Build Your Future Together in the United States
Attorney Support for Marriage-Based Green Cards
Marriage-based immigration involves more than proving you are married. Now, more than ever, your immigration history, financial sponsorship, and supporting evidence can all affect your case.
Lear Immigration Law, PC helps couples choose the appropriate process, prepare accurate applications, address potential concerns, and prepare for the interview.
Meet with an immigration attorney in person at our Westminster office or by Zoom
Prefer to speak with our team? Call 303-578-9083
Immigrant-Led Law Firm
Personal understanding of the immigration journey and what is at stake for couple.
Direct Attorney Access
Work directly with the attorney and our experienced team.
Individualized Preparation
Careful review of your history and evidence preparation that reflects your relationship.
Support Throughout
An attorney in your corner—from preparing your application to attending your USCIS interview with you.
Marriage-Based Green Card Cases We Handle
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may petition for a qualifying spouse.
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may petition for a qualifying spouse. The correct process depends on the sponsoring spouse's status, the intending immigrant's location, manner of entry, immigration history, and visa availability.
One-Step Marriage Adjustment
Some spouses of U.S. citizens can file the marriage petition and green card application together while in the United States
Other Adjustment-of-Status Cases
Other eligible spouses in the United States may apply for a green card through USCIS after the marriage petition is filed or approved, when a visa is available.
Consular Processing for Spouses Abroad
Spouses outside the United States generally complete the immigrant visa process through the National Visa Center and a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Pending or Complicated Cases
We help with pending applications, Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, interview concerns, and cases involving prior immigration filings or other issues that need careful review.
Our services are for couples seeking individualized legal advice and attorney representation—not form preparation alone.
DISCUSS MY MARRIAGE GREEN CARD CASE
A consultation can help identify what immigration process is best for you.
Proving Your Marriage Is Genuine
Your relationship is real. Your evidence should tell its story.
A marriage certificate proves that you are legally married. For a marriage-based green card, you must also show that you entered the marriage in good faith and have a genuine relationship. Immigration officers often call this a “bona fide marriage.”
Evidence may include:
• Records showing a shared home, such as a lease, mortgage, or household bills
• Joint financial records, tax returns, insurance, or beneficiary designations
• Statements from people who know you as a couple
• Photos, travel records, and communications showing your relationship over time
• Birth certificates of children you have together
• Other records that reflect the life you share
There is no single checklist that fits every couple. Newlyweds, spouses living apart temporarily, and couples who keep separate finances may need different ways to tell their story. We help you identify the evidence you have and explain circumstances that may raise questions.
How We Help Build a Well-Supported Case
A generic checklist cannot tell the whole story of your marriage. We learn how your relationship developed, review the records you have, and help present evidence that accurately reflects your life together.
Our work may include:
✓ Creating an evidence plan for your circumstances
✓ Checking documents and forms for gaps or inconsistencies
✓ Preparing explanations for circumstances that may raise questions
✓ Organizing evidence around your relationship timeline
✓ Updating relationship evidence and preparing you for the interview
✓ Responding to requests for additional evidence, when included in our representation
What If You Have Limited Joint Evidence?
You may be newly married, living apart temporarily, or keeping separate finances. One spouse may not yet have a Social Security number. These circumstances do not, by themselves, mean your marriage is not genuine.
It is crucial, however, to explain circumstances that might otherwise raise questions and provide evidence that helps USCIS understand your relationship.
We help you identify other records that show your relationship, explain your circumstances clearly, and prepare for questions USCIS may ask.
An immigration attorney can help you understand what evidence may be appropriate for your relationship before you file or attend an immigration interview.
Prepare for Your Interview With Confidence
A marriage green card interview can feel intimidating, but you do not have to approach yours unprepared or alone.
Individualized Interview Preparation
Interview preparation with an experienced attorney can help couples understand what may be discussed, organize documents, and answer questions truthfully and directly.
Depending on your case, preparation may include:
✓ Reviewing your applications and supporting evidence together
✓ Identifying information that may need clarification
✓ Discussing the interview format and questions that may arise
✓ Reviewing important dates and details of your relationship
✓ Organizing original documents and updated evidence
✓ Conducting a practice interview
Preparation is not about memorizing answers. It is about understanding your case and being ready to answer truthfully and clearly.
Attorney Support at the Interview
Preparing together is only part of our work. An attorney from our firm will attend the interview with you and your spouse to provide support and address any legal or procedural concerns if they arise.
Discuss your interview concerns with an immigration attorney and prepare with greater confidence.
Could These Issues Affect Your Case?
A valid marriage does not automatically establish eligibility or guarantee approval.
Certain circumstances can affect eligibility, require additional evidence, or change the appropriate immigration process:
• Prior immigration violations
• Entry without inspection
• Visa overstays or unauthorized employment
• Prior removal proceedings
• Arrests, charges, citations, or convictions
• Previous visa applications or immigration petitions
• Possible fraud or misrepresentation
• Prior marriages or petitions for another spouse
• Limited shared documentation or periods of separation
• Inconsistent information in prior filings
• Financial-sponsorship concerns
• A Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny
• An upcoming interview
• Planned international travel while a case is pending
Some concerns may be manageable, while others could require a waiver or a different process. Careful review before filing, traveling, or attending an interview can help you understand your options and avoid preventable problems.
A consultation can help identify any "red flags" before an important filing or decision.
How Our Representation Works
1. Attorney Consultation
Meet with an immigration attorney to discuss your marriage, immigration history, and any specific concerns. The attorney will explain possible paths and identify issues that need closer review.
2. Case Plan and Document Collection
Once we start working together, we develop a plan for your case and provide you with a clear list of the information and documents we need to prepare a strong case.
3. Eligibility and Process Review
We carefully review your immigration records and other relevant documents to assess eligibility, identify potential concerns, and determine how best to present your case to USCIS based on your individual circumstances.
4. Application Preparation and Filing
Our team prepares the forms and organizes your supporting evidence. Before filing, we review the application and documents for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with the legal requirements. We work with you to address missing information or questions.
5. Case Monitoring After Filing
We track government notices and deadlines and help respond to requests for additional evidence when that work is included in your representation.
6. Interview Preparation and Attendance
When USCIS schedules an adjustment-of-status interview, we prepare you for the questions and documents that may come up, and an attorney from our firm attends with you.
Every case follows its own path. The steps and timing depend on your eligibility, the process available to you, and developments after filing.
Why Clients Choose Lear Immigration Law
An Attorney Who Understands the Immigration Journey
Attorney Anya Lear's connection to immigration law is personal. Born and raised in Moscow, she came to the United States for college and later navigated her own path through the immigration system to U.S. citizenship.
That experience informs the firm's approach: listen carefully, communicate clearly, prepare diligently, and treat every client and family with respect.
Anya has practiced law in Colorado since 2012 and is fluent in English and Russian. Clients work directly with the attorney responsible for their case, supported by an experienced team committed to careful preparation and consistent communication.
Immigration, Made Understandable
We explain your options in plain language, give you practical instructions, and make sure you understand what comes next for every step of the journey.
Compassion in Every Step
You aren't a transaction. Our clients consistently tell us that they felt seen, heard, and supported from the initial consultation all the way through to their final interview.
Integrity-Driven Strategy
We build trust through honesty. We give you a candid assessment of potential issues, explain our fees and scope of work, and tailor our strategy to your unique circumstances rather than a "standard process."
Confidence at Your Interview
An experienced attorney from our firm prepares you for the USCIS interview, organizes updated and relevant evidence, and stands beside you at your USCIS interview.
Client Testimonials
Don't Just Take Our Word for It—Here's What Our Clients Have to Say
Alma Ismagulova
Before choosing Anna, I researched and received paid and free consultations from other companies and lawyers (I've also encountered scammers). I was choosing between three. During an hour-long consultation with Anna, she identified the most significant issue. We began gathering the necessary documents, with recommendations and corrections. I had access to electronic templates, phone calls, video calls, and text messages. She was completely accessible. And, what's more, she provided expert assistance. My case has been submitted, biometrics have been completed, and I'm waiting 150-180 days for my work permit. More to come! Thank you to Anna's entire team!
Young Hyun Chi
Anya and her team are professional, meticulous, attentive, and kind in what can be a pretty anxious and detail-oriented process. I was able to smoothly and rapidly secure a permanent residency thanks to this firm's good work after marrying my American wife while in Korea, about half a year after moving to Colorado. They are willing to attend interviews and other processes in person, and their office was always open for in-person work when I was required to do something or ask about something.
It's not an easy thing to willingly delegate a process that impacts your life so, but I highly recommend Lear Immigration Law if you want it done correctly.
Josue Godinez
I had an amazing experience with attorney Anya Lear of Lear Immigration Law. Even though I only speak Spanish, she took the time to explain everything to me patiently and made sure I understood every step. She is kind, understanding, and truly cares about her clients. Thanks to her, my case was resolved quickly and smoothly. She made a difficult process much easier and less stressful. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who needs a good lawyer. Thank you so much, Anya!
Brad Gersch
This team has been fantastic in helping us navigate the complex immigration process. They flawlessly handled our massive amount of paperwork and were always quick to answer our sudden, news-related questions. As a bonus, their beautifully designed office provides a truly calming environment. Highly recommended for their excellent service, efficient processes, and wonderful staff!
Anna Valsami
Anya and her team were recommended to me by a family friend and I'm really glad I got in touch with them! I was ready to apply for my US citizenship and I wanted to make sure everything was done correctly. Anya was incredibly professional, thorough and caring from start to finish and I felt confident that she was on top of my case every step of the way. Overall, it was a seamless experience! Highly recommended to anyone needing assistance in their own immigration journey. Thank you Anya and team!
Yana Miloserdova
Thanks to Anya and her amazing team! Due to their professionalism, my Green Card application was processed remarkably quickly. We felt well supported throughout the entire process. The team was always available to address my questions and communicated with us from the beginning to the end of the process.
I highly recommend Lear Immigration Law and definitely plan to use their services again in the future for any of my immigration needs!
New more proof? Check out our other online reviews.
Here are some cases we are proud to share more about.
*Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Take the Next Step in Your Immigration Journey
Before filing, understand the appropriate process, evidence requirements, and potential concerns that could affect your case.
Get real advice. Schedule a consultation to discuss your circumstances with an immigration attorney.
Paid attorney consultation • In-person or Zoom
Or call 303-578-9083 during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a U.S. citizen or permanent resident petition for a spouse?
Yes. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may petition for qualifying spouses. The available process and timing differ depending on the petitioner's status, the intending immigrant's location, and visa availability.
Can we file Forms I-130 and I-485 together?
Certain eligible spouses of U.S. citizens may be able to file the marriage petition and adjustment-of-status application concurrently.
Concurrent filing is not appropriate in every case. Eligibility should be reviewed before the applications are submitted.
What if my spouse lives outside the United States?
A spouse abroad will generally pursue an immigrant visa after the required petition and visa-availability steps. The case may involve USCIS, the National Visa Center, and a U.S. embassy or consulate.
What if my spouse overstayed a visa or entered without inspection?
Some spouses of U.S. citizens may still qualify to apply for a green card in the United States despite a visa overstay or unauthorized employment. Legal eligibility does not guarantee approval. USCIS is giving closer scrutiny to immigration violations and may consider them when deciding whether to approve an adjustment-of-status application. It is important to review these facts and address them accurately before filing.
Entry without inspection raises different legal questions and may prevent adjustment of status in the United States unless a specific exception applies. Your spouse's manner of entry, full immigration history, and options should be evaluated before filing an application or leaving the country.
How do we prove that our marriage is genuine?
Evidence may include records of shared residence, finances, insurance, travel, communications, photographs, children, and other aspects of the couple's life together.
There is no single document that proves every marriage. USCIS considers the evidence as a whole and the circumstances of the relationship.
Will we have a marriage green card interview?
Plan on attending an interview. USCIS can waive the interview in an adjustment-of-status case, but couples should not assume it will be waived in a marriage-based case. If your spouse is applying for an immigrant visa abroad, they will generally attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
For a USCIS interview, we help you review your application, organize original and updated documents, discuss questions that may arise, and practice answering clearly and truthfully. An attorney from our firm also attends your USCIS interview with you when interview attendance is included in your representation.
What is a conditional marriage green card?
A person may receive conditional permanent residence when the marriage is less than two years old on the date permanent residence is granted.
Conditional residents generally must complete an additional process to remove the conditions. The applicable filing requirements and deadlines should be reviewed carefully.
What can we discuss during a consultation?
You can meet with us about a new marriage green card case or one already in progress. We can discuss adjustment of status or consular processing, an upcoming interview, a government notice, or concerns about your immigration history or evidence of your marriage.
The attorney will assess your situation based on the information available, explain possible next steps, and let you know if more records are needed for a fuller review. A consultation does not guarantee that the firm will offer ongoing representation. Either way, we will give you candid legal guidance during the meeting. We do not hold back our assessment until you hire us.
Questions Before Scheduling?
Ask our team about consultation fees, appointment availability, or whether a consultation with our firm is the appropriate next step.
Please note that legal questions and case-specific advice are addressed during a paid attorney consultation.
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this page or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration eligibility and outcomes depend on the facts and law applicable to each case, and no result is guaranteed.