Most people who apply for a Green Card will need to complete at least two forms—an immigrant petition and a Green Card application (Form I-485). Someone else usually must file the petition for you (often referred to as sponsoring or petitioning for you), although you may be eligible to file for yourself in some cases.
What documents are needed for green card application?
In the petition, you must provide documents like a birth certificate, proof of family relationship, etc. How quickly USCIS processes the application depends on the relationship of the Green Card holder to the family member.
What is the first step in applying for a green card?
The Steps to Get a Green Card
- Determine if you are eligible for a green card. …
- Filing of an immigrant Petition. …
- Approval of the Immigrant Petition. …
- File An Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with the USCIS. …
- Your application will be reviewed. …
- You will receive an appointment for Biometrics.
How much money do you need to show for green card?
The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $21,775. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
What disqualifies you from getting a green card?
Under U.S. immigration law, being convicted of an “aggravated felony” will make you ineligible to receive a green card. … Some crimes considered to be “aggravated felonies” for immigration purposes might be misdemeanors—or not even crimes at all—under state or federal criminal law.
How long does getting a green card take?
In most cases, it takes about two years for a green card to become available, and the entire process takes around three years.
What are the stages of green card?
These are the basic three stages of getting an employment-based green card (EB2 and EB3) in the US:
- Stage 1: PERM/Labor certification stage.
- Stage 2: I-140 immigration petition.
- Stage 3: I-485 Application to adjust status.
Who approves Green Card?
As proof of that status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants a person a permanent resident card, commonly called a “Green Card.” You can become a permanent resident several different ways.
Can you apply for a Green Card outside the US?
Consular processing is the method immigrants use to get their Green Card when outside the United States or when ineligible to adjust status in the United States. … In general, a visa must be available for you before you can apply for a Green Card.
Which month is Green Card application?
1. Applying for the Green Card Lottery. You can apply for the Green Card Lottery year-round with The American Dream either online or per post. All applications are then submitted to the US authorities, generally between October and November every year.
Can I stay on green card forever?
Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years. It is important to keep your card up-to-date.
How much does a green card cost 2020?
The move brings the total cost of a green card to $2,750 – an increase of $990, or more than 56%. The cost of naturalization will similarly jump $445, or 61%, to become $1,170. Clearly, immigration fees have climbed at an eye-popping rate.
What is the minimum income to petition?
For example, in 2021, a sponsor in the U.S. mainland would need to have income (or assets) of at least $33,125 to cover a petitioner who lives alone and is sponsoring one immigrant and two children (that is, a total of four people).
Is it hard to get a green card?
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.
Can I work in the US while waiting for my green card?
If you received work authorization while your green card application is pending, there are no restrictions on your employment, and you can work for any employer. Of course, your employment must comply with both state and federal laws and regulations.
How long do you have to be married to get a green card?
USCIS will issue you a conditional Marriage Green Card if you have been married for less than 2 years at the time of your interview. You can apply for a permanent Marriage Green Card after two years of marriage.