The most sought-after document for immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States is the Green Card. Known by its formal name, the Permanent Resident Card allows individuals to petition for U.S. citizenship after proving they are of “good moral character” and have lived in the nation for one to five years.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees the procedure. Here’s what you need to know about how it works.
How to File a Green Card Application
The U.S.C.I.S. makes clear that the procedures for applying for a Green Card might change based on each applicant’s unique circumstances. Still, the majority will need to go through these steps:
- For the applicant, an immigration petition must be filed by someone. The applicant may file on their behalf in certain circumstances.
- The applicant must submit an application for a Green Card with USCIS or a visa with the US Department of State if USCIS accepts the immigrant petition.
- The candidate must schedule a biometrics appointment to supply their signature, picture, and fingerprints.
- There is an interview. A decision about the application is sent to the applicant.
Qualifications For a Green Card
The USCIS states that the eligibility prerequisites could change according to the type of immigration a person files for. These are the many Green Card categories. Each category is broken down on the U.S.C.I.S. website.
- Green Card via Family
- Green Card via Work
- As a Special Immigrant, a Green Card
- Green Card via Asylum or Refugee Status
- Green Card for Victims of Crime and Human Trafficking
- Green Card for Abuse Victims
- Green Card via Different Subjects
- Green Card via Registry Documents
Most Green Card candidates must fill out two forms at minimum: Form I-485, the Green Card application, and an immigrant petition, often submitted by a sponsor or “petitioner.” The forms the applicant must fill out will vary according to their immigration status. The most typical ones are these:
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur Form I-918, Petition of U Nonimmigrant Status Form I-929, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant Applying from inside or outside the U.S.
The applicant must select between consular processing or status adjustment depending on where they are applying for a Green Card if they are eligible:
In the U.S., Form I-485 must be filed with USCIS if the immigrant petition has been granted and an immigrant visa is available.
Following filing, the applicant has to wait for the National Visa Centre to notify them of the status of their petition. The beneficiary will get notifications when their petition for a visa is received and when their immigrant visa number is ready to be issued.
The consular office will set up an interview for the applicant once a visa becomes available. The National Visa Centre may contact the recipient to verify their personal information. The recipient can obtain their Green Card after the Visa is approved. To get personalized guidance and instruction on how to get your green card, feel free to reach out to globemigrant travel experts.
What’s the duration required to obtain a Green Card?
The time it takes to obtain a Green Card can vary based on several factors, including the applicant’s place of origin, backlog in processing periods, and the immigrant category and offices handling their application. It can take a few months or a few years.