To be eligible for a marriage-based green card, you must be married to either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). The marriage must be legally valid and recognized in the place where it occurred, and both spouses must demonstrate that the marriage is genuine—not just for immigration benefits. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a green card whether you’re inside or outside of the U.S. If you’re married to a green card holder, your eligibility may also depend on visa availability, which can impact how long you wait for approval.
Additional requirements include passing background checks and not having certain criminal records or immigration violations. Understanding these criteria is key to navigating the green card process successfully.
