Marriage Petition to a U.S. Citizen: Your Ultimate Guide

Brought to you by Rocket Immigration Petitions

Marriage is a beautiful union—and when one spouse is a U.S. citizen, it can also be the gateway to lawful permanent residency (a green card) for the other. A marriage petition to U.S. citizen is the critical first step in this process. At Rocket Immigration Petitions, we understand how important this journey is for couples in love and committed to building a life together. We're here to help you navigate every step with clarity, care, and confidence.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what a marriage petition to a U.S. citizen involves, key requirements, timelines, common pitfalls, and how our service can simplify your journey.

What Is a Marriage Petition?

A marriage petition refers to Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), which a U.S. citizen files with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of their foreign-born spouse. This petition is the first step in the process to help your spouse become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

Why File a Marriage Petition?

The primary purpose of the petition is to prove that your marriage is legitimate and that you and your spouse have a bona fide relationship. USCIS will not grant permanent residency unless it’s clear the marriage was not entered into solely for immigration benefits.

Once the I-130 is approved, your spouse can move forward in one of two ways:

  • Adjustment of Status (AOS) – if they are already in the U.S.

  • Consular Processing – if they are outside the U.S.

marriage petition to us citizen


Who Can File?

Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can file Form I-130. However, marriage petitions involving U.S. citizens are typically faster and prioritized compared to those filed by green card holders.

As a U.S. citizen, you can petition for:

  • Your spouse

  • Your parents

  • Your children (unmarried or married)

  • Your siblings (if you are over 21)

But in this blog, we’ll focus specifically on spousal petitions.

Documents Required for a Marriage Petition

Here’s a general list of documents needed to support the I-130:

  • Completed Form I-130

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)

  • Marriage certificate

  • Proof of termination of previous marriages (if any)

  • Evidence of bona fide marriage (photos, joint financial records, lease agreements, etc.)

  • Passport-style photos of both spouses

Proving a Bona Fide Marriage

The biggest hurdle in many marriage petitions is convincing USCIS that your relationship is real. Here are some examples of strong evidence:

  • Joint bank accounts and tax returns

  • Shared lease or mortgage

  • Birth certificates of children (if any)

  • Correspondence, chats, or social media evidence

  • Affidavits from friends and family

At Rocket Immigration Petitions, we help you compile, organize, and present this evidence in a way that strengthens your case and minimizes the chance of a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Timeline and Processing

Here’s a rough breakdown of the timeline:

  1. Form I-130 Processing Time – 10 to 16 months (varies by service center)

  2. Adjustment of Status (if spouse is in the U.S.) – Additional 8 to 14 months

  3. Consular Processing (if spouse is abroad) – Additional 6 to 12 months

Note: These timelines fluctuate depending on USCIS backlog, your location, and the complexity of your case.

Costs Involved

Here are some common government fees (subject to change):

  • Form I-130 Filing Fee – $675

  • Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) – $1,440

  • Biometrics Fee – Included in I-485 fee

  • Medical Exam Fee – Varies by provider

While these are the base fees, don’t forget to budget for supporting documentation, translations, and legal services if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Filing a marriage petition may sound straightforward, but many applicants face delays due to avoidable errors. Here are common mistakes we see:

  • Incomplete or outdated forms

  • Missing signatures or documentation

  • Insufficient proof of marriage

  • Filing with the wrong USCIS service center

  • Not tracking deadlines and USCIS correspondence

Rocket Immigration Petitions offers a comprehensive review service to ensure your application is error-free and complete before submission.

How Rocket Immigration Petitions Can Help

At Rocket Immigration Petitions, we specialize in streamlining the marriage petition process for couples just like you. Our services include:

  • Step-by-step filing assistance

  • Document preparation and organization

  • Custom evidence checklists

  • Expert review by immigration professionals

  • Ongoing support and updates until approval

We make it easy for you to file confidently from the comfort of your home, without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Marriage to a U.S. citizen is one of the most direct paths to a green card—but it still requires careful preparation and attention to detail. With the right guidance, you can navigate the process smoothly and set the foundation for a secure future together in the United States.

Let Rocket Immigration Petitions take the stress out of your immigration journey. Whether you're just starting or need help fixing a rejected petition, our trusted team is ready to help you every step of the way.

Ready to File?

Get started today with Rocket Immigration Petitions and file your marriage petition the smart, secure, and affordable way.

đź“© Contact us now or visit rocketimmigrationpetitions.com to learn more! 

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