If you came to the United States with a B-2 visitor's visa (even if it has since expired) you can obtain your green card in the US and would not have to return to your country to visa process. You must file a Form I-485 (green card) application at the same time of filing the Form I-130 petition by your new US citizen spouse as well as your I-765 Work permit. Once CIS receives your completed applications, you should get your work permit within 90 days. And with it, you can apply for social security which usually takes about 2 weeks to process. From filing to your joint interview, and hopefully getting your green card, the entire process should take no more than 180 days. Please note that applying for green card often involves consideration of many other issues not mentioned here, and so, you are ultimately better off in hiring an experienced lawyer to assist you.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2013 at 3:24 AM