Apply for a Green Card
- Find out if you're eligible.
- If you are eligible, file Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS, including all supporting documents and fees.
- USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you.
- Once issued, your Green Card will be valid for 10 years.
How can I become a permanent resident through consular processing?
You can become a permanent resident through consular processing. This is when USCIS works with the Department of State to issue an immigrant visa based on an approved Form I-140, Form I-360, or Form I-526 when an immigrant visa is available for a specific employment-based visa category and country.
How to apply for a visa to the United States?
Apply for a visa. The process of applying for a visa will vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. Follow the specific instructions for the country that you’re in. In general, you will need: To complete online form DS-160, the nonimmigrant visa application form. A photo. A visa application fee.
How to get a permanent work visa for the USA?
In order to get a permanent work visa, the employers must first get a Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Can you live permanently in the United States with an immigrant visa?
If you have the right combination of skills, education, and/or work experience and are otherwise eligible, you may be able to live permanently in the United States. The five employment-based immigrant visa preferences (categories) are listed below.
How long does it take to get a permanent visa for USA?
According to USCIS, an application for permanent residence (Form I-485) will take anywhere from 6 months to 33 months to process.
How much is a permanent visa for USA?
How much does it cost to apply for a green card? The government filing fees for getting a family-based green card is $1,760 for an applicant living in the United States or $1,200 for an applicant living outside the United States.
How can I stay in the US permanently?
There are several ways to obtain permanent residency in the U.S, including:A petition from an employer. ... Marriage to a U.S. citizen.Sponsorship by a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.The U.S. Department of State diversity lottery program.
Is it hard to get permanent residency in USA?
Applying for a green card isn't easy for anyone. The law is complicated, and the paperwork tough to deal with. You might wish to consult with an immigration attorney to get help and to learn what you can do to minimize the risk of your application being denied. Learn more about how much this might cost.
What is the fastest way to become a U.S. citizen?
The fastest way to get a US green card is through sponsorship from an immediate relative. Unlike other permanent resident visa categories, the IR visa is not subject to quotas or lengthy waiting periods. You are eligible for this visa if you are a spouse, child under 21, or parent of a current US citizen.
How long do I have to stay in US to keep green card?
Leaving the United States for less than six months is usually not a problem. An absence of six to 12 months triggers heightened USCIS scrutiny, and an absence of more than 12 months leads to a “rebuttable presumption” that LPR status has been abandoned.
How can I legally move to the USA?
In most cases, someone must sponsor you or file an immigrant petition for you. Wait until the petition is approved and a visa is available in your category. Then apply for an immigrant visa. Do this through a U.S. consulate abroad.
Who can sponsor me in USA?
Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes)Minor, unmarried childrenU.S. citizenMarried children or adult childrenU.S. citizen age 21 or olderBrothers and sisters4 more rows
How can I move to America without a job?
Some permanent work visas that do not require a job offer and a sponsor in the United States are the EB-1, O-1 and EB-5 visas.
What is the easiest visa to get for US?
For many, a "B" visitor visa is the easiest and most appropriate one to get. (See 8 U.S. Code §? 1101.) The B visa a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
What is the fastest way to get a green card?
If you're a close relative to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, they can petition for you to obtain legal permanent residency. This option is the fastest and most popular path to getting a green card.
Can I buy green card in USA?
If an immigrant visa is immediately available to you and you are currently in the United States, you may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply for a Green Card without leaving the country.
How much does a green card cost 2022?
The fees are (as of early 2022): $535 for an I-130; $435 for an I-360 (with exemptions for VAWA and many other applicants); $535 for an I-129F; and $700 for an I-140.
How much does a 10 year US visa cost?
How much does a U.S. Multiple Entries Visa R B1/B2 cost? The cost for U.S. 10 YEAR MULTIPLE VISA FEES AND APPLICATION R B1/B2 is USD 160.00. NOTE : Additional fees may be added by the United States government after you receive your visa and interview.
How much is permanent resident fee?
Business immigrationFees$CANYour application Processing fee ($1625) and right of permanent residence fee ($515)2,140Your application (without right of permanent residence fee)1,625Include your spouse or partner Processing fee ($850) and right of permanent residence fee ($515)1,3652 more rows•Jun 13, 2022
How much does it cost to become a US resident?
How Much to PayNaturalization FeesTypical applicantNo special circumstances$725With fee reduction$405With fee waiver$0Applicant aged 75 or olderNo special circumstances$6404 more rows
What determines the type of student visa you need?
Your course of study, the school you plan to attend, or the exchange program you will be with will determine the type of student visa you will need.
What is an F-1 visa?
F-1 visa classification is for a full-time international student pursuing academic studies.
What is ESTA in travel?
Fill out the (ESTA) online application. ESTA determines the eligibility of a visitor to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.
What is transit C visa?
Transit C visa classification is for foreign nationals traveling through the U.S. to another country and stopping briefly in the U.S. as part of their travel to the next foreign destination.
What happens if you violate your work visa?
If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.
Can an international student apply for a student visa?
An international student can apply for a student or exchange visitor visa only after being accepted by a school certified in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students’ records are kept in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Learn more about SEVP and SEVIS, and about the SEVIS fee.
Do you need an authorization to travel under VWP?
If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization prior to your trip. Authorization approvals are determined using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .
How long do you have to have a green card to get citizenship?
Once you have had your US green card for five years, you may qualify to apply for US citizenship, which will give you the right to vote and run for office. You can get many social benefits, including research grants, taxation benefits, insurance coverage, social security benefits, and state sponsorship in education, research, retirement benefits, ...
Why is the USA the best country to immigrate to?
The USA adapts and inculcates the individuals with different cultures, traditions, religions and lifestyle, which makes it one of the best countries to immigrate in order to live, work, business, and study.
Is the USA a republic?
The USA or United States of America is federal republic and a wonderful country to be in. It’s one of the largest countries in the world, i.e. 4th by total area and 3rd by population. The USA is the country of diversities, i.e. the diversity of culture, communities, climate, lifestyle, and wildlife. It is also said to be a product of large scale ...
How to apply for a permanent residence in the US?
To apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident, you must: 1 Read the instructions for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status . 2 Complete and sign your Form I-485; 3 Pay the filing fee, if applicable; and 4 Provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.
What are the factors that determine if an immigrant is eligible for a visa?
Several immigrant visa categories are based on employment. Your education, skills and work experience are some of the factors used to determine if the individual is eligible for a specific type of employment-based visa.
What is the name of the agency that distributes immigrant visa numbers?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets the number of immigrant visas that may be issued to individuals seeking lawful permanent resident status (a “Green Card”) each year. The U.S. Department of State is the agency that distributes immigrant visa numbers.
What is the name of the law that sets the number of immigrant visas?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets the number of immigrant visas that may be issued to individuals seeking lawful permanent resident status (a “Green Card”) each year.
What to do if you don't petition for yourself?
If you don’t petition for yourself, your employer must obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) and then file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, on your behalf. For occupations where DOL has already determined that there is a shortage, you do not need a labor certification.
Can I file an I-485 until I approve it?
If you are seeking to adjust status through employment creation, you cannot file your Form I-485 until we approve your Form I-526.
Can I work while my I-485 is pending?
If you are applying to adjust your status, you must apply for and receive work authorization if you want to work while your Form I-485 is pending.
What is a U.S. Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Find out what visa type is appropriate for you
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.
Visa Appointment Wait Time
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
How to get a permanent resident visa?
1. Meet with an immigration attorney. Prior to filing for lawful permanent resident status, you may want to meet with a U.S. Immigration Attorney. They can not only help make sure you are completely eligible, they can also help you prepare your forms and documents and assist with any complications that may arise.
How long does it take to become a permanent resident?
The process of becoming a legal permanent resident will generally take at least a year from the date you start filing, but successful applicants will finish the process with their Green Card, which grants permanent legal residence. Steps.
How to sponsor an immigrant?
Seek sponsorship through your employer. Some employers are willing to sponsor an immigrant for permanent residency. This is required if you possess an exceptional skill or ability that is not commonly found in the general working population. [2]
Where to schedule biometrics appointment?
After you file your application, USCIS will help you schedule a biometrics services appointment at a local Application Support Center. Show up to your local center at the date and time listed on your appointment notice to provide biometrics including your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature. [13]
How old do you have to be to apply for a stipend?
If you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent U.S. resident and is at least 21-years-old , you may be eligible to apply.
Who qualifies as a special immigrant?
Certain categories of immigrants may qualify for special immigrant status. Those employed as religious workers or international broadcasters, and those employed by an international organization or NATO-6 may qualify for this status. Additionally, the following groups may qualify: [5]
Can you apply for a permanent bar with a waiver?
Even if you qualify in one of the approved categories, such as being an immediate family member or having an employer sponsor, it is very important that you check to see if you have a permanent bar or require a waiver. Individuals with a permanent bar cannot apply, even with a waiver.
What is a work visa?
Under this permanent work visa category the applicants holding a bachelor's degree or an international equivalent can work. Along with this, they should be a skilled or unskilled laborer a non-temporary offer of employment from a U.S. employer. You will need a Labor Certificate for this category of visa. Once the applicant has an approved I-140, their family members can apply for admission to the U.S. using specific forms.
How many visas are issued in a year?
Although millions apply, there are only 140,000 visas issued every fiscal year. It is not exactly a lucky draw, even though it may seem so. Applicants are required to produce a perfect combination of skill sets, educational qualifications, expertise, and eligibility for their application to be considered. While this may sound very complicated, once you know the different visa categories, the process is actually pretty straight-forward.
Why do employers use immigration services?
Most employers in the U.S use immigration services to expedite the process and handle the details and documentation. Here is a quick guide explaining the preferences.
Do you need a labor certification to get a green card?
Labor certification is not required for this permanent work visa category, and the family of such visa holders are eligible to apply for green cards. With the permanent work visa preferences classified and explained, you should have a fair idea of the preference where you could be eligible.
What are the two categories of visas?
There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States.
Who can petition on behalf of an individual?
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Certain applicants such as workers with extraordinary ability, investors, and certain special immigrants can petition on their own behalf.
Can you travel to a foreign country with a round trip ticket?
Be in possession of a round-trip ticket that will transport the individual out of the United States to any other foreign port or place as long as the trip does not terminate in contiguous territory or an ; except that the round trip ticket may transport the traveler to contiguous territory or an , if the traveler is a resident of the country of destination or if arriving at a land border, provide evidence of financial solvency and a domicile abroad to which the traveler intends to return;
Where to apply for a student visa?
After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.
What is a B visa?
After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.
What happens if you fail to leave the US on time?
Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
How far in advance can you get a student visa?
New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
What is the purpose of a consular interview?
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.
