How to Get a Green Card in the United States: The Complete Guide
Beginning the process of becoming a permanent resident of the United States is a road full of hopes, dreams, and, let's be honest, some challenges. People who want to settle down in the U.S. need to go through the green card process, which has several steps that must be carefully followed. This guide aims to take the mystery out of the process by explaining the steps needed to get a green card and giving you tips on improving your chances of success.
How to Understand the Green Card
The steps needed to get a green card and become a legal resident of the United States can be hard to understand. Changing your status and figuring out the best way to get there are both very important steps on the way to properly living and working in the U.S. for good. This article goes into more detail about the steps you need to take to get a green card and help you with this complicated process.
Step 1: Figure out how to get a Green Card.
It is very important to know the best way to get a green card. Which route you take will depend on your specific situation, like your job, your family ties, or your humanitarian needs.
Employment-Based Green Card (Form I-141): This type of green card is great for workers who have special skills or job openings in certain fields. Whether you're a brilliant scientist or a skilled IT worker, this path might be right for you.
Family-Based Green Card (Form I-131): This road lets people who have close family ties to U.S. citizens or permanent residents join their loved ones and start a new life in the U.S.
With the humanitarian-based green card, individuals who are in danger in their native nations can come to the U.S. to get safety and a new start
Step 2: Picking the Right Type of Visa
Choosing the right visa type is a very important step for people who want to get an employment-based green card. Different types of people and businesses can use categories like EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3. To find the best job for your skills and work goals, you must know the exact requirements and criteria for each category.
Step 3: The PERM labour certification.
For some types of employment-based visas, your company needs to get a PERM Labour Certification. This certification shows that hiring you won't hurt the jobs, pay, or working conditions of people in the United States. It's a tough process that includes showing that there are no good U.S. candidates for the job.
Step 4: Putting in the Petition.
A very important step is to prepare and file the case. Form I-140 is for employment-based paths and Form I-130 is for family-based paths. The petition must be carefully filled out and come with all the required paperwork. This is the official start of your application for a green card.
Step 5: Change of Status:
The last step is to file Form I-485, which is the application for permanent residence or change of status. You can publicly ask to change from a temporary resident to a permanent resident here, if you meet the requirements.
Questions People Ask About Getting a Green Card
How long does it take to get a green card?
A: The time it takes to get a green card depends on the type of application you make, your home country, and the present processing times for the USCIS. Most of the time, it takes between a few months and a few years. Processing times might be shorter for employment-based groups that get priority care.
Can I work in the U.S. while I wait for my green card to be processed?
In that case, you might be able to work in the U.S. while your application is being processed if you fill out Form I-765 and get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). For a certain amount of time, this document lets you freely work in the U.S.
What will happen if my application for a green card is turned down?
Answer: If your application is turned down, USCIS will tell you why. Depending on the details of your case, you might be able to appeal the decision, file a move to reopen or reconsider, or even reapply. Talking to an immigration lawyer can help you figure out what the best thing to do is.
Can I leave the United States while my green card application is being processed?
A: You can file Form I-131 to ask for Advance Parole if you need to leave the U.S. while your application is being processed. With this paper, you can leave the United States and return without giving up on your application. But it's very important to talk to a visa lawyer before going anywhere in the world.
How much does it take to get a green card?
A: The cost of applying for a green card depends on the route you take. It includes the cost of filing fees for the necessary forms (like I-140, I-130, I-485, etc.), fingerprints fees, and maybe even the cost of medical exams. The total cost could be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, and that doesn't include the lawyer fees if you hire one.
How do I get a green card? Do I need a lawyer?
A: You can apply for a green card without a lawyer, but it can be hard to figure out how to do it because immigration law and the USCIS application process are very complicated. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you make sure that your application is full, correct, and shows your case in the best light.
Can other people in my family also get green cards?
A: Yes, family members who depend on the main applicant may be able to apply for derivative green cards. This includes partners and children under 21 who are not married. The process and availability rely on the type of green card and the person's situation.
What's the difference between a green card and a quick work visa?
A: You can live and work in the U.S. for a short time with a temporary work visa like an H-1B. If you have a green card, also known as permanent status, you can live and work in the U.S. for as long as you want. After meeting certain requirements, you can apply for citizenship.
The green card process can be hard to understand, but if you know what steps to take and get the right help, your path to permanent residency will go more smoothly. Whether you're looking for work, getting back together with family, or just feeling safe, the key to success is careful planning and knowledgeable help.
In conclusion
Many people want to live in the U.S. permanently. The process of getting a green card is complicated, but it can be done with the right help and knowledge. You can improve your chances of moving to the United States by learning about the process, getting ready carefully, and getting professional help.
Remember that getting a green card is a unique process. But if you are patient, persistent, and get the right help, you can reach your American dream.
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