The Green Card: Steps To Becoming A Lawful Resident

A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows you to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. There are several ways to become a permanent resident, including sponsorship by a family member or U.S. employer, refugee or asylee status, and other humanitarian programs. The application process varies depending on your individual situation, and there are different forms to fill out depending on your eligibility category.

Eligibility and application process

To become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you will need a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card. The steps to apply for a Green Card vary depending on your individual situation.

Eligibility

You can become a permanent resident in several ways, including:

• Sponsorship by a family member or U.S. employer
• Refugee or asylee status or other humanitarian programs
• Consular processing (if you are outside the U.S.)
• Adjustment of status (if you are in the U.S.)

Application Process

To apply for a Green Card, you must first find the eligibility category that fits your immigration situation. Then, research how to apply and whether your family members can also apply with you. You can also learn about the general processes and procedures for applying for a Green Card.

If you are applying for a Green Card from outside the U.S., you will need to go through consular processing. If you are already in the U.S., you may be able to adjust your status to become a permanent resident. This process allows a nonimmigrant visa holder to become a permanent U.S. resident with a Green Card.

The specific forms and documents required for your application will depend on your eligibility category. For example, if you are applying based on employment, you may need to submit Form I-140 and Form I-485, along with supporting documentation. If you are applying based on family sponsorship, you may need to submit Form I-130.

It is important to note that the application process can be complex, and you may need to provide various forms, documents, and fees. Additionally, the requirements and procedures may change, so it is essential to refer to the official government websites for the most up-to-date information.

Family members' applications

Family members of a permanent resident in the United States can apply for a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) to live and work in the country. The steps to apply for a Green Card vary depending on the applicant's situation.

To apply for a Green Card, family members must first determine their eligibility category. They can then research the application process and find out if their family members can apply with them.

Family members applying for a Green Card may need to submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form allows individuals to apply for lawful permanent resident status if they are already in the United States. It is important to note that the filing fee for Form I-485 must be paid separately for each family member.

When filing Form I-485, family members may be required to submit additional documentation, such as Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Submitting all the required documentation together can help prevent delays in the adjudication process.

Family members should refer to the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and requirements for supporting documents.

Application forms and documents

To apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States, you will need to submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form allows you to apply for a Green Card, which is officially known as a Permanent Resident Card.

The process of applying for a Green Card will vary depending on your individual situation, and there are several ways to become a permanent resident. These include sponsorship by a family member or U.S. employer, refugee or asylee status, and other humanitarian programs.

When filing Form I-485, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and submit all the required supporting documentation. The specific documents you need will depend on your eligibility category. Some of the possible documents you may need to include are:

• Check or money order, or Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions
• Form G-1145, Request for e-Notification (if applicable)
• Form G-28 (if applicable)
• Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (if applicable)
• Evidence of an approved Form I-360 or a copy of the COM approval letter that also indicates approval of your Form DS-157 (if applicable)
• Form I-90, used to renew or replace your Permanent Resident Card

It is recommended to assemble your form package in a specific order, with each form and supporting document clearly separated. You should also ensure that you are using the current edition of Form I-485 and that all pages are from the same form edition. In addition, remember to sign your form, as unsigned forms will be rejected.

Application fees

When applying for a Green Card, there are several fees you will need to pay. These include the filing fee for Form I-485, as well as any additional fees for other forms such as Form I-765 or Form I-131. You can find the current filing fees for these forms on the USCIS Fee Schedule page.

The filing fee for Form I-485 can be paid by money order, personal check, cashier's check, or credit/debit card using Form G-1450, Authorisation for Credit Card Transactions. If paying by check, make it payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is important to note that filing fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. If you pay by credit or debit card, you will not be able to dispute the payment later.

In addition to the standard filing fees, there may be other costs associated with your Green Card application, such as medical examination and vaccination fees. The Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is required for all applicants and must be submitted with Form I-485. This form must be completed by a civil surgeon and can be quite costly.

If you are applying for a Green Card from outside the U.S., you may also need to pay consular fees. The process of obtaining a Green Card through consular processing can vary depending on your location and specific circumstances. It is recommended to check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for more information on the fees and requirements for your specific situation.

Furthermore, if you are applying for a Green Card based on employment, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining and submitting the necessary employment verification documents. These costs can vary depending on the specific requirements of your employer and the type of employment-based visa you are applying for.

Application processing times

The processing times for lawful permanent resident applications vary depending on the applicant's individual situation and eligibility category. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides general information about the application process and procedures, as well as resources to determine eligibility and understand the requirements for living and working in the U.S. permanently.

The USCIS website offers guidance on checking case processing times and provides a checklist of required initial evidence for the application. It is recommended to submit all the necessary initial evidence and supporting documentation along with the Form I-485 to prevent unnecessary delays in the adjudication process.

Additionally, the USCIS has prioritized employment-based adjustment of status applications and continues to make resource allocation decisions to increase the pace of adjudications.

For those applying from outside the U.S., information about obtaining a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) through consular processing is available. The website also provides instructions for adjusting one's status from a nonimmigrant visa holder to a permanent U.S. resident with a Green Card, including eligibility requirements and associated costs.

It is important to note that application processing times may vary, and applicants can refer to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their specific situation.

Frequently asked questions