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Does the spouse get the green card immediately?

The spouse can be included in the EB-4, but does not always receive the green card simultaneously; the process depends on the principal's approval and compliance with USCIS rules.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on November 27, 2025
2 min read
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It is important to understand how the process works for spouses within the EB-4 category. Generally, the EB-4 visa allows certain special groups – such as religious workers or other eligible groups – to obtain permanent residence in the United States, and their dependents (spouse and minor children) may be included in the same application.

However, this does not necessarily mean that the spouse will receive the green card at the same time as the principal applicant. In many cases, the spouse is considered a derivative beneficiary, which means that their approval depends on the approval of the principal applicant’s petition.

Therefore, although both applications can be submitted together, they follow their own processing timeline and may undergo stages of verification, document review, and in some cases, individual interviews. There are situations where processing occurs in parallel, but in others there may be slight timing differences until the green card is finally granted to the spouse.

It is worth emphasizing the importance of carefully following all laws and guidelines established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The complexity of immigration processes requires attention to deadlines and correct documentation.

Therefore, when making any decision or starting a process, it is essential to seek information from official sources and to be cautious about miracle promises or campaigns that guarantee immediate results. Always verify the credibility of information and avoid falling for schemes that promise outcomes without proper legal basis.

In summary, although the spouse may be included in the EB-4 proceedings, they do not always receive the green card exactly at the same time as the principal. Staying well informed and basing the process on legality and reliable sources is essential to navigate this immigration journey safely.

Learn more about EB-4 Visa

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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.

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Does the spouse get the green card immediately?

The spouse can be included in the EB-4, but does not always receive the green card simultaneously; the process depends on the principal's approval and compliance with USCIS rules.

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