Spouse Green Card · Adjustment of Status
Your spouse is here. Keep them here permanently.
If your spouse is already inside the United States, they can apply for their Green Card without leaving the country. CitizenKit prepares your complete packet — every form, every document, nothing missing.
- Built on official USCIS.gov guidance
- Plain-language, step-by-step
- Concurrent filing saves months
- No attorney fees required
About This Kit
Sponsoring your spouse for a Green Card — in plain English
If your spouse is living inside the United States right now, you — as a U.S. citizen — can file the paperwork to make them a permanent resident without them ever having to leave the country. This is called Adjustment of Status (AOS).
It means your spouse's immigration status shifts from temporary to permanent — the right to live and work in the U.S. for good. Spouses of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives, so there is no waiting list and no annual cap on how many can be approved.
Eligibility
Is this the right path?
This case type is the right fit when all of the following are true:
- ✓
You are a U.S. citizen
Green Card holders (permanent residents) cannot file AOS concurrently — they must file I-130 first and wait for a visa to become available.
- ✓
You are legally married to your spouse
The marriage must be valid and legally recognized. Proxy marriages must be consummated.
- ✓
Your spouse is currently inside the United States
Adjustment of Status is for beneficiaries who are already in the US. If your spouse is abroad, this is not the right kit.
- ✓
Your spouse entered the US legally
They must have been inspected and admitted or paroled by a border officer. Entry without inspection may disqualify them from AOS.
- ✓
You can meet the financial sponsorship requirement
Your income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size. A joint sponsor can help if your income falls short.
The Process
What happens from start to finish
- 1
You File the Sponsorship Petition (I-130)
You — the U.S. citizen spouse — file Form I-130 to establish your marriage and confirm your status as the petitioner. Because your spouse is an immediate relative, you can file the I-130 concurrently with the Green Card application, saving months.
- 2
Your Spouse Files for Their Green Card (I-485)
Your spouse submits Form I-485 to formally request permanent resident status. This is the core application — covering their background, immigration history, and basis for filing. It is filed together with your I-130 in the same packet.
- 3
You File the Financial Support Promise (I-864)
You sign Form I-864 — a legally binding commitment to financially support your spouse so they will not rely on government assistance. Your income must meet at least 125% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size.
- 4
Biometrics Appointment for Your Spouse
After filing, USCIS will schedule your spouse for a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprints and a photo for background checks. This happens at a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
- 5
Medical Exam (I-693)
Your spouse must visit a USCIS-approved civil surgeon for a required health screening. CitizenKit provides step-by-step guidance on finding a civil surgeon near you using the official USCIS locator at uscis.gov. The sealed envelope is included in your filing packet.
- 6
Interview at Your Local USCIS Field Office
Most spousal AOS cases include an in-person interview. Both you and your spouse typically attend together. USCIS will verify the bona fide nature of your marriage and review the application.
- 7
Approval & Green Card by Mail
Once approved, your spouse receives their Green Card in the mail. If your marriage was less than 2 years old at approval, it will be a 2-year conditional card. You can then file Form I-751 (CitizenKit has that kit too) within 90 days of it expiring to receive the 10-year card.
Forms & Documents
Every form you need — already in your kit
Petition for Alien Relative
Your formal sponsorship of your spouse. Establishes the marital relationship and confirms your US citizenship.
Green Card Application
Your spouse's formal request to become a Lawful Permanent Resident. The most detailed form in the package.
Affidavit of Support
Your legally binding financial promise. Must show 125%+ of federal poverty guidelines for your household.
Work Permit Application
Allows your spouse to work legally while the Green Card is pending. Free when filed with the I-485.
Medical Exam & Vaccination Record
Required health screening by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. CitizenKit guides you to find one nearby.
The CitizenKit
Two people. One organized packet. Done right.
Guides Both Spouses Separately
Your questionnaire has a dedicated section for the sponsoring spouse and a separate section for the applicant. Each person only sees questions relevant to their role.
All 4 Required Forms, Pre-Filled
I-130, I-485, I-864, and I-765 — all populated from your answers, correctly formatted, ready to print and sign.
Personalized Document Checklist
A tailored list of every supporting document you need to gather, based on your specific situation.
Organized, Mail-Ready Packet
Cover sheet, forms in USCIS order, sign-here guide, correct mailing address, and complete filing instructions.
Civil Surgeon Guidance
Step-by-step instructions for finding a USCIS-approved civil surgeon and completing the I-693 medical exam.
Case Support Specialist Included
Every kit includes access to a Case Support Specialist who can answer questions about your specific case.
FAQ
Common questions about spouse AOS
- Does my spouse need to leave the US to get a Green Card?
- No. Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the process for spouses already inside the US. Your spouse applies for their Green Card without leaving the country. If your spouse is outside the US, you would instead start with an I-130 petition and proceed through consular processing.
- What if my spouse entered on a tourist visa and overstayed?
- Spouses of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives, which means they may still be eligible to adjust status even after a visa overstay. However, prior immigration history can be complex. CitizenKit is designed for straightforward cases — if there are prior violations or removal orders, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
- How long does Adjustment of Status take for a spouse?
- Processing times vary by USCIS field office, but spousal AOS cases typically take 12–24 months from filing to approval. USCIS will mail a biometrics appointment notice and then schedule an interview at your local field office. You can track your case at uscis.gov.
- Will my spouse get a 2-year or 10-year Green Card?
- If your marriage was less than 2 years old on the day USCIS approves the I-485, your spouse will receive a 2-year conditional Green Card. You will then need to file Form I-751 together within the 90-day window before it expires to remove the conditions and obtain the 10-year card. CitizenKit offers an I-751 kit for that step.
- Can my spouse work while the application is pending?
- Yes. By filing Form I-765 (included in this kit) at the same time as the I-485, your spouse can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). USCIS typically issues the EAD before the Green Card is approved, allowing your spouse to work legally while waiting.
Ready to keep your spouse here permanently?
Take the free Kit Finder Quiz to confirm this is the right kit for your situation.