The Process of Obtaining a Green Card

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The United States has been one of the most sought-after destinations for people from all over the world looking to start a new life. The country’s economy and work possibilities attract immigrants and visitors looking for permanent residence.

 

Anyone who wants to reside and work legally within the United States must obtain a Green Card. The process itself can take a while, and it can be quite confusing, so let’s take this step by step. 

[Source: Unsplash] 

 

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is a legal document that can enable the applicant to settle permanently in the US. You can relocate to any US state with a Green Card, look for employment, and eventually start a family there.

 

What Green Card is the Right One for Me?

There are various types of green cards, so the application process and documentation vary.

 

  • Employment Green Card – this Green Card is for non-US citizens that have found a job in the US. In this case, the employer pays for the forms and application procedure and sponsors your stay in the US. 

 

  • Family Green Card – Non-US citizens who wish to reunite with their close family in the US apply for this type of green card. This Green Card is only granted to immediate family members of a US citizen or permanent resident, such as spouses, children, siblings, or parents.

 

  • Diversity Green Card – or Lottery Visa, is for people from countries having low rates of immigration to the United States. This lottery is conducted every year, and if you are granted a diversity visa, you will be on your way to obtaining a Green Card.

 

  • Returning Resident Green Card – This type of Green Card is for those who once had a Green Card but left the US for more than a year, causing their Green Card to expire. To reobtain the Green Card, an applicant must demonstrate with a variety of documents that he had no opportunity to return to the US due to detention or some other reason.

 

How do I Get a Green Card?

It is essential to recognize that to be eligible for a Green Card, you must be able to meet certain conditions. Before attempting to complete the following steps, make sure you are well-informed.

 

  1. Find Your Green Card

As we have shown, Green Cards are divided into four main types, based on the situation in which someone may find themselves, such as work, family reunification, document loss, or diversity.

 

2 Sponsor Petition

For family- and employment-based Green Card petitions, the sponsor files a petition on behalf of the beneficiary. In order to get a Green Card, you have to prove that you have a connection with someone who’s a US citizen, permanent resident, or employer.

 

3. Submitting an Application

Once the petition is settled with USCIS, the applicant can proceed with the application. Depending on the current residence, applications can be adjusted or consular. USCIS also provides a yearly quota based on the type of Green Card you seek.

 

In addition, you must submit several supporting documents in this step, such as a birth certificate, tax returns, and many others, depending on the Green Card type. 

 

  1. Biometrics

Criminal activity may prevent you from getting a Green Card. Upon submitting the Green Card application, USCIS or the embassy schedules an appointment with you for biometrics. They include taking your photograph, signature, and fingerprints. This procedure is used to check for potential criminal activity and look for records in collaboration with the FBI.

 

2 Green Card Interview

A USCIS interview is scheduled following your application’s review and your biometrics collection. At this interview, you are not guaranteed approval or denial of permanent residence. 

 

In some cases, more information is needed to process an application, and there may be many documents, so the process takes a little longer. 

 

Not receiving a decision during your interview does not necessarily indicate the outcome. In addition, you should note that only some applicants will have to undergo an interview with USCIS. 

 

However, your application will not be responded to within a specific timeframe, even if you go through an interview.

 

3 Results

Once you have completed all of the stages, you must wait for the results to arrive. Because USCIS does not have a timetable for announcing the results, the outcomes may be available shortly after the interview or much later, depending on the case’s specifics.

 

Conclusion

The Green Card application process might be challenging to navigate. It is important to note that a lack of experience in legal procedures and incomplete documentation are frequently responsible for failures in the process. 

 

Should you find yourself in that situation, we recommend you contact an immigration lawyer today to acquire accurate information and assistance with the paperwork. Good luck!