To transfer residency after marriage in 2017, U.S. citizens or permanent residents (PRs) could file a petition for alien relative (Form I-130) on behalf of their spouse. Eligible non-citizens then adjusted their status via Form I-485 if they were already in the U.S. legally. Steps included submitting evidence of the marriage (certificates, joint financial documents, and witness statements), passing a medical exam, and attending an interview. If outside the U.S., spouses of U.S. citizens could apply for a K-1 visa, whereas PR spouses typically underwent consular processing. Filing fees ranged from $535 to $1,015, depending on the category.

The process ensures legal residency compliance by streamlining permanent residency (PR) acquisition through marital ties, which accounted for 40% of all green cards issued in 2017 (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [USCIS] Annual Report). Marriage-based petitions had a 98% approval rate that year, reflecting USCIS’s prioritization of family reunification. Data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showed that spouses of U.S. citizens waited an average of 6–8 months for I-485 approval, while K-1 applicants faced 12–18 months for visa issuance and entry. This system balances humanitarian goals with national security, as verified by the 2017 DHS Immigration Enforcement and Removal Statistics, which highlighted reduced deportation risks for law-abiding spouses. The process also supports economic integration, as PR holders contribute $1.3 trillion annually to the U.S. economy (National Foundation for American Immigration Reform). By formalizing residency, couples gain access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, fostering social stability and workforce participation.