Can I apply for my marriage green card at the same time my spouse petitions for me?

FAQ.

Answered by Diane Rish, Deputy Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

Can I apply for my marriage green card at the same time my spouse petitions for me?

In general, yes you can file your I-485 application for a marriage-based green card at the same time that your spouse files their I-130 if your spouse is a U.S. citizen. If your spouse is a green card holder, you must wait until a visa is available based on the I-130 filing date (the “F2A” category on the Visa Bulletin).

Whether you can file your own green card application concurrently depends on the sponsor’s status:

• If your sponsoring spouse is a U.S. citizen, a visa is considered immediately available, so you can usually file your adjustment-of-status application, Form I-485, together with the I-130 if you are inside the United States.

• If your sponsoring spouse is a green card holder (permanent resident), you must wait until a visa is available based on the date the I-130 was filed for you. Track this under the “F2A” category on the U.S. State Department’s monthly Visa Bulletin, then file Form I-485 once your date is current.

What if my spouse becomes a U.S. citizen after we file the I-130?

If your green-card-holder spouse becomes a U.S. citizen after filing for you, you no longer have to wait for a visa to become available. USCIS explains how to notify the right office under the “Special Instructions” tab on its website.