Marriage Green Card Lawyer in Austin, Texas
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a marriage green card lawyer in Austin can take the I-130 petition, the I-485 or consular filing and the interview off your hands. Pablo Nossa handles the case himself, and tells you at the first meeting whether it is strong.
A Green Card Through Marriage, in Plain Terms
A marriage-based green card gives the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident the right to live and work in the United States permanently. The marriage has to be legally valid and genuine, and the couple has to prove both.
There are two routes to the same card. If your spouse is already in the United States after a lawful entry, you file the I-130 petition and the I-485 application together and finish at a USCIS interview. If your spouse is abroad, the approved I-130 goes to the National Visa Center and the interview happens at a U.S. consulate. Which route fits depends on where your spouse is and how they entered, and that is the first thing we settle.
Couples who are engaged rather than married use a different visa. If that is you, start with our K-1 fiancé visa page.
- Spouses of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives, with no annual visa cap to wait for
- Spouses of permanent residents wait for a visa number in a preference category
- A K-3 visa exists for spouses abroad with a pending I-130, and we will tell you whether it would actually be faster for you
The Marriage Green Card in Four Facts
The forms and the rule that surprise couples most, before the detail.
Filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, with the I-130A for the spouse abroad or applying.
Filed together with the I-130 for spouses of citizens, with the I-864 affidavit of support and the I-693 medical.
Optional filings with the I-485: a work permit and advance parole while the case is pending.
Married less than two years at approval: a conditional card, then the I-751 to remove conditions.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Same green card, different sequence. Where your spouse is on the day you file decides most of it.
| Adjustment of status (inside the U.S.) | Consular processing (spouse abroad) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it fits | A spouse in the United States after a lawful entry | A spouse living abroad, or one who cannot adjust status |
| Forms | I-130 and I-485 together, with I-864, I-693, and optionally I-765 and I-131 | I-130 first; then the DS-260 immigrant visa application through the National Visa Center |
| Where the interview happens | The USCIS field office that serves your Texas address | The U.S. embassy or consulate in your spouse’s country |
| Work while waiting | Yes, once the I-765 work permit is approved | No; work starts on entry as a permanent resident |
| Travel while waiting | Only with advance parole (I-131); leaving without it can end the case | Not restricted; your spouse is abroad until the visa is issued |
| What arrives at the end | Approval at or after the interview, then the card in the mail | An immigrant visa in the passport; permanent residence on entry, card by mail |
USCIS and the Department of State publish current processing times and change them often. We quote the current range for your route at the consultation, not on this page.
What People Say After the Case Closes
My wife and I truly recommend Mr. Nossa, Excellent lawyer he was always true to his word. My process was about 5 months (adjustment of status with me entering with visa) No issues.
Efrain A.My spouse and I had an immigration case that was complicated due to his visa situation. We spoke with two other attorneys who both said there was no way for us to adjust immigration status to US permanent resident without leaving the country and re-entering. Then we went to Mr. Nossa… he knew all the correct case law to allow us to adjust easily from within the US. Everything went very smoothly and we got the green card in the mail a few weeks ago. The whole staff was very friendly and professional. I’d recommend Nossa Law to anyone!
Tyler M.Highly recommend Pablo for all immigration matters. As an attorney, he is extremely knowledgeable about all of the immigration processes and timelines and can work with you to make sure your application is complete and filed correctly, which is fundamental in making sure your application is reviewed and accepted. We worked with Pablo for my wife to change her status and get a Green Card once already in the US and Pablo was able to get it done much faster that we ever would have estimated to be possible. Anybody taking the time to read these reviews I’m sure has done their research and assumes that all of the immigration documents were created to be filled out by regular people, but the problem with this is that there are so many forms that have to be filled out and submitted in a certain order that if it isn’t done correctly you can set your application processing back by several months. I am certain that working with a knowledgeable lawyer like Pablo is definitely worth the investment as you can rest assured that things are getting done correctly and expediently. The other huge benefit is being able to ask Pablo questions 24/7 by email, text message or phone call and he gets back to you within minutes. Highly recommend Pablo, we are going to be using him on all immigration issues moving forward.
A Y.For anyone that feels like they don’t have their stuff together or stressing out about it–this is the man to go to–my friend and his wife were in AOS process–not knowing all this time they should be collecting evidence for this, it felt overwhelming and scary–luckily they had a little evidence and some pictures from get togethers and we just gathered what we could—after over a year of stressing out the process is now complete and his Green Card is coming in a few weeks. So if you feel overwhelmed and need help putting your package together–quit searching–this is the lawyer for you. Thank you Mr. Nossa for making the process smoother!
Alisha D.My husband and I would highly recommend Pablo Nossa as an immigration attorney. He addressed our questions and concerns thoughtfully and thoroughly. He also communicated with us on weekends and before and after business hours. His prices are more than reasonable. Mr. Nossa helped us achieve what we needed so that my husband and I could continue to pursue our future plans. Thank you ever so much!
Macy2716Great immigration lawyer! Fast to respond to any questions we had. We could text anytime we had a question. Glad to say he helped my husband get his green card!! Process was very smooth, and he made us feel confident the whole way through. I will highly recommend him!! Thank you Mr. Nossa! We could never repay you!
Araceli E.I highly recommend Pablo Nossa ,he is such a great attorney ,he has been our attorney for the past 3 in a half years from first filing my husband his green card through marriage, then appealing the decision & finally removing his conditions..The best immigration lawyer in Houston ,we highly highly recommend him,God bless him we are very thankful for all he has done…Thank you Pablo Nossa
Josie M.We decided to go with Pablo after reading all the great reviews. I am glad we did because Pablo is an amazing attorney. He helped my wife and I through the whole process of getting the green card. We had alot of questions initially and he was always there to answer them, he would also answer our calls or texts even on the weekends. I would recommend him to all my friends and family.
Kedarnath A.Excellent lawyer. I had him file for my wife’s green card paperwork after marriage. His prices are very reasonable. He was always available for consultations in person, by phone and emails 24/7. I highly recommend him to any anyone with immigration issues.
PeterHe did an excellent job helping my wife get her adjustment of status and lawful permanent residency!
John F.In November of 2016, my husband and I started the journey to adjust my status to Permanent Resident. Working with Pablo and his staff definitely made for smooth sailing. My husband and I were able to celebrate our third wedding anniversary last night without having to wonder if there’d be a border between us the next one and it honestly felt like the whole world was suddenly brighter for us. I would definitely recommend working with them as they have been amazing every step of the way.
Brenda N.Pablo was an answered prayer for my husband’s permanent residency case. We knew from our first meeting that he was different from the other attorneys we had spoken to. I have referred anyone I hear of that needs an immigration lawyer. I highly recommend Pablo for your case!
Marlo L.Every case is different. Past results and timelines do not guarantee a similar outcome.
From Petition to Green Card, Step by Step
The adjustment-of-status sequence for a spouse already in the United States. Consular cases follow the same logic with the interview abroad.
File the Petition and Application
The I-130 and I-485 go in together, with the affidavit of support, the medical exam and the evidence of your marriage.
Both of youReceipt and Biometrics
USCIS sends receipt notices, then a biometrics appointment for fingerprints and a photo at an Application Support Center.
Your spouseWork Permit and Travel Document
If filed, the I-765 and I-131 are decided while the case is pending, so your spouse can work and, with care, travel.
USCISThe Interview
Both of you attend at the USCIS field office. The officer reviews the file and asks about your life together. We prepare you for it beforehand.
Both, prepared by usApproval and the Card
A card valid for two years if the marriage was under two years old at approval, otherwise ten. The two-year card leads to the I-751.
USCISNot sure whether to adjust status or go through the consulate? Ask before you file.
A consultation with the attorney settles the route, the forms and the evidence in one conversation.
Who Can Petition, and What Has to Be Proved
Eligibility is rarely the hard part. Evidence is.
Who Can File the Petition
- A U.S. citizen spouse, whose husband or wife is an immediate relative
- A lawful permanent resident spouse, whose husband or wife waits for a visa number
- The marriage is legally valid where it took place
- Any earlier marriage of either spouse ended by divorce, annulment or death, with the paperwork to show it
Proving the Marriage Is Genuine
- Joint finances: bank accounts, tax returns filed together, insurance naming each other
- A shared home: a lease or mortgage in both names, utility bills, mail to the same address
- A shared life over time: photographs across years and places, travel together, children's records
- People who know you as a couple: sworn statements from family and friends
Documents for a Marriage-Based Green Card
What we assemble with you for an adjustment-of-status filing. Consular cases use most of the same items.
A Candid Assessment First, Then the Filing
Pablo Nossa has practiced immigration law only, since 2010, in Austin and Houston. He reads your situation at the first meeting and tells you plainly whether the marriage green card is the right filing, what could go wrong, and what the file needs before anything is submitted.
The firm tells you plainly when it does not see a viable route. That costs us work and saves couples a wasted filing fee and a year of waiting.
- The attorney handles your case and you have his direct cell number throughout
- Upfront pricing and flat-fee rates, quoted before you commit
- Interview preparation with the questions officers actually ask
- One firm for what comes next: removal of conditions, then naturalization
Pablo Nossa
Principal attorney, and the person who conducts the consultation. J.D., University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A. in Latin American Studies. Practicing immigration law since 2010, from the Austin and Houston offices.
Marriage Green Card Questions, Answered
How long does a marriage green card take?
Can my spouse work while the green card is pending?
Will USCIS think our marriage is fake?
What is a conditional green card?
My spouse is a permanent resident, not a citizen. What changes?
What if my spouse overstayed a visa or entered without inspection?
How much does a marriage green card lawyer cost?
Do we need a lawyer for a marriage green card?
Two Offices, One Attorney
Consultations with the attorney at either office.
Austin
7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5
Houston
2950 North Loop West, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77092
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5
Married and Ready to File? Start With a Straight Answer.
Tell us where you both are, how your spouse entered the United States and what has been filed so far. Pablo will tell you which route fits and what the file needs.
- Every consultation is with the attorney
- Upfront pricing and flat-fee rates
- Austin and Houston offices, clients throughout Texas and nationwide
Austin · 7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
Houston · 2950 North Loop West, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77092
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 · pablo@nossalaw.com
Contact
(713) 599-1633pablo@nossalaw.com
Austin7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78731
Directions
Houston2950 North Loop West, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77092
Directions
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5