Marriage green card for a spouse abroad
For marriage-based green card cases where the spouse is outside the United States
This path is generally for couples applying for a marriage-based green card while the immigrating spouse lives outside the United States.
Answer plain-language questions about both spouses, your marriage, and your spouse’s address and employment history. Haven uses your answers to prepare the petition and a personalized evidence checklist. For a spouse abroad the I-130 is the whole USCIS-side job — once it is approved the case moves to the National Visa Center, where your spouse files the DS-260 immigrant visa application.
4 forms covered by this service
Answer clear questions at your own pace before reviewing your forms
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Forms for this service
Your petition may include the following forms, depending on how you choose to pay and receive updates.
G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions
FAQ
Answers below are summarized from official USCIS or U.S. Department of State guidance linked with each item.
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 ProcessingUSCIS 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 ResidentsYes. 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)