Requirements for a Green Card as a Spouse or Child of a U.S. Permanent Resident, Green Card Questions and Answers

Question:

What are the basic requirements for a Green Card as a spouse or child of a U.S. Permanent Resident?

Answer:

To be eligible for a Green Card as a spouse or child of a U.S. Permanent Resident, the foreign spouse and the U.S. lawful permanent resident must be legally married as evidenced by a valid marriage certificate. In addition, the lawful permanent resident must be residing in the United States at the time of the application. Children of the lawful permanent resident must prove relationships through birth certificates, adoption papers and marriage certificates. Applicants must also meet certain health and character requirements.

The spouse or child of U.S. Permanent Resident category provides foreign spouses and children of permanent residents the opportunity to reunite with family living in the United States and become permanent residents. Permanent Residents have the right to live and work in the United States permanently, leave and return to the United States with few limitations, attend public schools and colleges and become a U.S. citizen when eligible to do so.