What Are the New Green Card Through Marriage Requirements in 2026?

Interviews Are Now Mandatory to Get a Green Card

More Proof of a Bona Fide Marriage

Review Your Application Carefully

Obtaining permanent residency through marriage in the United States now involves a stricter process after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) strengthened its guidelines for applicants seeking a Green Card through a qualifying marital relationship.

The new measures eliminate benefits that were previously available to some couples and increase scrutiny of applications. Understanding the updated Green Card through marriage requirements can make the difference between a successful application and one that faces delays or complications.

USCIS Now Requires In-Person Interviews for All Couples Without Exception

Green Card Through Marriage Requirements in 2026 – PHOTO: Shutterstock

The most significant change implemented this year is the elimination of interview waivers for marriage-based Green Card applications.

In the past, some couples who had been married for several years or shared children could qualify for an interview waiver.

Now, USCIS requires both spouses to attend an in-person interview to demonstrate that their marriage is genuine.

This increased level of oversight comes alongside heightened scrutiny of marriage-based permanent residency applications.

According to the available information, denials of marriage-based Green Card applications have also increased due to policies that strengthen case reviews and expand cross-checking among government databases.

Processing Times May Also Affect Thousands of Families

The updated guidelines have a direct impact on families applying for a marriage-based Green Card across the country, including Hispanic communities in Atlanta and other metropolitan areas throughout Georgia.

According to the available information, processing times for Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) filed on behalf of spouses of U.S. citizens can reach up to 59.5 months at some USCIS offices.

By comparison, concurrent Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) filings submitted within the United States have an average processing time of 8 to 9 months.

Given these timelines, USCIS recommends carefully preparing all required documentation to reduce the risk of delays or requests for additional information.

Documents and Evidence USCIS Recommends Reviewing to Apply for a Green Card

To strengthen a marriage-based Green Card application, USCIS advises applicants to submit strong supporting evidence from the outset.

Key documents and recommendations include:

Form I-693: Submit the sealed medical examination completed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon together with Form I-485.

Evidence of a shared life: Joint lease agreements or mortgages, shared accounts, joint tax returns, and insurance policies listing both spouses.

Consistent information: Verify that addresses, tax records, and all personal information match across every document submitted.

The guidance also warns that even minor inconsistencies involving addresses, social media information, or tax records could result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) or even a denial of the application.

What USCIS Recommends to Protect Your Green Card Application

Given the increased level of review, USCIS recommends keeping copies of the entire application package submitted during the process.

Applicants should also regularly check their case status through the official USCIS website to monitor updates or respond promptly to any additional requests.

The guidance further notes that if one spouse is from a country subject to special review or included in a travel restriction proclamation, the application could experience additional delays under Memorandum PM-602-0192.

Individuals seeking guidance about the Green Card through marriage requirements can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

For complex cases or applicants with prior immigration issues, USCIS recommends consulting an immigration attorney before attending the interview or submitting the application.

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Source: Telemundo