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Green Card Application Processes
When seeking a green card, your ability to successfully complete the various forms and follow the instructions about documents, fees, and other requirements can be as important as your basic eligibility for the green card itself.
You’ll find the process much less overwhelming and frustrating if you take the time to understand how it works. If things go wrong, don’t take it personally. Thousands of people are submitting applications at the same time as you are, and the government employees processing your application may have only a brief time in which to look it over. They sometimes make mistakes. Therefore, your best bet in getting through the process without trouble is to make sure that your application is carefully prepared and presented.
Applying for a Green Card: The Big Picture
Are you a foreign-born person eligible for a U.S. green card (lawful permanent residence) through a family member or an employer? Is so, and you are just beginning the application process, here's a preview of what’s ahead.
If you are applying for a green card (U.S. lawful permanent residence), a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa, or for certain other immigration benefits, you will need to deal with some combination of U.S. government agencies.
An immigrant to the United States who has been granted the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently receives a permanent resident card, also known as a “green card.” But no one receives it right away.
If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), and you petition for a member of your family to receive a green card, you will have to agree to sponsor that person financially as well.
Canadian citizens have long enjoyed special rules for entering the United States on various types of visas.
Who can stay in the U.S. through the whole process of applying for a green card.
Costs of Getting a Green Card
Application fees, legal fees, and other expenses that come with applying for U.S. lawful permanent residence.
For applicants who can't afford to pay the application fees: Find out when and how you can apply for a waiver.
First Steps: U.S. Petitioner Files a Visa Petition or Labor Certification Request
All about filing the initial I-130 visa petition.
The costs associated with filing an I-130 petition will vary depending on how many relatives you wish to sponsor and whether or not you decide to use the help of an immigration attorney.
Avoiding the mistake of believing that you can lawfully stay in the U.S. before the end of the green card application process.
Preliminary steps that U.S. employers must take to ensure that no U.S. workers are available for the offered job.
After the labor certification is approved, the employer files the visa petition before the employee can proceed with the green card application.
Follow-Up Steps to the Green Card Application Process
First steps: the I-130 initial visa petition, then the follow-up green card application.
Choosing between the two main procedural routes for getting a U.S. green card.
If you're in a "preference category" of green card applicant, you'll want to learn how to monitor your progress on the waiting list for an immigrant visa.
Learn more about ADIT processing, when USCIS calls approved green card applicants in for a brief walk-in visit in order to collect the information it needs in order to create the actual green card.
Learn about the documents you will most likely be asked to bring to your ADIT processing appointment.
Tips to follow before you mail an application, to protect you in case USCIS or the consulate loses all or parts of it.
How USCIS collects your fingerprints, photo, and signature for use in processing your application.
If you're applying based on employment, here's a step-by-step guide to the green card procedures.
Document Requirements for Green Card Application
How to draft personal statements to support your claim or replace a lost official document.
How to create acceptable translations of personal documents into English.
Dealing With Unusual Situations
Click here for some articles addressing the rare complications that may arise in a green card application--withdrawn sponsorship, death of the petitioner, and more.
How to make sure Fido and Fluffy don't get stopped at the border.
If you have filed Form I-485 for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (get a green card) but have not yet received a work permit card, or if the priority date for processing your green card application is not yet current, you are not automatically authorized to work in the United States.
The Medical Examination for a Green Card
Here's what you'll want to know about getting the required medical exam done.
If you're applying for a green card in the U.S., here's how to get your medical exam done.
Fingerprinting and Biometrics
How USCIS may access a minor's criminal record, and how it considers the information.
The Green Card Interview
How to prepare for, and behave during a green card interview.
Common situations where green card applicants will be called in for a face-to-face interview at a USCIS office.
How to deal with an immigration officer who appears likely to deny your application for permanent residence.
Prepare for these likely questions (and more).
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