If I marry after obtaining the Green Card, will my spouse automatically have the right?

When you obtain the Green Card through the EB-3 visa, you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. However, the process of bringing your spouse to live in the country does not occur automatically after marriage. Instead, it is necessary to follow a specific procedure so that your spouse can be eligible to immigrate.

As a permanent resident, you can request the inclusion of your spouse through the family petition (Form I-130). This process is known as family sponsorship (category F2A – spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents). The petition is the first step, but you must wait for its approval and visa availability, which can take some time depending on quotas and the country of origin.

Besides the petitioning, your spouse will need to go through steps such as background checks, medical examinations, and, in some cases, attend a consular interview or an interview at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is crucial to emphasize the importance of following all U.S. immigration laws and regulations during this process. It is also wise to seek guidance from reliable sources, such as specialized immigration consultancies, to ensure all steps are properly completed and to avoid falling victim to scams or misleading information from marketing campaigns that promise solutions without proper legal backing.

In summary, having the Green Card and marrying afterwards does not automatically guarantee that your spouse will receive permanent residence. The spouse must still go through the necessary legal procedures to get your immigration petition approved. Staying well informed and respecting current laws is essential for a successful process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.