For many people around the world, becoming a legal permanent resident of the United States is a achievement. However, the green card application process is not easy, especially when the steps that need to be passed are not known. Whether your goal is family unity, career development or protection, this depth guide covers everything you need to get a green card in the United States.
What is a green card?
Green card is a document/license issued by the US authorities, allowing people to have permanent residency. The carrier of the card is legally allowed to live and work in the United States indefinitely. It also provides a way for citizenship to allow residents to meet certain requirements related to residence and enable residents to apply for naturalization.
A green card, and American tourist visa (For example, a tourist visa in the United States) is permanent. It does not need to be renewed to maintain status on a timely time, but it must be renewed every 10 years to maintain it.
Why apply for a green card?
The process of getting a green card is not just an American immigrant identity. This is an opportunity to get rights and opportunities, including:
- The freedom of career selection is not limited.
- Sponsor the abilities of some immigrant relatives
- Qualifications have obtained federal benefits and protection.
- The road to the American citizenship.
Step 1: Determine your qualifications
There are many different categories about the qualifications of green cards. Applicants must prove that they meet the requirements of US citizens and immigration services (USCIS). The main qualification category is:
Family green card
Family relationships may be one of the most common applications. Relatives of American citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents are usually preferred during the green card application process. Family members may also meet the conditions, but due to visa restrictions, they usually have a longer waiting period.
Green card based on employment
If you have extraordinary skills, please provide job opportunities for American employers, or you are qualified to obtain an investor visa, you can be qualified to get employment -based green cards. According to qualifications, work needs and industry, these classifications are divided into five preferences.
Diversity Visa Lottery
Diversity immigration visa programs (DV lottery) give people people from countries with low historical immigration rates have the opportunity to apply for a green card. Those who win the lottery must still meet all the US green card requirements and submit a complete application.
Humanitarian plan
If you ask for asylum or refugee status, you are a victim of trafficking or part of a special plan, you may be qualified to get a green card.
Step 2: Submit the initial petition
If you want to apply for a green card, the process is usually started by the petition. This is usually conducted by a sponsors (such as an employer or family). You need to submit a form submitted according to the qualification category:
- Family sponsorship: File I-130 Form, a petition of foreign relatives.
- Employment sponsorship: File I-140 form, immigration petition of foreign workers.
- Various lottery winners: Continue to form DS-260 directly for consul.
Step 3: Waiting for visa usability
After the petition is approved, you must wait for the visa number to be available. This may take a long time for the annual limit (such as family reference or employment -based visa). The U.S. State Department's visa announcement is issued monthly, providing information about visa usability.
Step 4: Submit a green card application
Therefore, once a preliminary petition is obtained and the visa usability is confirmed, you can submit the US green card application on the I-485 form. This step includes sending the following content:
- Support file (passport, birth certificate and qualification certificate)
- This cost is the most turbulent so far because it may be different according to the type of application.
- Bio/medical examination completed by recognized civil surgeons.
For people outside the United States, this process is called consul. This process includes the Form DS-260, and an interview in the US Embassy or Consulate.
Step 5: Biological recognition technology appointment
After USCIS receives your application, you will have a biometric appointment with USCIS. You also need to conduct background investigations. During this appointment, the agent will have fingerprints, photos and signatures. This is the standard in the process of green card US visa requirementsEssence
Step 6: Participate in the green card interview
Most applicants must interview with U.S. citizen commanders or consular officers (applicants outside the United States) during the interview. The official checks your application, confirms your words, and may ask questions about your qualifications.
It is important to prepare for this interview. Carry original files, qualification evidence, and any other files required by USCIS. Keep your answer consistent and honest, and you will get good results.
Step 7: Waiting for decision
The USCIS or Consular Office will notify your decision after your interview. If approve, your green card will be sent to you. This is the last step of the US green card process, which enables you to work and live in the United States as a legal permanent resident.
How long does the green card process take?
The application process of green cards is very different from category and personal conditions. For example:
- For the direct relatives of American citizens, the waiting time is usually short.
- It may take several months or years to apply according to the employment application, depending on the visa number.
- Applicants of humanitarian planning or diversity visa lottery have their own timetable.
Prompt for success during the application process
1. Reserve a copy: Maintain the records and files you submit.
2. Double inspection requirements: To meet the qualifications of each American green card category, make sure you meet all the requirements.
3. Seek professional help: Immigration lawyers may be a great help.
4. Pay attention to the deadline: Failure to submit a form on time or participate in dating may cause delays or rejection.
5. Keep update: Regularly check the update of policy changes to the US visa requirements or affect your case changes.
Avoid common errors
Lack of parts: Loss information about applications may cause delays to process or reject.
Lack of documents: Always include related support documents and maintain accurate.
Do not respond in time: Response other documents requested by any US citizen and service bureau or not delayed.
False statement:Providing false information may lead to huge consequences, such as rejection and possible deportation.
What will happen after getting a green card?
Green card means you become a legal permanent resident. However, some responsibilities have appeared in this identity, including:
- Your green card is updated every ten years.
- Submit taxes as American residents
- Follow all laws and regulations in the United States.
You can apply for American citizenship after the minimum residence period, usually five years (if you have been married for three years with American citizens) use a green card.
in conclusion
It is fearful to get a green card in the United States, but if you have proper explanations and correct things, it is feasible. Each step will make you closer to life and prosperity in the United States
