Where you file your Form I485 depends on your eligibility category. Review the information below to see where you should file your application.You file a Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) and supporting documents with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Our Boston marriage immigration and green card lawyers can help you or your spouse get legal, permanent residency. The first step in the process of applying for a marriagebased green card is completing Form I130: Petition for Alien Relative. Two petitions are required: Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, and Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Form I-129F. As the petitioner, you'll file Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative. Consulate-specific instructions can usually be found in the "Nonimmigrant Visas" section of the website. Each nonimmigrant visa application is a separate process. In practice, this means that the spouse seeking a green card must have a valid visa for up to 2.5 years after filing the marriage-based green card application.