The first step in the marriage green card process is for the sponsoring spouse to file Form I-130 to establish the marriage is real. 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.How Do You Apply for a Marriage Green Card? Get an overview and application steps for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to petition for a spouse visa (green card). The following forms are required as part of the full spousal green card application package (Boundless can help you complete them all):. This step establishes the foundational relationship between the U.S. citizen or Green Card holder and the immigrant spouse. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it took place. Both you and your spouse must prove your identity, citizenship and relationship to each other. To live and work in the U.S. permanently, you will need a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). The U.S. citizen spouse will need to submit Form I-864 to USCIS with the application for adjustment of status to that of legal permanent resident.