Green card guides
Plain-language guides to the marriage-based green card process, written for people filing their own application: what to file, what it costs, how long it takes, and what to expect along the way.
How to Apply for a Marriage Green Card: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
The full marriage-based green card process explained: eligibility, forms, evidence, fees, and timelines for adjustment of status and consular processing.
Updated July 28, 2026
I-485 Checklist: Forms, Fees, and Steps for a Marriage-Based Filing
Every form and step in a marriage-based I-485 filing: I-130, I-485, I-864, I-765, I-131, the medical exam, and how to assemble the package.
Updated July 28, 2026
Marriage Green Card Document List: Every Supporting Document You Need
A complete supporting document list for a marriage-based green card: civil documents, proof of a bona fide marriage, financial evidence, and translations.
Updated July 28, 2026
How Much Does a Marriage Green Card Cost in 2026?
What a marriage-based green card really costs: USCIS filing fees, the medical exam, translations, and how DIY software compares with hiring a lawyer.
Updated July 28, 2026
I-485 Timeline for Marriage Cases: From Filing to Green Card
What happens after you mail a marriage-based I-485: receipt notices, biometrics, the work permit, the interview, and how long each stage usually takes.
Updated July 28, 2026
DIY Green Card vs Hiring a Lawyer: Cost, Risk, and When Each Makes Sense
Filing your own marriage green card versus paying an attorney: honest cost comparisons, the real risks of DIY, and the cases where you need a lawyer.
Updated July 28, 2026
I-130 and I-485 Concurrent Filing: How to File Both Forms Together
How concurrent filing works for spouses of U.S. citizens: who qualifies, what goes in the combined package, and the mistakes that cause rejections.
Updated July 28, 2026
The Marriage Green Card Interview: Process, Questions, and Preparation
What to expect at the marriage-based green card interview: how it works, the questions officers actually ask couples, what to bring, and how to prepare.
Updated July 28, 2026