Are you and your spouse ready to build a life together in the United States, but unsure of where to start with the green card process? You’re not alone. The immigration process can feel like a maze, and the current political climate makes the stakes feel even higher for families who simply want to be together. The good news is that you don’t have to do this without dependable legal support.
The Hudsonville-based immigration attorneys at Parakletos Law PLC have extensive experience supporting immigrant families in Muskegon and Ottawa counties, as well as southwestern Kent County. We serve local communities like Holland, Wyoming, Allendale, Byron Center, Grandville, Jenison and Zeeland. We believe your family deserves an advocate who will fight for your future. Contact our law firm today to begin your initial consultation session, and let us start walking this road with you.
A marriage-based green card grants a foreign-born spouse the right to live and work permanently in the United States. If you’re a US citizen, your spouse qualifies as an “immediate relative,” which means they don’t have to deal with a visa backlog and can enjoy a faster path to permanent residency. If you’re a lawful permanent resident, your spouse will need to wait for a visa number to become available under the preference category system, which adds time to the process.
Either way, USCIS requires that your marriage be legally valid under the laws of the country or state where it took place. Marriages from other countries, civil ceremonies, and religious ceremonies can all qualify. However, USCIS won’t recognize marriages entered into solely for immigration purposes.
USCIS requires couples to demonstrate that their marriages are genuine, meaning they’re based on real relationships rather than just the desire to obtain immigration benefits. Officers determine marriage validity by looking for evidence that you share a life together, such as:
During marriage-based green card interviews, USCIS officers question both spouses about their daily lives, their history together, and the details of the relationship. Inconsistent answers can raise red flags, even if the marriage is completely genuine. Couples who organize their documentation carefully and prepare for interviews thoroughly can significantly increase their chances of approval.
If USCIS approves your case but you have been married for less than two years at the time, the foreign-born spouse will receive a conditional two-year green card. You will then need to file Form I-751 together to remove the conditions and secure permanent residency.
Couples have two distinct ways to pursue marriage-based green cards. The “right” option depends largely on where the foreign-born spouse currently lives. If they are already in the US and entered the country lawfully, you can usually pursue an adjustment of status. This process involves filing Form I-485 here in the US and completing the entire process without the foreign-born spouse needing to leave.
If the foreign-born spouse lives abroad or isn’t eligible to adjust their status inside the US, you must pursue consular processing through a US embassy or consulate in their home country. Consular processing requires the foreign-born spouse to attend an interview overseas and then travel to the United States after approval. An experienced immigration attorney can help you identify which route is right for your family’s specific circumstances.
The marriage-based green card process involves multiple stages, each with different forms, fees, deadlines, and government agencies. Below is an overview of what the process typically looks like from start to finish. Keep in mind that you don’t need to manage these steps yourself. A Hudsonville immigration attorney can help you with every aspect of the following process:
Many couples assume that the marriage-based green card process is straightforward enough to handle without legal help. The forms are publicly available, and there are plenty of online guides to walk you through the basics. The problem is that immigration law is remarkably unforgiving. A single missed deadline, incomplete form, or poorly-organized evidence package can result in a Request for Evidence, a significant delay, or an outright denial.
A good immigration lawyer can help you with far more than filling out paperwork. Your attorney can assess your eligibility, identify any potential complications before they cause problems, prepare you thoroughly for interviews, and advocate for you if USCIS raises concerns. When your family’s future in this country is on the line, having a knowledgeable advocate in your corner is not just a luxury. It’s a practical investment in getting things right the first time.
At Parakletos Law PLC, our attorneys understand that immigration is never just a legal matter. It is deeply personal. It touches on your marriage, your home, your children, and your future. Our law firm serves immigrant families in Hudsonville and throughout Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. And our lawyers approach every case with the care and compassion we would want for our own families.
Managing Attorney Jesse Bergwerff founded this law firm on the conviction that relationships matter and that every client deserves a lawyer who listens, explains things clearly, and walks alongside them through every step of the process. Our work is rooted in the values of integrity, excellence, and collaboration. When you bring your family’s immigration case to our law firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re gaining a dedicated advocate who takes your family’s story seriously.
Your family’s future in this country is too important to leave to chance. If you and your spouse are ready to begin the marriage-based green card process, or if you’ve already started and run into complications, the team at Parakletos Law PLC is here to help. We serve families throughout Hudsonville, Holland, Zeeland, Wyoming, Jenison, Allendale, and other nearby communities with the personal attention their cases deserve. Contact us now for an initial consultation to learn how we can help yours.
Imagine finally holding your green card—living in Hudsonville with stability, opportunity, and peace of mind. Let Parakletos Law handle the complexities of your case so you can focus on your family, work, and future.
Call or contact us now to start your journey toward permanent residency in Hudsonville, MI.
