So, you’ve spent hours gathering documents, carefully filled out every form, and finally dropped your marriage-based green card application in the mail—or hit “submit” online. Now you might be asking, “What happens next?” It’s a question I hear all the time, and I can totally relate to the anxiety that comes from waiting in the dark.
In this post, I’m walking you through the typical timeline for a marriage-based green card, whether you’re applying from inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status) or Consular Processing abroad. Keep in mind, actual times can vary based on USCIS backlogs, embassy schedules, and your specific circumstances. But the general steps remain the same.
1. Receipt Notice (Form I-797)
What It Is
Once you submit your application (e.g., I-130 and I-485 if doing Adjustment of Status, or I-130 alone for Consular Processing), USCIS will send you a Receipt Notice, often referred to as Form I-797. This notice is your official confirmation that they’ve received your case.
When It Arrives
Within 2–4 weeks after filing.
Personal Note: When clients tell me, “It’s been three weeks and I haven’t heard anything,” I always say, “Give it just a bit more time.” Delays happen, but if it’s been over a month, you might want to call USCIS and confirm they received your package.
- Check our Step-by-Step Guide to Filing for a Marriage-Based Green Card to see how to assemble a complete application and avoid delays.
2. Biometrics Appointment
What It Is
For Adjustment of Status applicants in the U.S., USCIS usually requires you to attend a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center. They’ll take your fingerprints, photo, and sometimes your signature to run background checks.
- When: Typically 4–8 weeks after you receive your receipt notice.
- Duration: The actual appointment usually lasts 15–20 minutes.
Client Example: Just recently I had a client worried about traveling out of state during their biometrics window. We prepared ahead of time so when the biometrics appointment notice arrived we could reschedule the appointment if they were still out of state. Sure enough, it happened and we managed to reschedule the appointment by calling USCIS right away. If you must reschedule, do it early—missing it without notice can set you back.
- Link: Visit our Common Obstacles & How to Overcome Them for advice on dealing with missed appointments or scheduling conflicts.
3. The Waiting Game (Visa Availability & Processing)
Adjustment of Status Inside the U.S.
- Immediate Relatives (Spouse of a U.S. Citizen): Good news—there’s no numerical cap, so you generally won’t wait for a visa number.
- Spouse of an LPR (Green Card Holder): You fall under the F2A preference category. Sometimes the Visa Bulletin retrogresses, which can delay when your “priority date” becomes current.
Consular Processing Abroad
- National Visa Center (NVC) Phase: Once the I-130 is approved, your case goes to the NVC, which collects another filing fee, Affidavit of Support forms, DS-260 visa application, and civil documents.
- Embassy/Consulate Scheduling: After the NVC is satisfied, they’ll schedule your interview at the U.S. consulate/embassy in your home country.
Helpful Links:
- Read our Visa Bulletin & Priority Dates for a deeper look at preference categories, priority dates, and how retrogression affects your case.
- See our Consular Processing Master Page to learn exactly how the NVC phase works.
4. Request for Evidence (RFE) or Additional Documents
Why It Happens
If USCIS or the consulate wants more information, they’ll issue an RFE (Request for Evidence). This might be due to incomplete documents, inconsistencies, or doubts about your financial eligibility (Affidavit of Support).
How to Respond
- Read Carefully: The letter will spell out exactly what they need.
- Organize Evidence: Label each attachment, provide a cover letter, and return it before the deadline.
- Stay Consistent: Double-check that nothing contradicts your original filing.
Personal Tip: If you’re confused by an RFE, consider reaching out to a professional. I’ve seen some couples accidentally make things worse by sending random paperwork that doesn’t address the officer’s concerns.
- Link: Check our Document Checklist & Best Practices for tips on how to keep your paperwork organized.
5. Interview Scheduling
Adjustment of Status (USCIS Field Office)
- Interview Notice: You’ll get a letter telling you the date, time, and location (usually at the field office closest to you).
- When It Happens: Often 8–14 months after filing, though it can vary widely based on many factors (Presidential administrations, changes in leadership at DHS, USCIS, shifts in priorities, changes in local field office staffing).
Consular Processing (Embassy/Consulate)
- NVC Completes Your Case: After collecting fees, forms, and civil documents, the NVC deems you “documentarily qualified.”
- Interview Date Assigned: The embassy schedules you based on their availability and visa category.
- Travel Preparations: You’ll receive instructions on the medical exam and any final documents to bring.
Client Example: One couple recently got their interview notice within 10 months, faster than they expected. Another waited almost 18 months. There’s no magic formula—it’s all about USCIS/embassy workload.
- Link: See our Preparing for the Interview to learn how to ace your green card interview.
6. The Interview
Inside the U.S. (USCIS)
- The officer reviews your application and asks questions about your relationship, background, finances, and any red flags.
- You might be approved on the spot, or they could issue a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny if something seems off.
Abroad (Consular Officer)
- Similar questions, with a focus on proving a bona fide marriage, but in this interview only the visa applicant can appear and be questioned – the U.S. spouse cannot appear at the interview.
- If you pass, the officer typically gives you a visa packet (or instructions) to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
Personal Note: Don’t panic if you don’t get an approval immediately. Sometimes the officer needs to run extra checks. In my experience, staying calm and answering truthfully is the best approach.
- Link: For more tips, check our Proving a Bona Fide Marriage.
7. Final Decision & Green Card Issuance
Approval
- Conditional vs. Permanent Green Card: If you’ve been married under 2 years at approval, you’ll get a conditional 2-year green card. Otherwise, you get a 10-year one.
- See our Conditional Green Cards & Removal of Conditions for what happens at the 2-year mark.
- Mailing & Arrival: If you’re adjusting status, USCIS typically mails the physical green card to your U.S. address. After your marriage-based green card interview, it generally takes two to four weeks to receive a decision, though this timeline can vary. In some cases, USCIS may approve your application on the spot, while in others, additional review is needed, which can lead to delays. If your case is straightforward and all documents are in order, you may receive your green card within a few weeks.For consular cases, your passport with the immigrant visa will be available for you to pick up or will be couriered to you, usually within 1-2 weeks. Then, you enter the U.S. and receive the green card in the mail within 2-4 weeks.
Requests for Additional Time
- If the officer wants more evidence or has concerns, you might receive a “Case Held for Review” or a “221(g)” (in consular settings). Provide whatever is asked—quickly and clearly.
8. Post-Approval Steps
- Check Your Green Card Data: Make sure your name, DOB, and “Resident Since” date are correct.
- Update Your SSN: If you didn’t have a Social Security Number or need to update your work status, now’s the time.
- Conditional Residents: Don’t forget, you’ll need to remove conditions (Form I-751) 90 days before the 2-year card expires.
- Plan for Naturalization: If you’re aiming for U.S. citizenship, the clock starts the day you get your green card.
Personal Tip: I’ve encountered people who filed I-90 Green Card Renewal applications at the end of their conditional green card period instead of the I-751 removal of conditions. In some cases, they waited for over a year only to get a letter telling them they filed the wrong application. Don’t let that be you.
- Link: Explore our Removal of Conditions if you’re curious about I-751 or the 2-year green card rules.
9. Common Factors That Can Affect Your Timeline
- USCIS Backlogs: High application volume can add months to your wait.
- Consulate Policies: Some embassies schedule interviews faster than others.
- Complex History: Prior overstays, criminal records, or incomplete documentation can lead to additional scrutiny.
- Read our Navigating a Marriage-Based Green Card When Your Spouse Is Out of Status for details on handling overstays.
- Requests for Expedite: Rarely granted, but sometimes possible if you have urgent humanitarian or financial reasons.
- Check our blog on How to Expedite a Marriage-Based Green Card for tips.
10. Final Thoughts: Patience & Preparedness
Remember, no two cases are exactly alike. Some couples breeze through in less than a year; others might stretch closer to two years. But by understanding this basic timeline, you’ll feel more confident and prepared at each stage.
Key Takeaways:
- Receipt Notice, Biometrics, and Possible RFEs come first.
- Interviews are a major milestone—whether at USCIS or a consulate.
- Approval can yield a 2-year conditional or 10-year green card.
- Plan Ahead for future steps like removing conditions or naturalizing.
Still unsure about any part of this timeline—or facing unexpected hurdles? Contact Occam Immigration. I’m here to simplify the details, keep you updated on your case’s progress, and help you handle surprises with confidence.
