The immigrant spouse will need to submit to a medical examination and send the official forms from the results to USCIS. If the spouse lives in the United States, the next step involves filing Form I-485, also known as the "Adjustment of Status" application.You must file an I-130 form (Petition for Alien Relative) along with two passport-time pictures of the spouse and filled-out Form I-130A for the spouse. 130, Petition for an Alien Relative. Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative is the first form you must file to start the marriage-based green card application process. Most couples do qualify for a marriage-based green card if one spouse is a US citizen or green card holder. As the petitioner, you'll file Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative. A U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident can file a petition for a family visa for a spouse or an unmarried son or daughter. To obtain a green card, the first step is to confirm you are eligible. The petitioning relative must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident to file a marriage green card application.