How To Apply For A United States Green Card?

Article By Patrick Mansfield | Best Rated Law Firms | 02/03/2023

Article Summary

  • How To Apply For A Green Card In The United States?

    1. Determine Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the qualifications to be approved for a Green Card.


    2. Find the Right Application: Depending on your eligibility category, submit either Form I-485 (adjustment of status) or Form I-130 (immigrant petitioner).


    3. Gather Supporting Documents: Include documents like passports, birth certificates and criminal records (if applicable).


    4. Submit Your Forms and Fees: Find out where to send your application (usually bureau USCIS) plus pay all relevant fees.


    5. Wait to Receive Approval: The entire process can take anywhere from six months to one year.

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Are you considering becoming a permanent resident of the United States? Applying for a Green Card is one way to make the US your permanent home. Here's what you need to know about filing for a Green Card.


Understand Eligibility Requirements


In order to qualify for a Green Card, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. Basic requirements include being an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or another qualified family member, having sought asylum in the U.S., or having earned employment authorization from the government through a work visa or other employment opportunity program.


Complete Form I-485: Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status


The first step in applying for a Green Card is filling out and submitting Form I-485 which can be done online or via mail or fax. On the form you’ll be asked to provide your name, address, date and place of birth, Social Security number, country of citizenship and other personal information as well as proof that you meet all eligibility requirements as outlined before.


Submit Other Required Documents


Along with Form I-485 you must also submit additional documents that support each claim made on your application such as passport copies, birth certificates, marriage certificates etc. It’s important to understand that all documents must be originals translated in English using approved translation services – copies will not be accepted so it’s essential that all original documents are submitted together with translations where necessary.


Pay Fees & Submit Fingerprints


After completing the application form and attached supporting documentation you must pay appropriate fees associated with filing for a green card (which vary based on individual case) and submit 10 fingerprints at an approved service center location before they can process your case any further – again fees apply here too when taking fingerprints at approved service centers.


Wait For Approval/Denial Notice From Immigration Services


Once your application has been sent off to Immigration Services it’s simply time to wait until they contact you with approval/denial notice – this might take some time as processing times can often vary greatly depending on individual cases but on average majority of cases should receive approval/denial notices within 3 months however delays may still apply in some cases due to circumstances like incomplete documentation.


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