How to Get a Green Card Through Marriage: 2026 Guide (Adjustment, K-1 & Consular)
How to Get a Green Card Through Marriage
Marrying a U.S. citizen is one of the fastest routes to a green card — but USCIS must be convinced your marriage is real. Here is the 2026 roadmap.
The spouse of a U.S. citizen is an “immediate relative,” meaning there is no visa waiting line. Still, the process requires choosing the right path and documenting a genuine marriage. Ozek Law Firm, LLC guides couples nationwide in English and Turkish.
Three Main Paths
In the U.S.: Adjustment of Status
If you entered lawfully and are in the U.S., file I-130 + I-485 without leaving.
Abroad: Consular (CR-1/IR-1)
If your spouse is overseas, process the immigrant visa through the consulate.
Fiancé: K-1 Visa
Bring your fiancé to the U.S., marry within 90 days, then adjust status.
Conditional Green Cards & Form I-751
If your marriage is less than two years old when the green card is approved, you receive a 2-year “conditional” card. To become a permanent resident, you must jointly file Form I-751 to remove conditions within the 90 days before the card expires.
Proving a Bona Fide Marriage
- Joint bank accounts, leases or mortgages, and utility bills
- Photos together, travel records, and communication history
- Joint insurance policies and tax returns
- Children’s birth certificates and sworn affidavits from friends and family
2026 Policy Note
In May 2026, USCIS issued a memo describing adjustment of status as an “extraordinary” form of relief, directing officers to apply closer discretionary scrutiny — especially for applicants who overstayed a visa or entered on parole. The law did not change, but consulting an attorney before filing is more important than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I marry on a tourist visa and get a green card?
It may be possible, but “intent” matters — using a tourist visa while intending to immigrate can create problems. Always consult an attorney.
How long does it take?
Adjustment of status in the U.S. generally takes 8–14 months; consular timelines vary by country.
What if we divorce during the conditional period?
Divorce complicates the I-751, but a waiver may be available if you can prove the marriage was genuine.
Ozek Law Firm helps couples nationwide with marriage green cards and K-1 visas.
Request a ConsultationThis article is provided by Ozek Law Firm, LLC for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law changes frequently. For advice about your specific situation, please consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Ozek Law Firm, LLC — 4500 East West Highway, Ste 150, Bethesda, MD 20814 — ozeklaw.com