For many people around the world, becoming a legitimate US permanent resident is a result. However, the application process for the green card is not easy, unless you know the steps you need to receive. Regardless of whether your purpose is a family, career advancement, or protection, this detailed guide covers everything you need to know about getting a green card in the United States.
What is a green card?
Green cards are documents and permission issued by US authorities that enable people to live permanently. The leaders of this card are legally allowed to work indefinitely in the United States. Also, if you provide a path to citizenship and meet certain residential requirements, residents can apply for naturalization.
Unlike US tourist visas (US tourist visa, etc.), green cards are permanent and do not need to be updated regularly to maintain status, but every 10 years to keep them valid. You need to update.
Why apply for a green card?
It is not only US immigration status to get a green card process. It is about the rights and access to the opportunity, including the following
- Unlimited career selection free.
- Ability to support a specific parent Relative for immigrants
- Federal government welfare and protection.
- Road to US citizenship.
Step 1: Determine the qualification
There are many different categories to take into account about the qualification of the green card. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the requirements specified by the US Civic Immigration Bureau (USCIS). The main qualitative categories are as follows:
Family -based green card
Family relationships are one of the most common methods to apply. American citizens like spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parent’s parent, Relative, are usually given priority in the application process of the green card. Expanded families may also be eligible, but usually the waiting period is longer due to visa restrictions.
Employment -based green card
If you have extraordinary skills, if you are a US employer, or if you are qualified for an investor visa, you can obtain an employment -based green card qualification. These are classified into five settings, depending on qualifications, employment demand, and industry.
Diversity visa lottery
Diversity immigration visa program (DV lottery) gives people in countries with low immigration rates for green cards. Those who have won the lottery need to meet all US green card requirements and submit a complete application.
Humanitarian program
If you are looking for asylum or refugee status, if you are a victim of trafficking, or if you are part of a special program, you may be qualified.
Step 2: Submit the first petition
If you apply for a green card, usually start the process with the petition. This is usually performed on behalf of the contract by a sponsor like an employer or family. The form that needs to be submitted depends on the qualitative category.
- Family sponsorship: File form I-130, petition for alien’s parent Relative.
- Employment sponsorship: File form I-140, immigration petition for alien workers.
- Diversity lottery winner: Proceed directly to form a DS-260 for consular processing.
Step 3: Wait for visa availability
After the petition is approved, you need to wait for your visa number to be available. In the case of an annual cap, such as family reference or employment -based visa, this may take a long time. Visa breaking news from the US Department of State is released every month, providing information on visa availability.
Step 4: Send a green card application
Therefore, if the first petition is approved and VISA’s availability is confirmed, there is a possibility that the US Green Card Application can be submitted to the Form I-485. This step includes the following transmission:
- Support documentation (passport, birth certificate, certificate of qualification)
- Fees are much more unstable, as the fees may vary depending on the type of application.
- Biological/health checkup completed by a certified civil surgeon.
For people outside the United States, this process is called consular processing. The process is written in the Form DS-260 and consists of interviews at the US Embassy and Consulate.
Step 5: Reservation of biometric authentication
After the USCIS receives the application, you will be scheduled for reservations for biometric. In addition, a background check is required. In this appointment, the agent receives fingerprints, photos and signatures. This is the standard in the green card process, and checks that everyone meets Visa requirements.
Step 6: Participate in the Green Card Interview
Most applicants need to interview USCIS officers or consular officers (for applicants outside the United States) as part of the interview. Executives may check your application, confirm what you have said, and ask questions about your qualifications.
Preparing for this interview is the most important. Equipped with the original document, the evidence of the qualification, and other documents required by USCIS. You will be honest with your answer and you will achieve good results.
Step 7: Wait for the decision
The USCIS or consulate will notify you of the decision after the interview. If approved, a green card will be sent. This is the last step in the US Green Card Process, and gives customers the ability to work and live in the United States as a legitimate permanent resident.
How long does the green card process take?
The application process for the green card varies greatly depending on both the category and the individual situation. for example:
- In many cases, the waiting time is shorter for the immediate parent Relative for US citizens.
- Employment -based applications can take several months or several years depending on the availability of visa numbers.
- Applicants based on humanitarian programs or diver City Visa lotteries have their own timelines.
Tips for success in the application process
1. Please keep the copy: Keep the records of all submitted forms and documents.
2. Double check the requirements: Make sure you meet all requirements to get a qualification for each US Green Card Category.
3. Gain the help of an expert: Immigration lawyers or certified representatives can help.
4. Please be careful about the deadline: If you do not submit a form or submit your schedule on time, you may cause delays or refusal.
5. Keep updating: Frequently, change the USCIS visa requirements or change the policy that affects the case.
Avoid general mistakes
Lack of parts: If you lack information about the application, the processing and refusal will be delayed.
Lack of documentation: Always be accurate, always included in the related support documents.
Do not respond to timely: The USCIS request requires additional documents without delay.
Spoof:Giving incorrect information can result in great consequences, such as denial or possibility.
What happens after getting a green card?
A green card means a legal permanent resident. However, this status is responsible for the following:
- The green card is updated every 10 years.
- Submit tax as a resident in the United States
- Follow all US laws and regulations.
You can use a green card to apply for US citizenship after 5 years (3 years if you are married to US citizens).
Conclusion
It is terrible to get a green card in the United States, but it can be executed if there is an appropriate instruction and an appropriate one. Each step approaches life and prosperity in the United States