Which Is Faster: Marriage Green Card Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status?

Key Takeaways

• Marriage green card takes 12–24 months (US citizen spouse) or 24–36 months (green card holder spouse) via Adjustment of Status.
• Consular Processing duration ranges 12–20 months (US citizen spouse) and 24–32 months (green card holder spouse).
• All marriage green card applicants must attend mandatory interviews, increasing overall processing time.

If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder and want to live together in the United States 🇺🇸, you’ll likely need to apply for a marriage green card. Two main paths exist: Adjustment of Status (if you’re already in the United States 🇺🇸) and Consular Processing (if you’re outside the country). Understanding the marriage green card timeline for each option is essential, especially with recent policy changes and growing backlogs. This guide will walk you through each step, highlight common pitfalls, and help you decide which path may be faster for your situation.

Introduction: Why the Marriage Green Card Timeline Matters

The marriage green card process is a life-changing journey for couples. Processing times can affect family unity, work plans, and even where you live. Recent changes by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State have made the process more complex, with new interview requirements and stricter evidence standards. Knowing the steps, expected timelines, and possible delays can help you avoid mistakes and reduce stress.

Step 1: Decide Which Pathway Applies to You

Before you start, you need to know which process fits your situation:

• Adjustment of Status (AOS): For spouses already in the United States 🇺🇸 on a valid visa.
• Consular Processing: For spouses living outside the United States 🇺🇸.

Key factors:
– Your current location (inside or outside the U.S. 🇺🇸)
– Your spouse’s status (U.S. citizen or green card holder)
– Your current immigration status (if inside the U.S. 🇺🇸)

Step 2: Understand the Marriage Green Card Timeline for Each Path

2.1 Adjustment of Status (AOS) – Inside the United States 🇺🇸

Estimated Timeline:
– Spouse of U.S. Citizen: 12–24 months
– Spouse of Green Card Holder: 24–36 months

Steps:

1. File Forms I-130 and I-485 Together
   • Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Proves your marriage is real. Find the official form here.
   • Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): Requests your green card. Find the official form here.
   • Tip: Filing both forms together (concurrent filing) is allowed for spouses of U.S. citizens.
2. Attend Biometrics Appointment
   • You’ll be scheduled for fingerprinting and photos at a local USCIS office.
   • Time estimate: 2–6 weeks after filing.
3. Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
   • If USCIS needs more proof, they’ll send an RFE.
   • Common reasons: Missing documents, unclear marriage evidence, or incomplete forms.
   • Time estimate: 1–3 months to respond and for USCIS to review.
4. Attend In-Person Interview
   • New rule: All applicants must attend an interview, even if your evidence is strong.
   • Time estimate: 6–18 months after filing, depending on local office backlogs.
5. Receive Decision and Green Card
   • If approved, you’ll get your green card by mail.
   • If denied, you may appeal or reapply.

Total time: 12–24 months for U.S. citizen spouses; 24–36 months for green card holder spouses.

2.2 Consular Processing – Outside the United States 🇺🇸

Estimated Timeline:
– Spouse of U.S. Citizen: 12–20 months
– Spouse of Green Card Holder: 24–32 months

Steps:

1. File Form I-130
   • Your U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse files this form with USCIS. Find the official form here.
   • Time estimate: 6–12 months for approval.
2. Wait for National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
   • After I-130 approval, your case goes to the NVC.
   • You’ll get a case number and instructions to pay fees and submit documents.
   • Time estimate: 1–3 months.
3. Complete DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
   • Fill out the online form for your immigrant visa. Find the official form here.
   • Upload civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police records).
   • Time estimate: 1–2 months.
4. Attend Medical Examination
   • Schedule a medical exam with an approved doctor in your country.
   • Time estimate: 1–2 weeks.
5. Attend Visa Interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
   • Bring all original documents and proof of your relationship.
   • Answer questions about your marriage and background.
   • Time estimate: Interview scheduled 2–6 months after NVC approval, depending on consulate workload.
6. Receive Visa and Enter the United States 🇺🇸
   • If approved, you’ll get your visa in your passport.
   • Enter the U.S. 🇺🇸 and receive your green card by mail.

Total time: 12–20 months for U.S. citizen spouses; 24–32 months for green card holder spouses.

Step 3: Prepare Strong Evidence and Documents

Both pathways require:
– Proof of a real marriage (photos, joint accounts, lease/mortgage, children’s birth certificates)
– Birth certificates, passports, and prior divorce decrees (if any)
– Police certificates (for consular processing)
– Medical exam results

Tips:
– Double-check all forms for accuracy.
– Submit clear, organized evidence.
– Keep copies of everything.

Step 4: Attend Your Interview

Adjustment of Status:
– Interview at a local USCIS office.
– Both spouses must attend.
– Bring originals of all documents and evidence.

Consular Processing:
– Interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
– Only the foreign spouse attends.
– Bring all required documents and proof of relationship.

Common interview questions:
– How did you meet?
– When did you get married?
– What are your spouse’s hobbies or job?
– Where do you live together?

Step 5: Wait for Decision and Next Steps

• If approved:
  • AOS: Green card arrives by mail in a few weeks.
  • Consular Processing: Visa placed in your passport; green card mailed after you enter the U.S. 🇺🇸
• If denied:
  • You may appeal, file a motion to reopen, or reapply.

Estimated Timelines at a Glance

Note: These are estimates. Actual times may be longer due to backlogs, missing documents, or consulate delays.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Incomplete Forms: Double-check every form before submitting. Missing signatures or information can cause delays.
• Weak Evidence: Submit as much proof as possible that your marriage is real. Include photos, joint bills, and letters from friends or family.
• Missed Deadlines: Respond quickly to any USCIS or NVC requests. Missing a deadline can result in denial.
• Not Preparing for the Interview: Practice answering questions about your relationship. Bring all required documents.
• Ignoring Backlogs: Processing times can change quickly. Check the latest updates on the USCIS Processing Times page.

Troubleshooting Delays

• Check Case Status Regularly: Use your receipt number to track your case on the USCIS website.
• Respond to RFEs Quickly: If you get a Request for Evidence, send the requested documents as soon as possible.
• Contact USCIS or NVC: If your case is outside normal processing times, you can submit an inquiry online.
• Seek Legal Help: If you face complex issues or repeated delays, consider consulting an immigration attorney.

Checklist Summary: Marriage Green Card Application

For Adjustment of Status (Inside U.S. 🇺🇸):
– [ ] File Forms I-130 and I-485 together
– [ ] Attend biometrics appointment
– [ ] Respond to RFEs (if any)
– [ ] Prepare for and attend interview
– [ ] Receive decision and green card

For Consular Processing (Outside U.S. 🇺🇸):
– [ ] File Form I-130
– [ ] Wait for NVC processing
– [ ] Complete DS-260 and upload documents
– [ ] Schedule and attend medical exam
– [ ] Prepare for and attend consular interview
– [ ] Receive visa, enter U.S. 🇺🇸, and get green card

Key Policy Changes and Their Impact

• Mandatory Interviews: All marriage green card applicants must now attend an interview, even if their evidence is strong. This has increased wait times.
• Stricter Evidence Standards: USCIS and consulates are asking for more detailed proof that marriages are real.
• Backlogs: Both USCIS and consulates are facing high demand, leading to longer waits.
• Expedited Processing: Only available for military spouses and a few special cases.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mean that even well-prepared applicants may face longer waits than in previous years, and the difference between Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing timelines is often small.

Which Option Is Faster?

• For spouses of U.S. citizens:
  • Adjustment of Status is slightly faster on paper (officially 9.5 months), but real-world waits are usually 12–24 months due to backlogs.
  • Consular Processing takes about 12–20 months, depending on the embassy or consulate.
  • Bottom line: The difference is usually small. Choose the path that fits your situation best.
• For spouses of green card holders:
  • Adjustment of Status: 24–36 months
  • Consular Processing: 24–32 months
  • Bottom line: Consular Processing may be a bit faster, but both options involve long waits.

Expert Tips for a Smoother Process

• Stay organized: Keep a folder with all your forms, evidence, and receipts.
• Check official sources: Always use the latest forms from the USCIS website.
• Prepare for interviews: Practice with your spouse and review your application together.
• Monitor visa bulletins: For green card holder sponsors, check the Visa Bulletin monthly to see when your priority date is current.
• Be patient: Processing times can change. Stay calm and keep records of all communication.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The marriage green card timeline depends on many factors: your location, your spouse’s status, and current government backlogs. Both Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing have similar steps and requirements, and recent policy changes have made both paths longer and more demanding. The best way to speed up your case is to submit complete, accurate forms and strong evidence from the start.

Next steps:
– Decide which process fits your situation.
– Gather all required documents and evidence.
– Use official government resources for forms and updates.
– Prepare for your interview and respond quickly to any requests.

For the most current information, always check the USCIS official website and the Visa Bulletin. If you have unique circumstances or face delays, consider speaking with an immigration attorney.

By following these steps and staying informed, you can move forward with confidence on your journey to a marriage-based green card.

Learn Today

Adjustment of Status → Process that lets eligible applicants inside the U.S. apply to become permanent residents without leaving the country.
Consular Processing → Procedure where applicants outside the U.S. apply for immigrant visas through a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Form I-130 → Petition filed by a U.S. citizen or green card holder to establish a qualifying family relationship.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → USCIS notification asking for additional documents to clarify or prove eligibility in a visa application.
Biometrics Appointment → USCIS appointment for gathering fingerprints and photos to verify applicant identity and conduct background checks.

This Article in a Nutshell

Navigating the marriage green card process requires understanding two pathways: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing. Both have unique timelines and strict documentation demands. Recent policy changes mandate interviews for all applicants, intensifying wait times. Preparing complete evidence and knowing official steps can smooth your journey to lawful permanent residency in the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com