What to Expect From the Marriage-Based Green Card Timeline in Texas in 2026
Key Takeaways
- Learn how long marriage-based green cards take in Texas from start to finish.
- Understand what affects the marriage-based green card processing time in Texas.
- Get insights into green card interview wait times in Texas in 2026.
- Know what steps to take to avoid delays and keep your case on track.
How Long Do Marriage-Based Green Cards Take in Texas?
If you’re applying for a green card through marriage, one of the first questions you’ll have is how long the process will take. The answer depends on several factors, but generally, marriage-based green cards in Texas take anywhere from 10 to 22 months. This timeline includes the time it takes to process your forms, complete your biometrics appointment, and attend your green card interview.
What Are the Main Steps in the Green Card Timeline?
To understand how long marriage-based green cards take in Texas, it helps to know the steps involved. The typical process includes:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): USCIS uses this to confirm your relationship, which can take 7 to 12 months.
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or Consular Processing: If the spouse is in the U.S., Form I-485 is filed. If abroad, consular processing is required.
- Biometrics Appointment: Usually scheduled within 4 to 6 weeks after filing.
- Green Card Interview: Scheduled after all initial reviews are complete.
Each step adds time to the process. The marriage-based green card processing time in Texas varies depending on the service center handling your case.
What Affects the Marriage-Based Green Card Processing Time in Texas?
Several things can impact how quickly your case moves. Some of the most common include:
- Whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
- Which USCIS service center handles your petition
- Backlogs at your local field office
- Completeness and accuracy of your application
- Background checks and security screenings
Even small errors can delay your case. To keep your marriage-based green card processing time in Texas as short as possible, it’s important to work with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure all your documents are accurate and quick action once USCIS responds.
How Long Are Green Card Interview Wait Times in Texas?
One of the biggest variables in the timeline is the interview. In 2026, green card interview wait times in Texas typically range from 6 to 12 months after your biometrics appointment. However, this can change based on your city.
For example:
- In Dallas, green card interview wait times in Texas may be longer due to higher case volume.
- In Houston, you may be scheduled more quickly, especially if your case is straightforward and complete.
Since interview dates depend on the local USCIS field office, green card interview wait times in Texas can shift throughout the year. Applicants should check their USCIS case status online and stay in touch with their attorney.
What If You’re Applying From Outside the United States?
If your spouse is applying from another country, the process includes consular processing through a U.S. embassy. This means:
- Your case must first be approved by USCIS.
- It then moves to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- The NVC will schedule your interview at the appropriate U.S. embassy.
In these cases, how long marriage-based green cards take in Texas also depends on embassy wait times, which vary by country. You may wait several additional months after USCIS approval for your interview abroad.
What Can You Do While You Wait?
Waiting during the marriage-based green card processing time in Texas can be stressful, but there are a few things you can do to stay prepared:
- Monitor your case status using the USCIS online tracker.
- Organize supporting documents in case USCIS requests more evidence.
- Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.
- Update USCIS if your address or contact info changes.
- Continue to build evidence of your relationship, especially if your interview hasn’t happened yet.
Doing these things won’t speed up green card interview wait times in Texas, but they can prevent issues that may delay your case even further. Understanding how long marriage-based green cards take in Texas gives you a realistic idea of what to expect so you can stay ready and focused.
Contact Davis & Associates to Plan Your Green Card Timeline
If you’re wondering how long marriage-based green cards take in Texas or are unsure what to expect during the marriage-based green card processing time in Texas, our team can help. We’ll walk you through the process, explain your options, and help you prepare for any green card interview wait times in Texas.
Call Davis & Associates today to schedule a consultation in Houston or Dallas and get the support you need from a trusted immigration law firm.
Beatriz Godoy
Managing Attorney
Beatriz is a first generation Cuban American immigration attorney who has dedicated her career to serving immigrant communities with empathy and compassion since 2001. She earned her undergraduate degree from Barry University and her Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2003. Fluent in English and Spanish, she handles a wide range of family based immigration, humanitarian relief, waivers, and high volume immigration matters.
Years of Experience: 20+ years of high-level immigration experience