A marriage-based green card, officially known as a marriage-based immigrant visa or permanent resident status, is a legal status granted to foreign nationals who are married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). This immigration pathway allows the foreign spouse to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States and eventually pursue U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

Key aspects of a marriage-based green card include:

1. Eligibility: To qualify for a marriage-based green card, the foreign spouse must be legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The marriage must be valid and recognized under U.S. immigration laws, and both spouses must intend to establish a bona fide marital relationship. Certain restrictions apply, such as prohibitions against polygamous marriages or marriages entered into for the purpose of evading immigration laws.
2. Petition process: The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse initiates the immigration process by filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form serves as a formal request to sponsor the foreign spouse for a green card and establish the marital relationship. The petition must be accompanied by supporting documents, evidence of the marriage, and applicable fees.
3. Adjustment of status or consular processing: Once the Form I-130 petition is approved by USCIS, the foreign spouse can proceed with either adjustment of status or consular processing to obtain a green card. Adjustment of status is the process of applying for lawful permanent residency while residing in the United States, typically through the submission of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Consular processing involves applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad and then entering the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
4. Conditional residency: In some cases, if the marriage is less than two years old at the time the green card is granted, the foreign spouse may be issued a conditional green card valid for two years. To remove the conditions and obtain permanent residency, the couple must jointly file a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, during the 90-day period before the conditional green card expires, providing evidence of the ongoing marital relationship.
5. Permanent residency and citizenship: Once the conditions are removed or if the marriage has lasted for more than two years at the time of application, the foreign spouse becomes a lawful permanent resident of the United States, with the right to live and work indefinitely in the country. After meeting the eligibility requirements, such as maintaining continuous residence and good moral character, the foreign spouse may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, typically after three years of holding permanent residency status.

Overall, a marriage-based green card provides a pathway for foreign spouses to reunite with their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident partners, establish lawful permanent residency in the United States, and build a life together as a family. It is an important immigration option for couples seeking to live together permanently in the United States and enjoy the benefits of family unity and stability.