Does Getting Married Really Speed Up Your Immigration Case?

It’s one of the most common assumptions we hear: “If we get married, my green card will be faster, right?”

Marriage does open the door to powerful immigration benefits, but it doesn’t override USCIS processing times, required documentation, or immigration backlogs. The truth is, getting married doesn’t guarantee a faster green card, and it definitely doesn’t skip the paperwork.

Let’s take a closer look at what marriage can do for your immigration case and how to make sure the process is handled right from the start.

How Marriage Impacts Immigration Eligibility

Marriage is one of the most common ways to begin the green card process and it applies whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

Here’s what marriage makes possible:

• Adjustment of Status (AOS): For spouses already inside the U.S.
• Consular Processing: For spouses living abroad
• Concurrent Filing: If you’re married to a U.S. citizen and meet the criteria, you can file Forms I-130 and I-485 at the same time

Marriage-based immigration is one of the most common and direct paths to legal residency, but it isn’t always the fastest.

2025 Timeline for Marriage-Based Green Cards

Processing times vary depending on your spouse’s status and whether you’re applying from inside or outside the U.S.

If you're married to a U.S. citizen:

• Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status): 8–18 months
• Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing): 18–24 months

If you're married to a green card holder:

• 2–3+ years, depending on visa bulletin dates and country limits

Check the latest USCIS processing time estimates to see what's happening at your local field office or consulate.

What DOESN’T Speed It Up Automatically

Here’s where many people get frustrated. Marriage creates eligibility, but it doesn’t “expedite” your case by default.

Things that don’t automatically speed up your case:

• Just being married
• Filing without full documentation
• Ignoring a Request for Evidence (RFE)
• Submitting poorly organized or incomplete applications
• Failing to prepare for the interview

In fact, mistakes or suspicious applications can actually slow you down. See how to avoid delays in our guide to immigration timelines in 2025.

Learn more about how we help couples and families navigate immigration.  

When Marriage CAN Help You Move Faster

That said, marriage does come with a few built-in advantages:

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (like spouses) are not subject to visa quotas, and you can file Forms I-130 and I-485 at the same time
• Concurrent filing allows you to submit multiple forms at once, reducing overall time
• Work authorization (EAD) and Advance Parole (travel) are available while your green card is pending (if you file from within the U.S.)
• Well-prepared, authentic cases tend to move more smoothly

So yes, marriage can help sometimes, but only if your application is solid and complete from day one.

Avoiding Mistakes with Marriage-Based Immigration

Marriage-based immigration cases are closely reviewed for signs of fraud. Expect USCIS to look for proof that your relationship is real and ongoing.

You’ll need:

• Joint financial documents (bank accounts, insurance policies, leases)
• Photos and evidence of your shared life
• Communication records and travel history
• A clear, believable relationship timeline

Need help avoiding mistakes? Contact us and we can help you understand each part of the process. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get my green card faster if I marry a U.S. citizen?

Possibly. U.S. citizens can petition as immediate relatives, which removes visa waitlists. But it still takes 8–18 months on average for processing.

Can we apply right after getting married?

Yes. You can file as soon as you’re legally married, but your petition must be complete, accurate, and well-documented.

Do I need a lawyer for a marriage green card?

You're not required to have one, but working with a legal team like Brudner Law helps you avoid RFEs, delays, and interview stress. It can make a real difference.

Marriage Helps, But Preparation Matters More

Getting married is a powerful first step, but it’s not a shortcut to a green card. Immigration still takes time, documentation, and careful planning. But when done correctly, it can open the door to long-term stability, work authorization, and legal residency.

At Brudner Law, we help couples build strong, stress-free cases from the start. Whether you're newly married or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn what marriage-based immigration looks like in your real life—not just on paper.

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