Marriage Green Card: Spouse lives abroad

For marriage-based green card cases where the spouse is outside the United States

This service page is set up for marriage green card cases where the spouse lives abroad and the case will follow the immigrant spouse path.

You can add the consular-processing explanation, supporting-document guidance, and next-step flow later. The shell already includes the page structure and forms section.

Forms included

2 forms listed for this service

Guided intake

Users review the service first, then continue into the filing flow

Private progress

Answers remain local in the browser while applicants work

Forms package

Marriage Green Card: Spouse lives abroad forms we handle

For Marriage Green Card: Spouse lives abroad, the documents we handle currently include the following forms.

I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary

FAQ

Common questions about Marriage Green Card: Spouse lives abroad

Answers below are summarized from official USCIS or U.S. Department of State guidance linked with each item.

If my spouse lives abroad, do we use adjustment of status?

Usually no. USCIS says that when the spouse is outside the United States, the case generally moves through consular processing rather than adjustment of status.

Source: USCIS: Consular Processing

What starts a marriage green card case for a spouse abroad?

USCIS says the process starts with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. After approval, the case is sent forward for consular processing.

Source: USCIS: Bringing Spouses to Live in the United States as Permanent Residents

Can a green card holder sponsor a spouse abroad?

Yes. USCIS says lawful permanent residents may petition for a spouse by filing Form I-130, although visa availability and timing differ from U.S. citizen cases.

Source: USCIS: Family of Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents)