A divorce may make it harder to become a permanent resident, but it is still possible. If you already have a green card and are a permanent resident at the time of the divorce, the divorce should not change your status. However, the divorce may force you to wait longer to apply for naturalization.

What happens if you get caught marrying someone for a green card?

An individual will be charged with marriage fraud if they entered into a marriage for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration law. This felony offense carries a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000, and applies to both foreign nationals and U.S. citizens who perpetrate this crime.

How long after getting married can you get a green card?

USCIS will issue you a conditional Marriage Green Card if you have been married for less than 2 years at the time of your interview. You can apply for a permanent Marriage Green Card after two years of marriage.

Can I apply for citizenship if im married but separated?

If you are informally separated from your U.S. citizen spouse, you may be eligible for naturalization, and your naturalization may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Do people get married for green cards?

A marriage-based green card (or “spousal visa”) is an immigrant visa available to the spouses of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Although the process can seem daunting, most couples do qualify for a marriage-based green card if one spouse is a U.S. citizen or green card holder.

Can you go to jail for marrying twice?

Committing bigamy in the United States is against the law in every state, and those who engage in it can be subject to both criminal and civil penalties. Civil law treats this concept somewhat differently than criminal law. Because your second marriage is illegal, it is considered void because it legally cannot exist.

Can I sponsor my spouse if I have a green card?

As a Green Card holder (permanent resident), you may petition for certain family members to immigrate to the United States as permanent residents. You may petition for the following family members: Spouse (husband or wife)

How did Sophia get a green card after marriage?

After her parents divorced, he failed to process her green card application. At first glance, the path to Sophia’s permanent residence status seemed straight-forward. Yet, USCIS questioned if their marriage was bona fide.

Why did Charles get a green card for his second wife?

This meant her green card marriage I-130 petition was invalid. In a different matter, Charles had divorced his first wife over 25 years ago in the Dominican Republic. He filed papers to immigrate his second wife from Argentina.

How did Sophia and Raul get their green cards?

Immigration officials, called by the local police officers, took her into custody. The government filed deportation charges. Sophia entered the U.S. nearly 15 years before she met Raul. Her father, a permanent resident, filed papers for her when she was a small child. After her parents divorced, he failed to process her green card application.

How to get a green card for your spouse?

For spouses of U.S. citizens, the work permit application is typically filed as part of the initial green card application package. (To learn more, check out our guide to Green Cards for Spouses of U.S. Citizens Living in the United States.)