Getting a Marriage-Based Green Card is one of the most popular paths to becoming a permanent resident of the United States. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you're likely eligible—but the process can be confusing at first. This complete 2025 guide will walk you through every step of applying for a Marriage-Based Green Card, including what forms to file, what documents to include, how much it costs, and how to avoid delays.

Form I-485 is one of the most important immigration forms in the United States.If you are applying for a marriage-based green card through Adjustment of Status (AOS), this application determines whether you will become a permanent resident without leaving the country. USCIS reviews this form carefully, and even small mistakes can lead to delays, RFEs, or denials. In this guide, I will break down everything you need to know about how to file Form I-485, how the process works