If you’ve married a U.S. citizen or green card holder and are ready to start your immigration journey, one of the biggest questions you’ll likely ask is: “How long will it take to get my green card?”
The answer depends on several key factors — including where you’re applying from, your spouse’s immigration status, whether you’re eligible to adjust status, and how backed up USCIS is at the time of your application.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the marriage-based green card timeline and break down what affects your wait time.
1. Key Factors That Affect Timeline
Your green card timeline will depend on:
- Your spouse’s status: U.S. citizen vs. lawful permanent resident (LPR)
- Your location: Inside vs. outside the U.S.
- Whether you’re in valid status or not
- If you’re eligible to adjust status or must go through consular processing
- USCIS/NVC case backlogs and processing times
2. Marriage to a U.S. Citizen (Inside the U.S.)
If you’re in the U.S. and married to a U.S. citizen, you’re considered an “immediate relative.” There are no visa quotas, and you can typically file all your forms at once (called concurrent filing).
Timeline:
- Form I-130 + I-485 (Concurrent Filing): 12–16 months total
- Work/travel permit (EAD/AP): 4–6 months
- Interview: Usually within 10–14 months
- Green card mailed after approval: 2–4 weeks
3. Marriage to a U.S. Citizen (Outside the U.S.)
If the foreign spouse is living abroad, the process involves consular processing through the National Visa Center (NVC).
Timeline:
- I-130 petition: 10–14 months
- NVC processing and DS-260: 3–6 months
- Visa interview + medical exam: 1–3 months
- Visa issued + travel to U.S.: 1 month
Total time: About 14–20 months depending on embassy workload
Upon arrival in the U.S., the spouse receives a green card by mail.
4. Marriage to a Green Card Holder (LPR)
If the U.S. spouse is a lawful permanent resident, the process takes longer due to annual visa limits and backlogs.
Inside the U.S. (if eligible to adjust status):
- I-130 petition: 12–18 months
- Wait for priority date to become current (Visa Bulletin): may take 1–2 years or more
- I-485 filed only when priority date is current
- Adjustment processing: another 10–14 months
Total time: Often 2–4 years
Outside the U.S.:
- Similar timeline with longer waiting period for immigrant visa number to become available
5. What Speeds Up or Slows Down the Process
Speeds It Up:
- Filing from within the U.S. with a U.S. citizen spouse
- Submitting complete and accurate documents
- Attending biometrics and interviews on time
- Avoiding requests for evidence (RFEs)
Slows It Down:
- Errors or missing info in forms
- Backlogs at local field offices or consulates
- Criminal history or prior immigration violations
- Security checks or name match issues
6. Green Card Validity: Conditional vs. Permanent
If your marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval, you’ll receive a 2-year conditional green card.
- Must file Form I-751 to remove conditions within 90 days of expiration
If your marriage is 2+ years old, you’ll receive a 10-year permanent green card.
7. Processing Times for Related Forms
| Form | Purpose | Average 2025 Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 | Petition for spouse | 10–14 months |
| I-485 | Green card application | 10–14 months |
| I-765 | Work permit (EAD) | 4–6 months |
| I-131 | Travel permit (AP) | 4–6 months |
| DS-260 | Consular processing | 3–6 months |
| I-751 | Remove conditions | 12–20 months |
8. Can You Work While Waiting?
If applying inside the U.S., you can file Form I-765 along with your green card application to receive a work permit (EAD) in about 4–6 months.
If applying from abroad, you cannot work in the U.S. until your immigrant visa is approved and you enter the U.S.
9. Interview & Final Approval
Most applicants must attend a marriage green card interview at a local USCIS office (or consulate abroad).
- Interviews are usually scheduled 10–14 months after filing
- If the officer is satisfied, your green card will be approved shortly after
Final Thoughts
The green card process through marriage can take anywhere from 9 months to over 3 years, depending on your situation.
Your best bet? File early, submit everything accurately, respond to all notices, and monitor your status. If your case is complex (e.g., past visa overstays, illegal entry, or criminal records), get help from a licensed immigration attorney.
