A US green card application is the United States solution to allowing foreign-born citizens to establish permanent residency in this country. Acquiring the green card can be a lengthy task with many required documents that have to be filed and certain conditions that need to be met. However, it can be a smooth process if you follow all regulations and conditions closely.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a direct branch of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office, will only accept legal copies of their forms and documents obtained through them or printed directly from their website.
There are two processes for filing a US green card application either through Consular Processing or by Adjustment of Status. Choosing the right application process can mean faster a processing time of the application.
Through Consular Processing, an individual can apply and obtain a visa to travel to the United States from a U.S. Department of State Consulate while in their home country. The Consular Processing requirements state that you must provide an immigration visa number and be a beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition.
Adjustment of Status is the process by which an eligible individual already in the United States can apply for permanent residence through a green card without being required to return to their country of birth.
There are many filing requirements that must be met to determine which application process and forms should be used to apply. Some of these requirements include, but are not limited to:
- having an eligible relative who is a US citizen
- requesting a green card through an employer
- having a dependant born in this country
- requesting refugee status
- entering into a marriage agreement with a US citizen
Other items that must be included with the completed application are:
- proof of criminal history
- foreign birth certificate
- fingerprints
- two color photos
- an affidavit of support
- medical exam records
- vaccine history
- evidence of eligibility based on your individual filing requirements and classification.
A fee is required with each application submitted; this fee varies based on the chosen eligibility status and type of application. Include the fee with your application, as filing the necessary forms in a timely manner will often result in you receiving your green card much more quickly.
The application should be mailed or hand delivered, the address of which can be found with the US green card application.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated US Green Card Application.
