Getting the coveted green card is difficult for many immigrants. While many immigrants, fraudsters and Hollywood screenwriters perceive a marriage as the fast track to a green card, it isn't as easy as you think, no matter how in love you are. If you are already a citizen and plan to marry someone from another nation, here are the steps you need to take that will put your future spouse on the legal track to citizenship:
1. Start saving your money. The first form you will fill out costs $455 to file, the cost of applying for a green card is $1,010 and you may need to consult an immigration lawyer if the immigration process hits a snag.
2. As your spouse's sponsor, you will need to fill out and mail in a Petition for Alien Fiancee. You can obtain this form from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site. To help weed out those who might be filling out the application fraudulently, you must be able to prove that you met your spouse in person within two years before filling out the form, with some exceptions given for cultural practices, and you must have proof of your marriage plans.
3. Your spouse gets a visa. If this petition is approved, then your spouse will be able to get a visa from the US Embassy in her nation and go to the United States.
4. Get married. You will need to marry within 90 days of your fiancée arriving in the US, and your new spouse can fill out an Application to Register Permanent Residence, which will get the actual green-card process rolling.
5. Prepare to prove your relationship. While you wait, assemble documents that prove your relationship is legitimate. These documents include not only your marriage certificate from the government, but also love letters and photos.
6. Be patient. If you get a green card, you still need to wait a while for citizenship. Your spouse must have a green card for four years and nine months before she can apply to be a citizen.
An Important Note
A fake marriage won't cut it. You might be reading this looking for tips if you want to marry a stranger in exchange for a fee or if you just want to help out a friend in a jam. Immigration officials will investigate if you two really are in love. Since green cards offer so many benefits, they must reflect legitimate relationships. Immigration officials will interview you and ask you questions that only a spouse would know the answer to, and these officials are on high alert since the events of September 11, 2001. No matter how well-intentioned you are, marrying solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card or helping someone obtain a green card can get both of you in serious trouble.
 | Determine the U.S. work visa class relevant to your employment. Next, either have your U.S. employer submit Form I-129 to obtain permission for application or complete your application. Submit completed applications at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country where you'll undergo fingerprinting and an interview. |
 | Green cards establish an immigrant's lawful, permanent residence and right to work in the US. Most people are eligible for a green card on the basis of employment, family relationships, or green card lottery system. Be sure you understand which application method you're eligible for so your application's not denied. |
 | Green cards allow an immigrant to prove that he has lawful permission to live and work in the United States. Many immigrants go through the three-step application process that can take several years to complete. |
 | The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, better known as the green card lottery, is a system by which immigrants achieve the status of a Lawful Permanent Resident. |
If you are wondering how to get a green card to live and work legally in the United States, there are several methods. To achieve permanent resident status, immigrants must have some kind of sponsorship, whether through a family member or via employment. The process to get employer-sponsored green cards has many phases, but it could be well worth it when the application for permanent resident status is approved. |
