Marriage-Based Green Card Approved in Just Four-Months

I recently received approval notices for a marriage-based adjustment of status case. The beneficiary and petitioner were approved for an immediate relative green card within four months of filing the I-485 application, which is substantially faster than current USCIS processing averages. The case involved circumstances that often complicate adjudication: the applicant was a DACA recipient, one spouse had been previously married, and the couple had a significant age gap between them.

Understanding the I-130 petition and I-485 application is important context for anyone considering marriage-based immigration. The I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the mechanism by which a U.S. citizen spouse initiates the process. The I-130 establishes the qualifying relationship, proves the petitioner's citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and confirms that the beneficiary is eligible to immigrate. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, the I-130 can be approved quickly where the evidence of the bona fide marital relationship is compelling.

The I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is filed concurrently with the I-130 when visa numbers are available. For immediate relatives, visa numbers are always available, so both applications typically move forward together. The I-485 is where USCIS conducts the substantive adjudication of the applicant's admissibility. This means reviewing criminal history, immigration violations, grounds of deportability, health and security concerns, and any other factors that might render the applicant ineligible for a green card even though a qualified petitioner exists. The I-485 also requires extensive biographical, employment, and residency documentation, medical examination, and fingerprinting.

In immediate relative cases, approval tends to be faster than employment-based or other family-based categories because there are no per-country visa limits and no lengthy waiting periods. The having been a DACA recipient did not create a bar to adjustment, and the prior marriage and age difference, while factors USCIS examines to assess the bona fides of the relationship, did not prevent approval here.

This case reflects solid preparation and thorough documentation of the relationship and the applicant's background. It also demonstrates that immediate relative cases can move quickly when evidence is complete and the applicant has no adverse factors in their record.

If you are in a marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and considering your immigration options, I can advise you on the I-130 and I-485 process, timeline expectations for your particular field office, and the documentation needed to support your case. Contact my office for a consultation.

This post is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Individual circumstances vary, and anyone affected by this rule should speak with an immigration attorney about their specific case.