Marriage-Based AOS Tips for First-Time Approval

Tips for Getting a Marriage-Based AOS Approved the First Time

Let’s be honest, no one dreams of spending their newlywed days buried in paperwork, chasing immigration updates, or rehearsing answers for an interview with a USCIS officer. But when you’re married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you’re going through adjustment of status through marriage, this becomes part of your love story.

At Passage Immigration Law, we’ve walked alongside hundreds of couples on this journey. And we’ve seen it all: the last-minute document scrambles, the nerves before the interview, the joy when the green card finally arrives. We don’t just file the forms, we live these moments with our clients.

So here’s our honest, step-by-step guide on how to get your marriage-based adjustment of status approved the first time. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and looking to adjust your status, these are the things that truly matter, straight from real cases we’ve helped win.

1. Start with a Real, Legal Marriage and Be Ready to Prove It

This might sound obvious, but one of the first hurdles is proving that your relationship is real. USCIS officers are trained to detect fraud, and they take their job seriously. They aren’t just reviewing your paperwork, they’re looking for signs that you’re building a life together.

You’ll need proof of marriage status that goes beyond a wedding certificate. Think shared finances, lease agreements, photos with friends and family, joint bank accounts, and even evidence of texts or trips you’ve taken together.

One of our clients, Sam and Julia, brought a binder to their interview filled with wedding photos, a Costco card with both their names, screenshots of their calendar invites for anniversaries, and even a Valentine’s Day card Julia gave Sam. The officer smiled, flipped through it, and approved their case right there.

2. Know the Basics of the Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status Process

Understanding the adjustment of status for spouse process helps you stay ahead.

Here’s a basic breakdown if you’re married to a U.S. citizen:

• Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
• Step 2: File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) together with the I-130 in what’s called “concurrent filing”
• Step 3: Receive receipt notices
• Step 4: Attend a biometrics appointment
• Step 5: Receive work/travel permits (EAD/AP)
• Step 6: Attend the I-485 interview
• Step 7: Get approved!

For those married to a green card holder, the timeline may involve a wait for a visa number to become available. The adjustment of status through marriage to a permanent resident can take longer, but the core process is the same.

3. Submit a Clean, Organized Packet of Required Documents

Don’t underestimate the power of an organized filing. Messy applications with missing forms or illegible documents can delay your case or worse, lead to rejection.

Here’s what you need for the I-485 required documents for a spouse:

• Marriage certificate
• Passport-style photos of both spouses
• Proof of lawful entry (I-94 record)
• Copy of passport
• Form I-864 Affidavit of Support from the U.S. spouse
• Birth certificate (with certified English translation if needed)
• Medical exam (Form I-693)
• Joint documents to prove shared life

We recommend filing everything as a complete packet, labeled, tabbed, and indexed. It shows you care, and it makes life easier for the officer reviewing your case.

4. Understand the Timeline and Be Patient, But Prepared

If you’re asking, “How long does spouse adjustment of status take?”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear.

Here’s the general spouse adjustment of status timeline when married to a U.S. citizen:

• 2–3 weeks: Receipt notices
• 1 month: Biometrics
• 3–6 months: Work permit and travel card
• 6–14 months: Interview
• 1–2 weeks: Green card decision

It can feel like an eternity. And if you’re doing this after a K-1 visa, the timeline shifts slightly. The adjustment of status after marriage, K-1 visa skips the I-130 step, since you’ve already gone through fiancé visa screening, but you’ll still file the I-485, attend biometrics, and go through the interview.

5. Prepare for the I-485 Interview Questions, Especially Marriage-Based Ones

The I-485 interview questions can feel a bit intrusive, but they’re meant to test whether your relationship is real.

You might be asked:

• How did you meet?
• Who proposed? When and how?
• Where do you live? What side of the bed do each of you sleep on?
• Who does the cooking?
• What was the last movie you watched together?

Yes, they get that specific. These AOS interview questions are designed to catch inconsistencies.

A couple we helped, Yuki and David, practiced every night for a week not to memorize answers, but to get comfortable telling their story out loud. By the time the interview came, they were relaxed, smiling, and remembered the exact date they got their dog together. The officer laughed and said, “You two are the real deal.”

6. Be Honest, Even If It Feels Risky

If there’s anything in your immigration or criminal history, tell your attorney upfront. Trust us, we’ve seen it all: overstays, prior visa denials, even minor arrests. Hiding it won’t make it go away. Honesty often strengthens your case when it’s properly explained.

We had a client, José, who overstayed his student visa years ago. He was terrified to apply through his wife, unsure if the overstay would tank his case. We filed with full disclosure, provided legal context, and explained the waiver rules. He’s now a green card holder.

7. Understand the Costs and Plan Ahead

The adjustment of status after marriage can add up. Government filing fees, medical exams, translations, legal help, it all matters.

As of 2025, the filing fee for the I-485 is $1,440, and if you need to file an I-130 as well, that adds $675 (Paper Filing Fee) or $625 (Online Filing Fee). Don’t forget potential translation fees, document prep, and the medical exam (which can range from $200–$500 depending on your provider).

Is it a lot? Yes. But it’s an investment in your shared future. And doing it right the first time is always cheaper than fixing a denial.

8. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Here are the top mistakes we see people make in adjustment of status marriage cases:

• Filing without legal review (missing forms or wrong fees)
• Forgetting to sign something (even a single signature!)
• Not bringing an interpreter to the interview if required
• Giving inconsistent answers
• Not updating USCIS about address changes
• Traveling without advance parole
• Not attending the interview together (unless exempt)

Don’t let small errors lead to big delays.

9. What If You’re Trying to Fix Your Spouse’s Status?

Wondering, “Can I fix my husband’s immigration status?” If you’re a U.S. citizen, the answer is often yes, but it depends on the situation.

When your spouse entered the U.S. lawfully and overstayed, you can likely help them adjust status without leaving the country. If they came in unlawfully, a waiver and possibly consular processing may be required.

This is where legal advice is essential. Every family’s path is different, and mistakes here can lead to years of separation.

10. Stay Connected and Stay Informed

Immigration rules change often. Processing times shift. Offices get backlogged. That’s why it helps to have someone in your corner who lives and breathes this work.

We stay on top of the adjustment of status update trends daily. If your interview is taking too long or you’re unsure what step comes next, we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Smooth, Honest, Successful Path

If you’re applying for AOS through marriage, it’s not just about paperwork; it’s about your life together. Your dreams, security and future.

At Passage Immigration Law, we don’t just process cases; we walk with people. We help couples like you get through the hard parts with peace of mind. We’ve helped hundreds of couples get their marriage-based adjustment of status approved on the first try, not through luck, but through care, precision, and real legal strategy.

If you’re ready to file, struggling with a delay, or just want peace of mind that your case is strong, let’s talk.

Schedule a consultation with our team. We’re here to get your love story across the finish line.

Disclaimer: This article offers general legal information, not legal advice. Do not rely upon this information without seeking legal counsel. If you need legal advice, you may contact us directly to speak with an attorney. We disclaim all liability with respect to actions taken based on any information presented. Every case is different, and outcomes will vary depending on the unique facts and legal issues of your case.