Immigration FAQs | Visas, Green Cards & Citizenship

Navigating the immigration process can bring up many questions—and you deserve clear, honest answers. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients about visas, green cards, and citizenship. If you don’t see your question here, our team is always here to help.

Do I need a lawyer for consular processing?

You are not required to hire a lawyer for consular processing, but having one can help avoid delays and complications.

An immigration attorney can assist with preparing your I-130 petition, organizing documents for the National Visa Center, and preparing you for the consular interview—helping ensure a smoother process overall.

What happens after I-130 approval?

After I-130 approval, your case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), where you will submit financial documents, civil records, and the DS-260 immigrant visa application.

Once everything is approved, an interview is scheduled at a U.S. embassy or consulate. After a successful interview, the applicant receives an immigrant visa to enter the United States.

How long does consular processing take?

Consular processing typically takes 12 to 18 months, depending on USCIS processing times, National Visa Center review, and embassy interview availability.

Timelines can vary based on the applicant’s country and case complexity. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or additional processing is required.

What happens at a green card interview?

At a green card interview, an immigration officer reviews your application and asks questions to confirm eligibility and the authenticity of your relationship.

For marriage-based cases, questions may focus on your relationship history, daily life, and shared experiences. Proper preparation is key to feeling confident and avoiding issues during the interview.

What is the affidavit of support (I-864)?

The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a legal document where a sponsor agrees to financially support an immigrant.

It is required in most family-based immigration cases to show that the applicant will not become a public charge. The sponsor must provide proof of income, tax returns, and employment or asset documentation.

How do I sponsor my parents for a green card?

U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can sponsor their parents for a green card by filing Form I-130.

After approval, the process continues through consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on where the parent is located. Parents of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives and are not subject to annual visa limits.

Can I travel during adjustment of status?

You should not travel outside the U.S. while your adjustment of status application is pending unless you have received advance parole.

Leaving without advance parole may result in your application being considered abandoned. Once approved, advance parole allows you to travel and return while your green card is processing.

What is the income requirement for sponsoring a spouse?

To sponsor a spouse, you must generally show income of at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines based on your household size.

If your income is not sufficient, you may use assets or a joint sponsor. The requirement is demonstrated through Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and supporting financial documents.

Do I need a lawyer for a marriage green card?

You are not required to hire a lawyer for a marriage green card, but many couples choose to work with one to avoid delays and mistakes.

An immigration lawyer can help ensure your application is accurate, complete, and supported by strong evidence—reducing the risk of denials, requests for evidence, or interview complications.

Can same-sex couples apply for a marriage green card?

Yes, same-sex couples are fully eligible to apply for a marriage-based green card under U.S. immigration law.

As long as the marriage is legally valid in the place where it was performed, it is recognized for immigration purposes. The process and requirements are the same as for opposite-sex couples.

What happens if my I-130 is denied?

If your I-130 petition is denied, USCIS will explain the reason in a written decision.

Depending on the situation, you may be able to:

File an appeal or motion to reopen
Submit a new petition with stronger evidence
Address any issues related to eligibility or documentation

An immigration attorney can help determine the best next steps and avoid repeating the same issues.

Can I work while waiting for my green card?

If you apply for adjustment of status in the U.S., you can apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) while your green card is pending.

Once approved, the work permit allows you to legally work in the United States until your green card is issued. If you are applying through consular processing, you can work only after entering the U.S. with your immigrant visa.

How much does a marriage green card cost in 2026?

The total cost for a marriage green card typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000+ in government filing fees, depending on whether you are applying inside or outside the U.S.

This includes forms such as the I-130, I-485 or DS-260, biometrics, medical exam, and immigrant fee. Additional costs may include attorney fees, translations, and document preparation.

What is the difference between CR1 and IR1 visas?

The CR1 visa is issued to spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for less than two years, while the IR1 visa is for those married more than two years.

CR1 visa holders receive a conditional green card valid for two years, while IR1 holders receive a 10-year permanent green card. Both allow the spouse to live and work in the United States immediately upon entry.

Can I apply for a green card while on a tourist visa?

Yes, you may apply for a green card while on a tourist visa if you are eligible, but it depends on your intent at the time of entry.

If you entered the U.S. with the intention of visiting temporarily and later became eligible (for example, through marriage to a U.S. citizen), you may apply for adjustment of status. However, entering with the intent to immigrate can create legal issues, so it’s important to consult an attorney.

What is consular processing?

Consular processing is the process of applying for a green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad after an approved immigrant petition.

It is commonly used when the applicant is outside the United States. After approval, the applicant attends an interview at a U.S. consulate and, if approved, enters the U.S. with an immigrant visa and receives their green card by mail.

What documents are needed for a marriage green card?

To apply for a marriage-based green card, you will typically need:

Marriage certificate
Proof of a bona fide marriage (photos, joint accounts, lease, etc.)
Birth certificates for both spouses
Passport and visa records
Form I-130 and I-485 (or DS-260 for consular processing)
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
Tax returns and financial evidence
Medical exam results

Additional documents may be required depending on your case.

How long does a marriage green card take?

A marriage-based green card typically takes 10 to 20 months, depending on whether the applicant is applying through adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad.

Processing times vary based on USCIS workload, the National Visa Center, and interview availability. Spouses of U.S. citizens generally move faster than other categories. Working with an immigration lawyer can help avoid delays caused by errors or missing documents.

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