The green card, officially known as permanent resident cardis one of the most coveted documents by those people who want to live and work in the United States. Obtaining it allows you to legally reside in the country and opens the door to US citizenship, as long as certain certain conditions are met. residency requirements and moral conduct that are important to be aware of.
In principle, the first step to apply for a green card is file an immigrant petition. Generally, someone else (a sponsor) must file this petition on your behalf. However, in some cases, it is possible to self-petition.
Once the immigrant petition is approved, the green card application (Form I-485) before Uscis or a visa application before the United States Department of State if you are outside the country.
The green card allows you to live and work in the United States.
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After submitting this application, you must attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints, photos and a signature. This is crucial for the Background Check and identity authentication.
Most applicants will be summoned for an interview where an Uscis officer will review the application and ask questions to confirm the information provided. Finally, a decision will be made on the green card application. If approved, the permanent resident card will be granted.
The requirements to obtain the green card in 2024
The requirements to obtain a green card vary depending on the immigrant category to which you belong. Uscis categorizes requests as follows:
- Through family: parents, children, siblings or spouse of a US citizen or permanent resident.
- Through employment: foreign workers with a job offer in the United States.
- Special immigrant: religious workers, employees of international organizations and other specific categories.
- Refugee or asylee status: people who were recognized as refugees or asylees in the United States.
- Victims of human trafficking and other crimes: includes victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, among others.
- Victims of abuse: people who are victims of domestic violence, child abuse or extreme mistreatment.
- Other categories, such as the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
- Through registration: for those who have resided continuously in the United States since before 1972.
The necessary forms to complete for the green card
Most green card applicants must complete at least two forms: one immigrant petitionusually submitted by a sponsor or “petitioner”, and the green card application, known as Form I-485. Depending on the applicant’s immigrant category, additional forms may be required. These are some of the most frequent:
- Form I-130: Petition for Foreign Relative.
- Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Foreign Worker.
- Form I-730: Petition for Relative of Refugee/Asylee.
- Form I-589: Application for Asylum or Withholding of Removal.
- Form I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.
- Form I-526: Immigrant Petition by Foreign Entrepreneur.
- Form I-918: Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status.
- Form I-929: Petition for Qualified Relative of a U-1 Nonimmigrant.
As for the green card processing timeit is important to mention that it varies considerably depending on the immigrant category and the office that handles the specific case. Factors like the country of origin and delays in processing times They affect the total time, which can range from several months to years.
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