English » U.S. Visa Services » Immigration Visa - permanent residence permit "green card" » Relatives/Spouses of green card holders » Special regulations for spouses of U.S. citizens?
Spouses who got married to a U.S. citizen in the U.S. cannot stay in the U.S. to wait for their green card. Since the waiting time for a green card may take several years, the beneficiary will have to wait outside the U.S. until the immigration visa can be issued. The same applies if the wedding takes place outside the U.S.