Are you married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident? If so, you may be eligible to apply for a marriage green card. A marriage green card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States.
There are two types of marriage green card cases:
- Adjustment of status: This is the process of applying for a green card while you are already in the United States. If you are eligible for adjustment of status, you can stay in the United States while your application is pending. You can also get a work permit while your application is pending.
- CR-1 visa: This is a visa that allows you to come to the United States to apply for a green card. If you are eligible for a CR-1 visa, you will need to leave the United States while your application is pending.
- Be admissible to the United States
- You must be married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Your marriage must be bona fide, or real.
- You must be physically present in the United States (for adjustment of status cases only).
If you are eligible for a marriage green card, the process for obtaining one can be complex. It is important to work with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that your application is filed correctly and that you meet all of the requirements.
Here is a table that summarizes the differences between adjustment of status and CR-1 visas:
| Adjustment of Status | CR-1 Visa |
| You can stay in the United States while your application is pending. | You must leave the United States while your application is pending. |
| You can get a work permit while your application is pending. | You cannot get a work permit until you have received your green card. |
| The processing time is typically shorter than for a CR-1 visa. | The processing time is typically longer than for adjustment of status. |