How long do you have to stay in a marriage to receive your Green Card?

Question

I have a friend who married an immigrant from Mexico in April 2007 so that he could get his Green Card. She is a US Citizen. They started the process for the Green Card immediately. How long does the process take and how long do they have to stay married before he can get his Green Card? I heard it's like 2 years, is that true? Also he has been able to go back and forth to Mexico, how is that possible? They plan to disolve the marriage once the Green Card is in place, so how long does my friend have to stay married to him before she can leave the marriage. I told her not to do it because I think she is making a mistake, but its too late now.

Answer 1

Two years.

Answer 2

This is illegal. She should have jail time and he should be deported.

Answer 3

it all depends on the individual case. I have been married to an immigrant for 2 1/2 years and we just started the proccess it will take another 1 1/2 years to see if he will get the green card or not. We got a lawyer so we didnt make mistakes. Its not a big deal for me as i hope to be married to him for ever. but in her case it was a bad idea because you never know how long it will take. I had a friend that it took 7 years... it sucks... I would go see an attorney just to see if your doing it the right way. But ofcourse dont tell him you plan to divorce.

Answer 4

First, it's going to take close to a year to get the green card and it will be a Conditional Green Card.  Then, he has to wait 2 years before he can file for his Permanent Green Card.  That could take another year.

So, a good ball park figure is about 4 years.

Of course, what she's doing is immigration fraud.  If caught she could spend up to 5 years in federal prison and be subject to a fine not to exceed $250,000.