Center contains your unique case number and invoice ID number. You can now start Application Part Two – Immigrant Visa Application. Source
You will need these numbers for filing future applications, so make sure to save the numbers and only share them with people you trust. Source
Immigrant Visa Application — Item 1 of 2: The Applicant Pays Processing Fees
NVC charges two processing fees. They can be paid online through CEAC:
- Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee ($325) Source
- Affidavit of Support Fee ($120) Source — Explained in detail below.
For payment, you will need to provide a bank routing number and a checking or savings account number from a U.S. bank. Source
Around 1 Week Later
Notice of Successful Fee Processing Arrives
Immigrant Visa Application — Item 2 of 2: The Applicant and the Sponsor Submits Application Forms and Documents to NVC
Part 1
Form DS-260 — Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, is a long form that collects the applicant's personal information, addresses, family members, U.S. travel history, employment history, education history, medical history, criminal history, etc.
You can fill out and submit DS-260 online through CEAC.
Part 2
The applicant and the sponsor need to complete the following three items and submit them in ONE package to NVC:
- Collect supporting civil documents for DS-260 (completed by the applicant)
- complete Form I-864 (completed by the sponsor)
- Collect supporting financial documents for I-864 (completed by the sponsor)
Did You Know?
You can complete application forms and collect supporting documents with easy step-by-step personalized instructions, using the GreenCardHero guided software. Try it for free!
Immediately Available Online After Submission
Receipt Notice for DS-260 Arrives
Around 3 Weeks Later
NVC Approval Notice Arrives 😀
Your application has been approved and it's time for the Green Card interview!
Around 1-2 Months after NVC Approval Notice
Interview Appointment Letter Arrives
After NVC schedules your interview appointment, you will receive a letter noting the appointment date, time and location. The letter usually arrives around one month before the scheduled interview date. Source
The Applicant Completes Pre-Interview Activities
The pre-interview activities must be completed before the interview date. The activities required vary from embassy to embassy. Use this NVC webpage to select your embassy/consulate and get a Pre-Interview Checklist specific for your case.
Some common requirements include:
Medical Exam
The applicant is required to schedule a medical appointment with an authorized doctor in the country where the applicant will be interviewed. The interview appointment letter you receive will provide information on how to find an embassy-approved doctor.
Gather Documents Required for the Interview
These documents include the original version of all civil documents and financial documents submitted to NVC, copies of those documents, and other documents specified in the interview appointment letter.
Embassy/Consulate Specific Requirements
For example, many embassies and consulates require the applicant to register for passport delivery service before the interview. To get the full embassy/consulate specific requirements, use the NVC Pre-Interview Checklist.
Form DS-5540, Public Charge Questionnaire
Form DS-5540 is a 4-page form used to demonstrate that the applicant can be self-sufficient financially. The applicant will be asked to present a completed DS-5540 at the time of the visa interview. You may want to start Form DS-5540 in advance, so you will have enough time to collect the required supporting evidence.
08/07/2020 Update:
Good news - On August 7, 2020, the State Department announced it would temporarily stop requiring applicants to complete or present the DS-5540 at the visa interview. This is in response to a temporary federal court injunction of the new Public Charge Rule.
Note that this injunction of the new Public Charge Rule is only temporary and can change at any time without notice. Please follow the instructions in your interview Appointment Letter, and contact NVC to get the most up-to-date DS-5540 requirements.
Around 1 Month after Receiving the Interview Appointment Letter
The Applicant Attends the Interview
The day is finally here! Put on your cleanest shirt and arrive at the interview at the scheduled date and time. The sponsor's attendance is optional. They probably won't call you on time, but, hey, at this point you are a master at waiting for the government, right?
During the interview, a consular officer will ask the applicant a series of questions to confirm that the applicant:
- Has never committed a crime
- Hasn't defrauded the U.S. government
- Hasn't been deported
- Has no serious diseases
- The marriage is real
- Has financial support
Read our article on what to expect at the Green Card interview.
A Few Weeks Later (varies by embassy)
Passport with Visa and Sealed Immigrant Packet Arrive 😀
Yay! You made it! The visa will be valid for 6 months and you can use it to travel to the U.S.. The sealed Immigrant Packet is to be handed over to the border customs official when you enter the U.S.. Keep the packet sealed. Again: Don't... Open... The Packet!
The Applicant Pays Immigrant Fee
Before we are done, the U.S. government needs to get paid one more time...
USCIS charges an Immigrant Fee of $220. Source
Pay it through the USCIS website after you receive the immigrant visa and before you travel to the U.S.. (What is this fee for? As far as we can tell, this fee is primarily an opportunity for USCIS to squeeze some final dollars out of you. Welcome to America!).
The Applicant Travels to the U.S. within 6 Months
Make sure you come to the U.S. before your visa expires! Immigrant visas are usually valid for 6 months, but double check yours to make sure. Source
Once you arrive in the U.S., go through the border customs and present the sealed Immigrant Packet (you kept it sealed, right?!) to a customs official. You will then be admitted into the country.
Around 2-3 Weeks Later
Green Card Arrives in the Mail! 🎉
Congratulations! You have made it!
Ready to get started?
We can help you complete your application, with step by step instructions — for just $299.
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