Getting married to a U.S. citizen can change your immigration path completely, but not always in the way people think. There are a few important things to understand before you jump to conclusions or make big decisions.
So, what really changes after marriage?
Marriage to a U.S. citizen can make you eligible to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence). That means you can live and work legally in the United States. But it doesn’t happen automatically, you have to go through a process that involves paperwork, background checks, and interviews.
If you’re already in the U.S., your situation might be a little different from someone applying from abroad. Some people can “adjust status” without leaving the country, while others need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy.
A lot of people think that once you get married, you instantly get legal status. Unfortunately, that’s not true.
You’ll still need to prove that your marriage is real, not just for immigration purposes. That means providing documents like photos together, shared bank accounts, leases, or anything that shows your relationship is genuine.
Also, if you entered the U.S. without a visa or overstayed, the process can get more complicated. In those cases, it’s really helpful to speak with an immigration attorney before filing anything.
How long does it take?
That depends on many factors, where you live, which USCIS office is handling your case, and even current backlogs.
For some couples, the process can take 10 to 14 months, while for others it might be longer. If you’re applying from abroad, it can take over a year.
What if you get divorced before the process ends?
That can make things tricky. If your green card hasn’t been approved yet, the case might be denied.
If you already have a conditional green card (valid for two years), you’ll need to show that the marriage was real when you remove the conditions later.
Marriage to a U.S. citizen can absolutely open the door to legal residency, but it’s not automatic and it’s not simple. Every case has its own details.
If you’re unsure where to start, it’s worth sitting down with an attorney who can look at your situation and guide you through the right steps.