There are journeys that begin quietly.
A plane landing. A stamp on a passport. A visa that once meant “temporary,” but life—unpredictable and sincere—had other plans.
For many immigrants, entering the United States with a visa was never about staying forever. Yet love changes direction. Marriage changes purpose. And suddenly, the question is no longer how long can I stay? but how do I stay the right way?
A Green Card through marriage after entering with a visa is one of the safest and most legitimate ways to adjust your immigration status—if it’s done correctly. Every day in New York, offices like Notaría Mundo Latino meet couples who qualify but feel lost among forms, instructions, and legal language that seems designed to confuse rather than guide.
This article is written for you—step by step, calmly, clearly—so you understand which USCIS forms to file, why each one matters, and how professional guidance can save you months or even years of stress.
First, Understanding Adjustment of Status After Entering With a Visa
Before talking about forms, let’s slow down and understand the path.
A Green Card through marriage after entering with a visa is processed through Adjustment of Status (AOS). This allows you to apply for permanent residency without leaving the United States, as long as your entry was legal.
This process usually applies if:
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You are legally married to a U.S. citizen
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You entered the U.S. with a tourist visa, student visa, work visa, or ESTA
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You do not have serious criminal issues
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You did not commit immigration fraud when entering the country
This is where many people feel relief—“I qualify.”
But qualification alone is not enough.
USCIS does not forgive mistakes easily. One missing form, one incorrect payment, one signature forgotten, and your case can be delayed for months—or worse, denied.
That’s why many couples choose support from experienced offices like Notaría Mundo Latino in New York, where Spanish-speaking professionals guide you from the very beginning, ensuring nothing is left to chance.
Why Filing the Correct Forms in the Right Order Truly Matters
Now, let’s talk about something USCIS never says directly—but shows clearly through its actions.
USCIS reviews your case as a whole. They don’t just look at love; they look at consistency, accuracy, and credibility.
If forms are missing or improperly prepared, you may face:
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Months—or years—of delays
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Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
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Additional interviews
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Avoidable denials
Many couples believe, “We’re married, that should be enough.”
But immigration does not work on emotion. It works on documentation.
This is why preparing everything correctly from the start is not optional—it’s essential. Professional guidance helps transform a confusing process into a clear roadmap.
Now, The Main USCIS Forms for a Marriage-Based Green Card
Let’s walk through the essential forms usually sent together in one package to USCIS.
Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative
This is the foundation of the process.
The U.S. citizen spouse formally petitions for their husband or wife. USCIS uses this form to confirm that:
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The marriage is legally valid
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The relationship is real, not just on paper
You must include:
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Marriage certificate
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Proof of a bona fide relationship
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Documents from the U.S. citizen spouse
Without a strong I-130, everything else collapses.
Form I-485 – Application to Adjust Status
This is the heart of the process.
The I-485 is the actual request for permanent residence. USCIS evaluates:
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Your immigration history
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Your legal entry
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Your eligibility to adjust status inside the U.S.
Errors here can be costly. This is why many applicants prefer guided preparation through trusted offices like Notaría Mundo Latino, where each detail is reviewed carefully.
Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support
Love is emotional—but USCIS also wants financial reassurance.
The I-864 proves that the U.S. citizen spouse can financially support the immigrant spouse, preventing public dependency.
This includes:
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Recent tax returns
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Employment verification
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Proof of sufficient income
If income is not enough, a joint sponsor may be required—another area where professional advice is critical.
Additionally, Forms That Protect Your Daily Life While You Wait
Adjustment of Status takes time. But life doesn’t stop.
That’s why these additional forms are so important.
Form I-765 – Employment Authorization (EAD)
This allows you to work legally while your Green Card is pending.
Most applicants receive their work permit within 3 to 6 months, giving stability, dignity, and independence during the wait.
Form I-131 – Advance Parole (Travel Permit)
This form allows you to leave and re-enter the U.S. while your case is pending.
Without it, traveling abroad may abandon your application entirely.
Many applicants overlook this form—until it’s too late.
Supporting Documents: Where Your Real Story Lives
Forms are structure.
Evidence is soul.
To strengthen your Green Card through marriage after entering with a visa, USCIS expects solid documentation, including:
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Passport and visa entry records
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Birth certificates
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USCIS medical exam
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Proof of a genuine marriage, such as:
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Joint bank accounts
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Lease or mortgage agreements
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Shared utility bills
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Insurance policies together
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Photos across time
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Letters from friends and family
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The more evidence you provide, the clearer your story becomes.
What Happens After You File Everything?
Once your package is sent, the process usually unfolds as follows:
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Biometrics appointment (3–6 months)
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Work permit & Social Security number (3–6 months)
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USCIS interview (6–18 months)
During this time, having professional support reduces anxiety, confusion, and unnecessary mistakes.
Common Mistakes Couples Make—and How to Avoid Them
Some of the most frequent errors include:
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Submitting incomplete forms
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Weak or insufficient evidence
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Confusing visa entry with border entry
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Missing signatures, dates, or correct fees
These mistakes are preventable—with proper guidance from the start.
Final Thoughts: A Clear Process Begins With the Right Forms
A Green Card through marriage after entering with a visa is not a dream—it is a structured, achievable process when done with care, honesty, and organization.
Knowing which forms to file and how to file them correctly is the difference between a smooth journey and years of unnecessary delay.
For those living in New York who prefer Spanish-language assistance, Notaría Mundo Latino offers clear guidance, step-by-step support, and the reassurance that your case is prepared with attention and respect—because your story deserves to be told correctly, the first time.
Sometimes, the right help doesn’t just save time.
It protects the future you’re building together.