The steps involved in applying for a green card are:
1. Determine if you are eligible for a green card.
There are many eligibility categories, and each has its own requirements. The eligibility category you fit under will depend on your situation, such as family or employment explains William D King. The most common categories are:
- Family-based
- This category includes spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens.
- Employment-based
- This category includes workers with certain skills and educational backgrounds.
- Refugees and asylum seekers
This category includes people who have been forced to leave their home country due to persecution based on religion, race, nationality, social group, or political opinion.
2. Fill out the correct application package(s).
The USCIS provides free forms for many types of immigrant visas. If you do not speak English well, you may be able to get help completing your form at a local office or by contacting an attorney or accredited representative through www. Immigrant Visa 017 Online Systems (“IV-17”). Attorneys and representatives cannot represent you until they contact the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 to register as a user on the IV-17 website, but they can send you information about the application process and your specific case.
3. Collect the required documents.
You will need to provide evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements for the category you are applying under. This may include documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or employment letters says, William D King.
4. Have a medical examination.
You will need to have a medical examination to prove that you are not inadmissible to the United States on health grounds. The examining doctor will give you a form called an I-693, which you must send with your application package.
5. Pay the applicable fees.
There is an application fee and a biometric services fee (for fingerprinting). You may also have to pay a fee for your medical examination.
6. Send in your application package.
You will need to send the application package to the correct USCIS office. The address can be found on the form you use to apply.
7. Wait for a decision.
The USCIS will review your application and make a decision on whether to approve it or not. The time it takes to process an application varies, but it can take several months or more.
8. Get your green card if your application is approved.
If your application is approved, you will be sent a green card in the mail. This card allows you to live and work in the United States permanently explains William D King.
The process of applying for a green card is quite a long process with multiple steps. Keep in mind that the following is merely one example so if you have questions on how to apply for a green card, contact a lawyer or an agency that specializes in immigration cases.
The first step to applying for a green card is determining whether you are eligible for a green card under the eligibility requirements of your category. Eligible categories include family-based and employment-based, among others. If you find that you are not eligible providing your circumstance, there may still be options as certain exceptions apply as well as waivers depending on your situation.
If you qualify, go ahead and file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This form must be filed with the USCIS Service Center that serves your area. Along with this form, you must include Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record). After you have filed Form I-485, it will be a long wait for a decision to be made on your case so it is in your best interest to start gathering the documentation need at this point. Such as medical records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police record checks from the home country if applicable, etc.
FAQs:
What is a green card?
A green card, also known as Permanent Residence Status, gives the holder the opportunity to live and work permanently in the United States. It may also provide a path to citizenship.
What are the benefits of having a green card?
The main benefit of having a green card is that it allows you to stay permanently in America. Other benefits include education opportunities, unrestricted travel possibilities for pleasure and business purposes, government funding for small businesses at certain levels, financial assistance from the government if your company goes through difficult times – among other advantages.
Who can apply for a Green Card?
There are several categories under which one may apply for a Green Card including family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, asylee or refugee status, and others. The requirements for eligibility will vary depending on the category you fall under. For a full list of categories and more information on eligibility criteria, please see the website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Conclusion:
Applying for a green card can be a long and tedious process, but with the right guidance, it can be manageable says William D King. The first step is to determine if you are even eligible and from there gather the required documentation. It is important to note that the time it takes to process an application varies depending on the USCIS office processing it so it is best to start early. If your application approves, you will have a green card in the mail and will be able to live and work in America permanently.