The Leading Green Card Through Marriage Lawyers in Atlanta

Trust Atlanta’s Premier Immigration Lawyers

Experienced Guidance on Marriage-Based Green Cards in Atlanta

Quijano Law, a leading immigration law firm in the Atlanta metropolitan area, focuses on assisting clients in obtaining their green card through marriage. Our dedicated team understands the complexities of the immigration system and is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

Why Someone Needs a Lawyer When Obtaining a Green Card Through Marriage

Obtaining a marriage-based green card can be a daunting process, but Quijano Law is here to help. The journey of acquiring a marriage-based green card in Atlanta involves various stages, rigorous checks, and legal requirements, all of which our experienced team can oversee and provide guidance for.

Our firm stays updated on the latest immigration laws and policies to ensure that we can give our clients the most unwavering representation possible and supply them with the most accurate and current advice.

Like any complicated legal process, various obstacles, hurdles, and problems can arise along the way, making things difficult for couples looking to finalize their legal status within the country. Our green card through marriage attorneys in Atlanta take a meticulous approach to every case we take on and the greater inner workings of the immigration system, allowing us to anticipate and address potential issues before they become major problems.

Eligibility and Process

To be eligible, the marriage must be bona fide, and the couple must provide ample evidence of a genuine marriage. The overall process involves filing several forms, undergoing a medical examination, and attending an interview with an immigration officer. Some specific steps will include:

The spouse who is an American citizen will need to file Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative along with supplying supporting documentation with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Should the nonresident spouse already be located within the United States, then our Atlanta green card through marriage lawyers may recommend that Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status also be filed at the same time or at a later date.
If the spouse is currently residing in another country, the State Department’s National Visa Center will receive information from USCIS, contingent upon USCIS approving the immigration petition. A formal application and pertinent fees will then need to be supplied by the applicant.
Following these steps, and once all documentation has been taken care of, the applicant seeking the marriage-based green card will need to submit biometric information and take part in an interview. The interview will be conducted at a USCIS location if the applicant is in the U.S. If the applicant is abroad, the interview will take place at a United States embassy or consulate.

Other general criteria include:

Admissibility - Applicants must meet the general requirements for admissibility to the United States, including having no disqualifying criminal history or past immigration violations.
Medical examination - Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved physician and be free of any health conditions that would render them inadmissible.
Public charge - Applicants must demonstrate they are not likely to become a public charge, meaning they will not rely on government assistance. This typically involves showing sufficient financial resources or having a sponsor who can provide financial support.

USCIS, on average, approves approximately 88% of green card applications, rejecting approximately 12%.

Overcoming Challenges and Disqualifications

Our legal team at Quijano Law has extensive experience in addressing challenges that may arise during the application process, such as proving the bona fide nature of the marriage and overcoming potential grounds of inadmissibility.

We'll make sure you’re prepared for every step of the process. Assuming we take on your case, our Atlanta-based green card through marriage attorneys will use our extensive experience and knowledge of the system to give you some of the best representation available.

FAQs About Green Cards Through Marriage

Who can obtain a green card through marriage?

A green card through marriage can be obtained by individuals married to either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Can you tell me about renewals and conditional residence?

A green card through marriage will lead to conditional residence for two years. As the two-year timeframe approaches, a Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence must be filed. Quijano Law can guide you through the process of removing these conditions to obtain a 10-year green card.

What is the timeline when getting a green card through marriage?

Processing times vary significantly depending on factors including the applicant’s country of origin, the backlog of cases and workload of USCIS, and when a hearing is scheduled with the immigration court if the applicant is in removal proceedings. In short, it can take anywhere from several months to several years.

What forms are needed to apply for a green card through marriage?

For marriage-based green cards, the primary forms are I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), I-485 (application to register permanent residence or adjust status), and I-864 (Affidavit of Support), among others.

How does a fiancé visa differ from a marriage-based green card?

If both members of a couple are in the U.S., they can be married here and the fiancé visa is unnecessary. Likewise, if a couple marries abroad, the fiancé visa is unnecessary. In both cases, other immigration processes that lead to a green card apply: Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing, respectively. However, for engaged couples, where the partner is abroad and needs to travel to the U.S. to marry, the K-1 fiancé visa is an option. These temporary visas are for the purpose of allowing the nonresident member of the couple to enter the United States for the purpose of being married.

The foreign member of the couple will need to live outside of the United States and be legally free to marry to qualify for the fiancé(e) visa. They also are required to have met their partner in person within the previous two years and they cannot have any serious criminal convictions. Like any complicated legal process, various obstacles, hurdles, and problems can arise along the way, making things difficult for couples looking to finalize their legal status within the country. Our green card through marriage attorneys in Atlanta take a meticulous approach to every case we take on and the greater inner workings of the immigration system, allowing us to anticipate and address potential issues before they become major problems.

Documentation required will include a passport, birth certificate, police certificates from any country resided in for greater than six months, proof of relationship to U.S. partner, and any divorce documentation if there has been a prior marriage. Approval can take six months or more.

Choosing the K-1 fiancé(e) visa does come with the requirement of holding your wedding within a 90-day window upon receipt of the visa, limiting some couples’ options.

What are the most important eligibility criteria to be aware of before starting a green card case through marriage?

To be eligible for a marriage-based green card, the following criteria must be met:

Valid marriage - The marriage must be legally valid and recognized by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse - The spouse filing the petition must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
Bona fide marriage - The marriage must be genuine and not entered into solely for immigration benefits. Applicants must provide evidence to demonstrate the authenticity of their relationship, such as photos, joint financial accounts, and letters from friends and family.

What documents should applicants bring to the green card interview?

For the interview, the applicant must bring original documents and supporting evidence, such as a passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, financial documents, and any other documents relevant to the case. For any additional questions as you prepare for your interview, reach out to your Atlanta-based green card through marriage lawyers today.

What are some common challenges to overcome in a marriage-based green card case?

The green card process involves various challenges, but with careful preparation and experienced guidance, these can be addressed successfully. Some of these setbacks can include the following:

Documentation requirements - Gathering and submitting all the necessary documents can be complex and time-consuming. Quijano Law provides detailed checklists and personalized guidance to ensure clients submit a complete and accurate application.
Interview preparation - It is essential to be prepared for the questions USCIS officers may ask during your interview. That’s why our green card through marriage attorneys in Georgia conduct thorough mock interviews to help clients feel confident and prepared.
Proving relationship - In marriage-based cases, demonstrating the authenticity of the relationship is crucial. Quijano Law helps clients gather compelling evidence, such as joint financial records, photographs, and affidavits from friends and family.
Background checks - Any past criminal or immigration violations can affect an applicant's eligibility for a green card. The firm reviews clients’ histories and advises on the best courses of action.
Medical examinations - Meeting the medical requirements for admissibility is essential, so we help clients find a USCIS-approved physician and address any potential health concerns.
Potential Delays in Consular Processing - For applicants pursuing consular processing, delays can arise from factors such as backlogs at local embassies or consulates, administrative processing requirements, or challenges in scheduling interviews. To help navigate these potential obstacles, our team proactively monitors case progress and addresses any issues promptly to keep the process moving as smoothly as possible.
Denials and appeals - In the event of a denial, understanding the appeals process is crucial. If this happens to be the case for you, know that Quijano Law has extensive experience in handling appeals and fights to protect clients’ rights.

Author: Viviana A. Quijano

(Founder and Managing Attorney, Quijano Law)

Mrs. Viviana Quijano is the founder of Quijano Law, established in 2013. Since then, she has helped countless individuals, families, and businesses achieve success in their immigration matters. An internationally recognized attorney, Mrs. Quijano is licensed to practice in both the United States and Colombia. She holds law degrees from The University of Alabama School of Law and the Universidad Santo Tomas in Bogotá, Colombia. Passionate about community engagement, she works tirelessly to educate immigrants on the importance of pursuing legal pathways and embracing American culture.

What Does a Good Green Card Through Marriage Lawyer Provide?

At Quijano Law, our marriage-based green card attorneys are client focused and dedicated to providing the best services possible. Some of the ways we stand out include:

Tailored strategies - Quijano Law provides a customized approach for each of our clients, ensuring that all required documentation and evidence is carefully prepared so that it meets USCIS requirements.
Proactive communication - Our team ensures that clients remain informed and involved at every stage of the marriage-based green card process, and we provide regular updates, prompt answers to questions, clear information on required steps and potential challenges, and insights about realistic expectations.
Comprehensive interview preparation - Our team conducts detailed, mock interviews that help our clients to feel fully confident and prepared for their official interviews with USCIS.
Dedicated follow-up - Our firm closely monitors applications and will proactively respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or issues that may arise during the course of the case.
Experience and focus - The Quijano Law team has widespread experience in family-based immigration matters, particularly for cases focused on green cards through marriage, and we take pride in using our extensive experience to help clients.
Bilingual support - Our firm’s bilingual team ensures clear communication and support for Spanish-speaking clients, allowing us to avoid any communication issues and ensure all aspects of a case are handled smoothly.

Choose Quijano Law for Your Marriage-Based Green Card Journey

With the potential for pitfalls and challenges in obtaining a green card through marriage in the state of Georgia, the importance of having experienced legal guidance is clear. At Quijano Law, we provide professional, engaging, and high-quality legal services. We'll ensure your application is complete and error-free, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.