Caring, Effective Marriage Green Card Lawyer Serving West Virginia
I am Jason Karavias, Esq., a dedicated attorney based in Pittsburgh, but I proudly serve clients throughout West Virginia in matters of family immigration, particularly in obtaining marriage green cards. With over two decades of legal practice, I understand the intricacies of U.S. immigration law and am committed to assisting couples in reuniting and building their lives together in the United States.
If you are in West Virginia and are seeking legal assistance for getting a green card for a spouse, do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact my Pittsburgh office for a free initial consultation either by calling 412-223-7924 or by using my online contact form.
What Is Required For A Marriage Green Card?
To apply for a marriage green card, several key documents and forms need to be submitted. First, you must prove the legitimacy of your marriage through marriage certificates, joint leases or bank accounts, among other documents.
The U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). The foreign spouse needs to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) if they are already in the U.S. Alternatively, if outside the U.S., the process involves consular processing.
Essential documents include proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, proof of lawful entry of the foreign spouse if applicable and financial documents to establish the ability to support the foreign spouse above the poverty line. Medical examinations and biometric data are also required as part of the process. Each case is unique, so I guide my clients through the specific requirements and forms pertinent to their situation.
Understanding Adjustment Of Status And Consular Processing
Whether your potential spouse is in West Virginia on a K-1 fiancé(e) visa or you have a marriage visa, now is the time to seek permanent resident status (a green card) for them.
When it comes to applying for a marriage green card, there are two primary paths: adjustment of status and consular processing. Each serves different circumstances depending on where your spouse currently resides.
Adjustment of status: This process is applicable if your spouse is already in the U.S. It allows your husband or wife to apply for permanent residency without having to return to their home country. This is often the faster route for couples who are already together in the U.S. It requires proving that the marriage is bona fide and that the noncitizen spouse meets all other eligibility criteria.
Consular processing: If your spouse resides outside the United States, consular processing is the necessary procedure. This process involves the noncitizen spouse applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. It is crucial to establish a qualifying marital relationship and meet all documentary requirements to avoid delays or denials.
As your immigration attorney, I am able to help in either situation.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Marriage Green Card?
The timeline for obtaining a marriage green card can vary significantly. It generally depends on whether the sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. If the spouse is a U.S. citizen, the process might take about 6 to 18 months.
However, if the spouse is a permanent resident, it could take longer, about 36 months. This variation is due to different processing times at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the availability of visas. Factors such as the completeness of your application, the need for additional evidence and your location can also affect the duration.
Addressing Any Challenges In The Green Card Process
Despite careful planning, obstacles can arise during the marriage green card process. As your lawyer, I am here to assist with any issues that might occur, whether they involve legal complexities, documentation challenges or delays in processing. My aim is to address these hurdles promptly and effectively, ensuring that you and your spouse can move forward without undue stress.
The Crucial Requirement To Remove Conditions On Residence
It is important to note that if you have been married for less than two years when your spouse receives their green card, the residency granted will be on a conditional basis. To continue your life together in the U.S., you must apply to remove these conditions within 90 days before the second anniversary of the green card issuance. This step is vital to transitioning from conditional to permanent resident status.
Contact Me Today For A Free Consultation
If you are seeking a quality marriage green card lawyer serving West Virginia, let me help you. I invite you to call my office at 412-223-7924 or use my online contact form to arrange a no-cost consultation. Together, we can assess your situation and determine the best course of action to bring your spouse to the U.S. or adjust their status. Remember, you do not have to navigate this path alone.