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. Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative is the first form you must file to start the marriage-based green card application process.First, you fill out and submit Form I-130; then, you submit Form I-485 or DS-260 and attend your scheduled green card interview. The spouse and dependent children of the employee sponsored for a green card are eligible for derivative legal permanent residence. This article explains the process for US citizens and LPRs to file petitions for their spouses to obtain a marriage-based green card. You can prove your sponsor citizenship with a birth certificate or passport or prove lawful permanent resident status with a copy of your sponsor's green card. Find out the cost of renewing or replacing a Green Card. Here is an overview of the basic procedures for US citizens or LPRs to petition for their foreign national family members. Once the marriage occurs, your spouse is able to apply for permanent residence and remain in the United States while the matter is processed. The Wayne County resident MUST BE PRESENT WHEN APPLYING.