Simple Steps to Apply for a Work Permit After Marriage

You just married a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. You want to begin working and build your life in the United States. The process to get permission to work may feel confusing. Many people feel unsure about the steps and timelines. The rules are not always clear, and it’s easy to feel lost. This guide gives you simple and direct help. Below, we explain each step to get a work permit through marriage. You will learn what to do, how long it may take, and what to expect next.

Can I Work While Waiting for a Green Card Through Marriage?

Yes, you can work before getting your green card if you have a work permit. After you apply for a green card through marriage, you can also apply for a work permit. If the government approves your work permit, you will receive a card in the mail.

This card gives you legal permission to work in the United States. You can start working as soon as you get the card. You do not need to wait for your green card to arrive. Without a work permit, you cannot work. Working without it can cause problems for your immigration case.

How Long to Get a Work Permit After Marriage?

The time it takes to get a work permit through marriage depends on a few important things. It can be faster or slower depending on your situation. Here are the main things that affect how long you wait to get your work permit.

Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

If you marry a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a green card and a work permit through marriage at the same time. This is faster than other ways, like getting a US work visa. Most people get their work permit in about 3 to 5 months.

Marriage to a Green Card Holder

If you marry a green card holder, you cannot apply for your green card or work permit right away. You need to wait until the government says a visa is available for you. This wait can take 1 to 2 and a half years. When a visa becomes available, you can send your green card and work permit forms. After you apply, it usually takes 3 to 5 more months to get your work permit.

Application Mistakes and Missing Documents

The timeline also depends on how complete and correct your application is. If you forget a document or make a mistake, the government may send your forms back or ask for more information. This can add several weeks or months to the process.

USCIS Processing Times

Lastly, the wait time also depends on how busy the immigration office is. Some offices take longer because they have more cases to process, including green card and U.S. work visa applications, which can lead to extra delays.

How to Apply for a Work Permit Through Marriage While Waiting for a Green Card?

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a work permit while you wait for your green card. This permit lets you work legally before the green card is approved. To get it, you need to follow a few simple steps.

1. Fill Out the Forms

First, you must fill out these three forms:

• Form I-130 shows your marriage is real.
• Form I-485 is for your green card.
• Form I-765 is for your work permit.

You can find all these forms on the U.S. immigration website at www.uscis.gov/forms. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure you use the most recent version of each form.

2. Gather Your Documents

Next, collect the documents you must send with the forms. These include:

• Marriage certificate
• Passport (photo page and visa page)
• I-94 arrival record
• Two passport-style photos
• Proof of spouse’s U.S. citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
• Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
• Birth certificate of the applicant (with certified English translation, if needed)
• Form I-693 (Medical exam, sealed envelope from a USCIS-approved doctor)
• Form G-1145 (optional, to get text/email updates)
• Form G-1450 (if paying by credit card)

3. Pay the Fees

You must pay $1,440 if you send the work permit form with your green card form. This fee covers everything, including fingerprints. If you send the work permit form later, you may have to pay extra.

Pay by check, money order, or credit card. If you use a credit card, include Form G-1450. Make payments to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

4. Mail Your Application

Then, mail everything to the right USCIS address. The correct address depends on where you live, and you can find it on the USCIS website. You can use regular mail or a delivery service like UPS or FedEx. Keep a copy of everything you send.

5. Wait for Receipt Notices

After USCIS gets your forms, they will mail you a receipt notice for each one. These notices show they received your application. Save these letters. You can use the receipt numbers to check your case online at www.uscis.gov/casestatus.

6. Go to Your Biometrics Appointment

A few weeks later, USCIS will send you a letter for your biometrics appointment. This is where they take your fingerprints, photo, and signature. You must go in person to a local immigration office. Do not miss this appointment.

7. Receive Your Work Permit

After your biometrics, USCIS will process your work permit. If everything is complete and correct, you should get your card in three to five months. It will come by mail. Once you have it, you can start working legally in the U.S.

Can I Leave the U.S. While Waiting for My Green Card?

If you leave the United States without permission while your case is open, the government may cancel your green card process. You need a travel document called Advance Parole. This document lets you leave the U.S. and come back legally. Without it, you risk losing everything. Stay in the country until you get your green card or travel document.

How to Get a Work Permit through Marriage Faster?

If you want to get your work permit through marriage faster, there are a few things you can do. The government looks at how complete and correct your application is. If you follow the steps properly, your case can move more quickly.

Sending all the right forms and responding on time makes a big difference. Below are simple steps that can help you avoid delays and get your work permit sooner.

• Send all your forms in one package.
• Include Form I-130 (for your marriage).
• Include Form I-485 (to apply for a green card).
• Include Form I-765 (to apply for a work permit).
• Make sure all your documents are complete and correct.
• Sign all forms and check that you include the required photos and fees.
• If the government asks for more documents, send them quickly.
• Use your receipt number to check your case status online on the USCIS website.

What Happens If Your Work Permit Is Delayed

Sometimes the government takes longer than usual to approve your work permit through marriage. If you wait more than 90 days, you can contact the immigration office and ask for an update. A delay does not always mean a problem.

It can happen because of backlogs, background checks, or missing papers. You can also ask a lawyer or your local congress office to help. Do not start working until you receive your permit.

Free consultation on work permit through marriage

Visa Library offers free consultations for people who want a work permit through marriage. Our team checks your case, answers your questions, and helps you avoid mistakes. Many people face delays because they fill out the forms wrong or miss important papers. We make sure your application is complete and correct before you send it. Contact us to get help without paying anything.

Let’s Recap

You can get a work permit through marriage if you follow the right steps. The process works faster when you marry a U.S. citizen. You must stay in the country and wait for the permit before working. Send all forms together and keep your documents in order. If you face delays or problems, ask for help early. With the right plan, you can receive your work permit and start your new life.

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