To get a green card (Permanent Resident Card) in the United States, generally, the process involves several key steps:
- Determine Eligibility: First, identify the appropriate category under which you qualify. Common categories include family sponsorship (e.g., spouse, parent, child of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident), employment-based green cards, refugee or asylum status, and the Diversity Visa Lottery.
- File the Petition: Most applicants need someone to file a petition for them, such as a family member filing Form I-130 or an employer filing Form I-140. In some cases, you may be eligible to file the petition yourself.
- Wait for Approval and Visa Availability: After the petition is approved, you may need to wait for a visa number to become available in your category, depending on visa quotas.
- Apply for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing:
- If you are in the U.S., you may file Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident.
- If you are outside the U.S., you will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Biometrics Appointment: Attend an appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and signature.
- Attend an Interview: USCIS or consular officers may interview you to verify your application details.
- Receive the Green Card: Upon approval, you receive your green card, typically valid for 10 years (conditional cards for certain cases are valid for 2 years).
Additional details:
- Employment-based green cards often require labor certification and proving no qualified U.S. workers are available.
- The Diversity Visa Lottery is an option for individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates and requires a minimum education or work experience.
- Costs vary depending on application type and filing location.
This process can take several months to several years based on the category and applicant's country of origin.
