A "green card marriage" takes place when an American citizen weds a foreign national. The marriage normally results in the issuance of a "green card" for the alien, which allows for permanent residence in the United States.

Definition

A "green card" is simply a popular name for a Permanent Resident Card in the United States. In the past, a green ID card (no longer in use) was issued to individuals who were granted resident status, and the moniker stuck.

Time Frame

Immigrants generally need a sponsor in the United States, to guarantee they won't become a burden to American society. In the case of marriage, the American spouse--the sponsor--has to be able to prove he can take care of the new partner for at least 10 years, or until she becomes a U.S. citizen.

Monetary Support

In order to show he can support a spouse, the American partner has to be able to prove that she earns income of at least 125 percent of the federal poverty level or that she owns enough assets to cover the requirement. If there's a problem, she can find other sponsors to help provide the necessary monetary support.

Process

When an American citizen decides to marry a foreign national who is already living in the United States, the alien applies for the "green card" once the couple gets married. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, or USCIS, a spouse qualifies as an "immediate relative," and there is no quota involved in the application process.

Application and Fees

The application process, and the related fees, are outlined clearly on the USCIS website. These fees cover a range of services and are individual in nature. For instance, the filing fee for a "...Petition for Alien Relative..." is outlined along with the application requirements.

Source:

Green Card Marriage Information

Immigration Filing Fees -- USCIS

Example of Approved Immigrant Petitions

Resource:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Petition for Alien Relative