At YA Law, we assist U.S. citizens and permanent residents in sponsoring their spouses for marriage-based green cards, as well as guiding clients through the removal of conditions process for conditional permanent residency (Form I-751). From our headquarters in Vancouver, BC, we work with clients across Canada and internationally, including Australia, Canada, England, China, Japan, Dubai, and Mexico, providing customized legal support for adjustment of status, consular processing, and post-approval conditions.
Why YA Law
- Experienced Legal Team: Decades of combined experience in U.S. immigration law, focused specifically on marriage-based immigration and I-751 cases.
- Specialization in Family Immigration: In-depth knowledge of marriage-based green cards, bona fide relationship requirements, and conditional status regulations.
- Proven Results: We have helped clients navigate complex legal pathways, address marriage fraud concerns, and succeed in even high-risk or previously denied cases.
- Global Perspective: We serve clients locally and internationally, offering regional insight into U.S. embassy processes across Canada, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Understanding Marriage-Based Green Card Pathways
Marriage-based green cards offer a direct path to U.S. permanent residency, but eligibility depends on clear documentation, immigration history, and relationship evidence. Whether your spouse is in Canada, the U.S., or abroad, our team will guide you through every legal step.
Key Requirements:
- Legally Valid Marriage recognized by the jurisdiction where it occurred
- Termination of Prior Marriages with supporting documentation
- Bona Fide Relationship Evidence (not entered solely for immigration purposes)
- U.S. Petitioner Status (citizen or green card holder)
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) meeting financial requirements
- Admissibility of the Foreign Spouse (including medical and criminal background checks)
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
- Adjustment of Status: For foreign spouses already lawfully present in the U.S.
- Consular Processing: For spouses living abroad; processed through a U.S. embassy or consulate, often in Australia, Canada, Europe, China, Japan, Dubai, Mexico, or other home countries
Our lawyers assess your eligibility and recommend the most efficient and secure path forward.
Immediate Relative vs. Preference Category
- U.S. Citizen Spouses: Qualify as immediate relatives—no visa cap, faster processing.
- Permanent Resident Spouses: Fall under the F2A category—subject to annual quotas and potential delays.
Removal of Conditions (Form I-751)
If your green card was issued through marriage and you were married for less than 2 years at the time of approval, you received conditional permanent residency. This status is valid for 2 years and must be converted to permanent status by filing Form I-751 during the 90-day window before expiration.
I-751 Requirements:
- Joint Petition: Most couples must file jointly with updated relationship documentation
- Waivers: Available for divorced, widowed, or abused spouses who entered the marriage in good faith
- Comprehensive Evidence: Required to demonstrate continued cohabitation and integration
Marriage Interview Preparation
Our firm provides detailed preparation for USCIS interviews, including:
- Organized Documentation
- Cultural Context Coaching
- Red Flag Strategies (age gaps, language barriers, past denials)
Common Questions
How long does the marriage green card process take?
Adjustment cases take months. Consular cases range from 10–18 months. Green card holders may face longer wait times.
What if we got married while my spouse was out of status?
U.S. citizens may still sponsor spouses who overstayed their visas. Permanent residents face stricter rules, sometimes requiring waivers.
Can my spouse work while waiting?
Yes, applicants for adjustment of status can apply for work authorization.
Our Legal Approach
- Initial Assessment of eligibility and immigration history
- Strategic Planning for adjustment or consular processing
- Comprehensive Petition Preparation with full relationship documentation
- Ongoing Support for interviews, I-751, and long-term planning
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re seeking a marriage-based green card or need help with removal of conditions, contact our USA Vancouver Immigration lawyer and our USA Immigration team in Vancouver today. We proudly serve clients across Canada and USA, including Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, and globally in Australia, England, China, Japan, Dubai, and Mexico.