- Profile
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Category
- I-130, I-485
- Preparation time
- I-130: 11–26 mo., I-485: 21–22 mo.
- Result
- I-130s and green cards approved
Key facts
These are real examples of our clients' marriage-based approvals: I-130 petitions for spouses of U.S. citizens and green cards through adjustment of status (I-485) without leaving the country. In these cases the I-130s took 11–26 months; the I-485s about 21–22 months.
Two paths to a marriage-based green card
- Spouse already in the U.S. With a lawful entry, the I-130 and I-485 can usually be filed together. The spouse stays in the U.S. while the case is pending and can apply for work authorization.
- Spouse abroad. After the I-130 is approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to an interview at a U.S. consulate. One of our cases took this route.
Timelines in our client cases
| Form | Approved | Receipt to approval |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 | Spousal petition | 11 months |
| I-130 | Spousal petition | 17 months |
| I-130 | Spousal petition | 26 months |
| I-485 | Spouse's green card | 21 months |
| I-485 | Spouse's green card | 22 months |
In one case USCIS approved the I-130 and the I-485 one day apart — typical when both are decided at the same interview.
Processing depends heavily on the USCIS field office for your address, so no one can promise an exact date. For the spouse of a U.S. citizen, plan for one to two years.
Answer a few questions and a specialist will review your case.
Conditional or permanent green card
If the marriage is less than two years old at approval, USCIS issues a two-year conditional card (CR6) — one of our clients received exactly that. Form I-751 is filed in the 90 days before it expires to remove conditions. Marriages over two years get a 10-year card (IR6) right away.
What to plan for
- Travel. Leaving the U.S. while the I-485 is pending without advance parole generally abandons the application.
- Work. You can file for work authorization (I-765) together with the I-485.
- A bona fide marriage. USCIS weighs the evidence as a whole and at the interview.
Which documents fit your situation is something we go through in a consultation.
Result: USCIS approvals
Names, case numbers, dates and addresses are redacted.
How M&M helps
- Choosing the path — adjustment in the U.S. or consular processing.
- A complete package — forms, translations, notarization and relationship evidence.
- Interview preparation and support until the decision.
Published with our clients' consent; personal data redacted. Every case is individual; approval is not guaranteed. M&M is a document preparation company, not a law firm; legal matters are handled by licensed partner attorneys.
FAQ
It depends on the USCIS office. In our cases I-130s took 11–26 months and I-485s about 21–22 months.
