JLA Law Group

Marriage-Based Green Card Attorneys in Norcross and Gwinnett County, Georgia

Case Evaluation→(770) 609-9396

A marriage-based green card is one of the most common pathways to lawful permanent residence in the United States. The process begins when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. If the foreign-born spouse is already in the United States and eligible, they may simultaneously file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. If the spouse is abroad, the case proceeds through consular processing at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

When the marriage is less than two years old at the time the green card is approved, USCIS issues a conditional green card valid for two years. Before the conditional card expires, the couple must jointly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to obtain permanent status. If the marriage has ended in divorce, the foreign-born spouse may request a waiver of the joint filing requirement. USCIS scrutinizes marriage-based petitions for fraud, and couples should be prepared to provide extensive documentation of their bona fide relationship, including joint financial accounts, lease agreements, photographs, and affidavits from family and friends.

Mixed-status couples face particular challenges, including potential inadmissibility bars for unlawful presence. Our attorneys evaluate whether the I-601A provisional waiver, adjustment of status under INA § 245, or consular processing is the best path forward. We serve Norcross, Gwinnett County, and the greater Atlanta metro area with bilingual attorneys who guide couples through every stage of the marriage green card process, from petition filing through the USCIS interview.

Steps You Should Take

1

Gather Marriage and Relationship Evidence

Collect your marriage certificate, joint financial documents, lease or mortgage in both names, photographs together, and affidavits from friends and family attesting to your genuine relationship.

2

File I-130 and I-485 (or Begin Consular Processing)

We prepare and file all required forms, including the I-864 Affidavit of Support proving your household meets the income threshold. For consular processing cases, we coordinate with the National Visa Center.

3

Prepare for the USCIS Interview

Our attorneys conduct a thorough mock interview, review your evidence package, and attend the interview with you at the USCIS Atlanta Field Office to ensure you are fully prepared.

4

Call JLA for a Marriage Green Card Consultation

Call (770) 609-9396 to speak with a bilingual immigration attorney. We evaluate your eligibility, identify any potential issues (prior immigration violations, criminal history), and develop the best strategy for your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the marriage green card process take?
For spouses of U.S. citizens filing I-130 and I-485 concurrently (adjustment of status), the process typically takes 12 to 24 months. For spouses of LPRs, wait times are longer due to visa availability. Consular processing timelines depend on the U.S. Embassy's schedule. Premium processing is not available for family-based petitions.
What is a conditional green card?
If your marriage is less than two years old when your green card is approved, you receive a conditional green card valid for only two years. You must file Form I-751 jointly with your spouse within the 90-day window before it expires to remove the conditions and obtain a permanent 10-year green card.
What happens if we divorce before I remove conditions on my green card?
You may file a waiver of the joint filing requirement with Form I-751, demonstrating that the marriage was entered in good faith. You must provide evidence that the marriage was genuine, such as joint leases, bank statements, and affidavits. Our attorneys help prepare strong waiver applications.
What should we bring to the USCIS marriage green card interview?
Bring your original marriage certificate, both spouses' identification, evidence of bona fide marriage (joint bank statements, lease, utility bills, insurance, photos together, travel records), tax returns filed jointly, birth certificates of any children, and any prior USCIS correspondence. Our attorneys attend the interview with you.
Can I work while my marriage green card is pending?
Yes. When you file I-485 with I-130, you can simultaneously file Form I-765 for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Form I-131 for advance parole (travel permission). The combo card typically arrives within 3 to 6 months and allows you to work and travel while your case is pending.

Applicable Laws

INA § 201(b)(2)(A)(i) / 8 U.S.C. § 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)Immediate relative classification for spouses of U.S. citizens: no visa number waiting period.
INA § 216 / 8 U.S.C. § 1186aConditional permanent residence for marriages less than two years old; I-751 joint petition to remove conditions.
INA § 245 / 8 U.S.C. § 1255Adjustment of status: eligibility to apply for green card from within the United States.
INA § 213A / 8 U.S.C. § 1183aAffidavit of Support (I-864): sponsor must demonstrate income at 125% of federal poverty guidelines.

Related Services

Tarjeta VerdeLey de InmigraciónAjuste de EstatusLey de InmigraciónPeticiones FamiliaresLey de Inmigración

Other Immigration Law Services

G
Green Card
D
Deportation Defense
A
Asylum
V
VAWA
U
U-Visa
D
DACA
N
Naturalization
F
Family Petitions
W
Work Permits
C
Cancellation of Removal
I
I-601 Waiver
A
Adjustment of Status
H
H-1B Visa
T
Temporary Protected Status
S
Special Immigrant Juvenile
C
Criminal & Immigration

Case Evaluation

Talk to a marriage green card attorney today.

Schedule Consultation(770) 609-9396

1250 Tech Dr, Suite 240

Norcross, GA 30093

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