Spouse of a green card holder
Family · F2A
Spouses of lawful permanent residents have their own green card path, category F2A. It starts with Form I-130; when the next step can be filed depends on visa availability in the monthly Visa Bulletin, and the check sorts that out for your case.
The forms
The family relationship petition — it proves the qualifying relationship between you and your relative.
The green card application itself — registering permanent residence from inside the U.S.
The affidavit of support — the sponsor’s promise that the immigrant will have financial support.
Why this route
A permanent resident can petition for a spouse — no need to wait years for naturalization before starting.
Unmarried children under 21 can be included in the same category, on their own petitions.
If the petitioner becomes a citizen mid-case, the spouse becomes an immediate relative — the line disappears.
The filing date sets the priority date. Even when the category has a wait, your place in line is kept.
Requirements
The steps
The relationship is proven and the priority date is set.
When the F2A date is current, the second stage opens — adjustment inside the U.S. or the consulate abroad.
The same interview and evidence as every marriage case.
How it works
In English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The software puts your answers on the official USCIS forms.
Your evidence is sorted into a numbered exhibit index, and every field, signature, and document is checked for completeness.
Download the assembled packet and file it yourself — or have an independent licensed attorney review and file it for you.
Pricing
Your exact technology fee depends on your petition type and is shown during the free eligibility check, before you pay anything. USCIS filing fees are set by the government and paid by you directly to USCIS.
Questions
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a marriage green card may be your path — inside or outside the U.S. The free check asks about your situation and shows the exact forms, documents, and government fees for your case.
Spouses, parents, children, and siblings each have their own petition paths, and which ones are open depends on whether the petitioner is a citizen or a permanent resident. Pick the relationship in the chooser, or let the free check identify the right petition from your answers.
The K-1 fiancé visa is the path for bringing your fiancé to marry in the U.S. Its page explains the requirements and documents, and the free check confirms whether it fits your situation.
Go deeper
Spouse of a green card holder