How do I obtain permanent residence through marriage to a US citizen?
Marriage to a citizen of the U.S. is one of the fastest and easiest methods of obtaining permanent residence. Unfortunately, many persons engage in “sham” marriages merely to obtain green cards. If the government determines that a marriage is not bona fide, both criminal and civil immigration penalties may be imposed. If you marry a citizen in the U.S., you may submit an application for permanent residence to the INS office having jurisdiction over your residence. Typically, INS will issue you a work card and a travel permit (also known as an “advance parole”) while you wait to be interviewed. Depending on the INS office, waiting times for marriage interviews range from two months to over one year. INS will determine if you are residing together by examining your identification, wedding photographs, tax returns, insurance policies and by questioning you and your spouse. If INS has any doubts as to the bona fides of your marriage, they may question you and your spouse separately, and ma
