You can get the free marriage-green-card forms directly from USCIS now, but submit the spouse petition after your November wedding; use I-485 if you qualify to apply in the United States, or DS-260 later if you apply through an embassy.
“I am getting married in November and want to apply for a marriage-based green card. How do I get the necessary forms to file?”
Summary
You can collect the official forms before the wedding without paying anyone to supply them. The first filing is the spouse petition after you have a marriage certificate; your location and your spouse’s status determine the next form.
After the wedding, the forms depend chiefly on where you are and whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or green-card holder.
If you qualify for , your spouse files I-130 with I-130A and you file I-485, generally with I-864 and the required I-693. A citizen’s spouse is an immediate relative, so a visa number is always available; USCIS permits I-485 with the petition, while it is pending, or after approval. Ordinary admission-or-parole and other eligibility rules still apply. (USCIS [immediate-relative guidance](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-immediate-relatives-of-us-citizen) and [I-485 instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-485instr.pdf).)
Your spouse starts with I-130 and I-130A. You may file I-485 only when the filing chart for your filing month permits it and you meet the other adjustment requirements; October 2026 showed F2A current for *filing*, but does not settle November or final approval. Include the applicable I-864 and I-693 with I-485. (USCIS [I-485](https://www.uscis.gov/i-485) and [monthly filing charts](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin); State Department [October bulletin](https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Bulletins/visabulletin_October2026.pdf).)
Your citizen or green-card-holder spouse files I-130 with I-130A first; do not use I-485, which is for applicants physically in the United States. After approval, the National Visa Center sends a case notice for : pay the applicable fees, submit the financial-support documents, and complete DS-260 online through CEAC. A green-card holder’s spouse is also subject to F2A visa-number timing. (USCIS [I-485 instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-485instr.pdf); State Department [NVC process](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing.html) and [DS-260 instructions](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-5-collect-financial-evidence-and-other-supporting-documents/step-6-complete-online-visa-application.html).)
In every spouse-petition route, the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and I-130 must include I-130A and marriage evidence. (USCIS [I-130 instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-130instr.pdf).)
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Next steps
These steps let you obtain the right forms now and file them in the order each route requires.
Before the November wedding
Download the official spouse forms
USCIS forms are free. Get [Form I-130](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-130.pdf), its [instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-130instr.pdf), and the spouse’s [Form I-130A](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-130a.pdf). If you may apply from inside the United States, also get the current [Form I-485, edition 09/18/26](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-485.pdf), its [instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-485instr.pdf), [Form I-864](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-864.pdf), and the [I-693 medical-form page](https://www.uscis.gov/i-693). Do not substitute I-485 for the overseas DS-260 application. (USCIS [I-130](https://www.uscis.gov/i-130), [I-485](https://www.uscis.gov/i-485), and [form instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-485instr.pdf).)
After the marriage
File the spouse petition with USCIS
Your citizen or green-card-holder spouse submits I-130 with I-130A and the marriage certificate to USCIS. The I-130 fee under the October 7, 2026 schedule is $625 online through [USCIS’s I-130 page](https://www.uscis.gov/i-130), or $675 by mail. Joint housing or finances and other relationship records are examples of supporting evidence. (USCIS [I-130 instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-130instr.pdf) and [fee schedule](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf).)
Requirements
U.S. route only
If eligible in the U.S., file I-485 with its supporting forms
If you qualify, file the 09/18/26 I-485 with USCIS. As an unrepresented online filer, submit it through your own USCIS account *after* the I-130 petitioner receives the acceptance notice; the general fee for an applicant over 14 is $1,390 online. An eligible concurrent paper I-130/I-485 package is another route; the I-485 general paper fee is $1,440. Paper family-based filings go to USCIS’s [state-based lockbox destinations](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/uscis-lockbox-filing-locations-chart-for-certain-family-based-forms), so your unprovided state prevents one address from being named. A required I-693 goes with I-485; for paper filing, keep the civil surgeon’s envelope sealed. USCIS lists I-864 at $0. If your spouse is a green-card holder, I-485 must also be permitted by the filing chart applicable when you file. (USCIS [online filing](https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/forms-available-to-file-online), [I-485](https://www.uscis.gov/i-485), [I-693](https://www.uscis.gov/i-693), and [fee schedule](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf).)
Requirements
Embassy route only
If abroad, complete DS-260 after the NVC notice
After USCIS approves I-130, the National Visa Center sends a welcome letter. Pay the family immigrant-visa processing fee of $325 per person and, when NVC reviews the affidavit of support domestically, its $120 review fee. NVC says to allow 10 calendar days for payment processing; DS-260 becomes accessible after it processes payment. Then log into [CEAC](https://ceac.state.gov/IV/) to complete DS-260 online, submit the required supporting documents, and print its confirmation page for the interview. This route does not use I-485. (State Department [NVC processing](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing.html), [fees](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html), and [DS-260 instructions](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-5-collect-financial-evidence-and-other-supporting-documents/step-6-complete-online-visa-application.html).)
Requirements
Optional U.S.-route forms
Add work or travel forms only if you need them
For work authorization based on a pending I-485, get [I-765](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-765.pdf); the listed fee for a newly paid I-485 is $260. For advance parole, get [I-131](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-131.pdf); the pending-I-485 fee is $630 on paper or $580 online, but USCIS limits online filing under that I-131 category to qualifying IOE receipt numbers. Do not assume filing I-131 itself permits travel: leaving while I-485 is pending without an advance-parole document generally abandons I-485. (USCIS [I-765](https://www.uscis.gov/i-765), [I-131](https://www.uscis.gov/i-131), [fee schedule](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf), and [travel guidance](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/while-your-green-card-application-is-pending-with-uscis).)
Requirements
Legal sources
The forms and rules here come from USCIS forms, instructions, fee schedules and policy guidance, and the U.S. Department of State’s visa and NVC instructions.
Form I-130/I-130A Instructions
A citizen or green-card holder can petition for a qualifying relative.
page 1
A citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States may file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the existence of a relationship to certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States.
Form I-130/I-130A Instructions
An overseas spouse still needs I-130A, although the overseas spouse’s signature is not required.
page 1
If your spouse is overseas, Form I-130A must still be completed, but your spouse does not have to sign Form I-130A. Form I-130A must be submitted with Form I-130.
Form I-130/I-130A Instructions
The spouse petition requires proof of the completed marriage.
page 6
A copy of your marriage certificate;
USCIS Form I-130 page
USCIS provides the I-130 and I-130A downloads on this form page and requires I-130A for a spouse.
If you submit a petition for your spouse, you must also submit Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary.
Form G-1055 Fee Schedule
The October 7 fee schedule states the petition’s paper and online filing fees.
I-130
**I-130 Petition for Alien Relative** (uscis.gov/i-130) **General filing** Paper Filing: $675 Online Filing: $625
USCIS Form I-485 page
A post-wedding I-485 filing must use the September 18, 2026 edition.
Only accept the 09/18/26 edition of Form I-485 if it is postmarked or electronically submitted **on or after** Sept. 18, 2026.
Form G-1055 Fee Schedule
The general I-485 fee for a person over 14 differs between paper and online filing.
I-485
**I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for applicant over the age of 14** (uscis.gov/i-485) **General filing, unless noted below.** Paper Filing: $1,440 Online Filing: $1,390
Form I-485 Instructions
A required I-693 medical form accompanies the adjustment application.
page 11
If you are required to submit a Form I-693, or a partial Form I-693 (such as the Vaccination Record), you must submit it with your Form I-485.
USCIS Form I-693 page
A mailed I-485 package needs the civil surgeon’s sealed medical form.
You must submit Form I-693 with your Form I-485 application package, in the original sealed envelope provided by the civil surgeon.
Form I-485 Instructions
Most family-based adjustment applicants need an affidavit of support.
page 12
The Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA is required for most family-based intending immigrants and some employment-based intending immigrants.
Form G-1055 Fee Schedule
USCIS lists no filing fee for I-864; this is separate from NVC’s support-review fee.
I-864
**I-864 Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA** (uscis.gov/i-864) **General filing** $0
USCIS Immediate-Relative Eligibility
A qualifying U.S. citizen’s spouse may submit I-485 with or after I-130.
As an immediate relative, you may file your Form I-485 together (“concurrently”) with the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed on your behalf, while the Form I-130 is pending, or after the Form I-130 is approved (and remains valid).
USCIS Immediate-Relative Eligibility
Ordinary adjustment eligibility includes a qualifying inspected entry or parole.
Generally, to be eligible to adjust status, you must be present in the United States after being “inspected and admitted” or “inspected and paroled” by an immigration officer.
USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 7 Pt. B Ch. 8
Some unlawful-status and work-related adjustment bars do not apply to citizen spouses.
Immediate Relatives
Certain adjustment bars do not apply to an immediate relative, including the spouse or child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of a U.S. citizen, and the parent of a U.S. citizen older than 21.
INA 245(i); USCIS guidance
Section 245(i) is a narrow possible exception for people covered by an old qualifying filing.
To qualify for this provision, you must be the beneficiary of a labor certification application (Form ETA 750) or immigrant visa petition (Forms I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, or I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) filed on or before April 30, 2001.
USCIS Online Filing Categories
An unrepresented self-filer cannot submit I-130 and I-485 together online.
If an attorney or accredited representative is not submitting a filing on your behalf, and you are not a Form I-140 self-petitioner, you may not concurrently file Form I-485 with an underlying visa petition.
USCIS Online Filing Categories
An eligible self-filer can file the family-based I-485 online after the petition’s acceptance notice.
After the visa petitioner receives their visa petition acceptance notice, and you meet all eligibility criteria to file Form I-485, you may submit your Form I-485 application through your USCIS online account.
USCIS October 2026 Filing Chart
F2A was current for filing across the chart’s listed chargeability areas in October, not necessarily November.
October 2026 family filing chart
|F2A |C |C |C |C |C |
DOS Visa Bulletin, October 2026
October’s F2A final-action dates differ from its current filing chart.
October 2026 Final Action Dates
F2A 22SEP26 22SEP26 22SEP26 22MAR26 22SEP26
DOS NVC Processing
An approved consular-route petition goes to the National Visa Center.
After USCIS approves your petition, they will transfer your case to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) for pre-processing.
DOS Fees for Visa Services
The State Department lists a $325 family immigrant-visa processing fee per person.
Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees
|[Immediate relative and family preference applications](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html "Family-Based Immigrant Visas") (processed on the basis of an approved I-130, I-600 or I-800 petition) |$325.00 |
DOS Fees for Visa Services
The State Department separately lists a $120 domestic affidavit-of-support review fee.
Other Fees
|Affidavit of Support Review (only when reviewed domestically) |**$120.00** |
DOS NVC Pay Fees
NVC fee payment follows its welcome letter.
The first thing you need to do after receiving your NVC Welcome Letter is pay your processing fees.
DOS Form DS-260 Instructions
DS-260 is completed within the applicant’s CEAC case, rather than sent as an I-485.
To complete your Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, log into your case in [CEAC](https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx "CEAC") and click the ‘START NOW’ under IV Application on your summary page.
Form G-1055 Fee Schedule
The ordinary pending-I-485 work-permit fee for a new paid adjustment filing is $260.
I-765, page 52
If you filed Form I-485 with a fee on or after April 1, 2024 and your Form I-485 is still pending. Paper Filing: $260 Online Filing: $260
Form G-1055 Fee Schedule
USCIS lists separate paper and online fees for advance parole based on a pending I-485.
I-131
If you have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Paper Filing: $630 Online Filing: $580
USCIS Pending-I-485 Guidance
Travel without advance parole generally abandons a pending adjustment application.
Generally, if you have a pending Form I-485 and you leave the United States without an advance parole document, you will have abandoned your application.
These are the official rules and schedules as published on the cited dates; forms, fees, and monthly visa availability can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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