How long does it take for an illegal immigrant living in Mexico to become legal the United States after married a U S citizen?

There is no path to legal status for foreign nationals living in Mexico via marriage to a U.S. citizen only. To become a lawful permanent resident (LPR), an immigrant must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident who is at least 21 years old. The sponsoring spouse has to file an I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. When the I-130 is approved, the beneficiary will receive an I-360 (if applicable) and an I-485. There are strict limits and qualifications on which relatives can sponsor their foreign relatives.

Here are the processing times for the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative:

- Immediate Relatives (unmarried children under 21 and spouses of U.S. citizens): About 1 to 14 months

- Family-Based Petitions (siblings and adult children of U.S. citizens): About 13 to 17 years

- Family-Based Petitions (siblings of Lawful Permanent Residents): About 13 years

- Employment-Based Petitions: About 10 months

Once the I-130 petition is approved, the beneficiary will be processed for an immigrant visa. This can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the applicant's country of origin and the availability of visas.

If the beneficiary is currently living in Mexico, they will need to apply for an immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico City. The visa application process can take several months and will include medical examinations, interviews, and background checks.

Once the immigrant visa is approved, the beneficiary will be able to enter the United States and become a lawful permanent resident.