If you want to move to the United States permanently, read the material provided below to learn more about how to obtain a Green Card!
Green Cards in the United States
Many of foreign nationals are making the decision to permanently relocate to the United States and are actively researching their alternatives. While applying for permanent residency in the United States, you will fill out a US Green Card application, which serves as confirmation that the holder is a lawful permanent resident.
The following are the two most prevalent techniques for obtaining a Green Card:
- Sponsorship by a family
- Green Cards Based on Employment
Eligibility for a Green Card in the United States
To be eligible for a Green Card, you must fall into one of the categories that permit immigrants to become Permanent Residents. Once you’ve identified the category that best meets your needs, you’ll need to learn more about the eligibility requirements and how to apply through that category. The applicable categories are listed below.
How to Apply for a Green Card in the United States
The methods required to apply for a Green Card will differ depending on your specific scenario. There are two major questions to ask while applying for a US Green Card to become a Permanent Resident:
- Do you have the legal right to apply for permanent residency?
- Do you live in or outside of the United States?
Processing Times for US Green Cards
The processing time for permanent residence will be longer than for most other visas. According to USCIS, the processing time for a permanent residency application (Form I-485) ranges from 6 to 33 months.
Documents Required
The documents necessary differ depending on the category for which you are seeking for a Green Card. If you are applying through family, you will need proof of support from your family. If you apply through Employment, you will need to provide proof of work. Call an immigration consultant to assist you in organizing the necessary documents.
Green Cards Based on Family Relationships
Family Sponsorship is for family members of a US Citizen who are either immediate or first preference relatives. Many individuals value family reunification, and this is an excellent opportunity for a US citizen to petition for their spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and occasionally siblings.
Green Card Lottery Program | Diversity Visa Program
You might be picked to apply for a US Green Card through the Diversity Lottery if you’re lucky. Every year, 50,000 immigrants are invited to apply for a Green Card and begin a new life in the United States through the Diversity Visa Program. These 50,000 foreign nationals are from nations having low immigration rates to the United States.
Refugee or Asylum Status
Another essential route is for persons seeking refugee or asylum status in their native country who are facing life-threatening situations. After one year of residency in the United States, individuals granted asylum may apply for a green card. Long-term residents who are not citizens may avoid deportation and apply for a green card if they can demonstrate that their removal from the country would cause extreme hardship to another US citizen or permanent resident.
How to Renew or Replace a Green Card in the United States
To renew or replace your US Green Card, you must submit Form I-90 to the USCIS. The usual Green Card is valid for ten years, although some are only valid for two, which is known as a conditional Green Card. Individuals who get a conditional green card can convert it to a 10-year green card through a process known as “removal of conditions on residency.”
The Advantages of a US Green Card
The following are some of the advantages of obtaining a US green card:
- possibility of applying for US citizenship in 3 to 5 years
- Your status cannot be revoked, and you are not deportable.
- You are not required to renounce your citizenship in your nation of origin.
- You are legally protected in the United States.
- Other family members can be sponsored for a green card.
- It is less difficult to travel to and from the United States.
- Every ten years, you can renew your green card status.
- You can live and travel throughout the United States.
- You are qualified for federal assistance (social security & education)
- a wider range of jobs
- permitted to participate in political processes
Rejection of a Green Card in the United States
Some of the most common reasons why someone meets the requirements for a US green card include:
- self-inflicted error
- fears that you pose a security risk
- ineligibility for medical or criminal activities,
- discovering that you are going to grow depending on government aid, and much more.
In most situations, you cannot appeal a green card refusal, thus it is critical to seek assistance from an immigration professional to ensure the application is completed entirely and correctly. If the law allows it, you can request that the USCIS’s Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) review your application to determine if an immigration officer incorrectly denied your petition.
Categories of Green Card Eligibility
To apply for a US Green Card, you must fall into one of the categories listed below. Once you’ve identified the category that may apply to your personal situation, click to learn more about eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether your family members can also apply!
Green Card for Victims of Abuse
Interview for a Green Card
While applying for a US Green Card, you will be required to attend an interview. This interview will consist of a series of questions on which you will be graded. To become a Permanent Resident, you must pass the Green Card Interview.
Because US Permanent Residence is a highly sought-after status, we recommend seeking professional immigration assistance to ensure you submit the best application possible. VisaPlace has assisted thousands of people in obtaining a US green card through family sponsorship, job, and other means. To get started, schedule a consultation so we can assist you as well!
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