We have all heard about a green card an how to qualify for it or how to get it. However, the steps to take to actually obtain the green card are quite frustrating to understand for both immigrants and non-immigrants. This is mainly due to the fact that the process and procedure set down by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) are quite overwhelming to comprehend. This is why this article is set to shed more light on the steps to get a green card and to ensure it is easily comprehensible for everyone.
However, before fully diving into the steps of getting a been card, we must first off understand what a green card is. This is for a few of us who do not fully grasp the concept. To that extent, a United States green card is a document that grants legal immigration status to immigrants in the United States. Also, the green card is officially referred to as the United States Permanent Resident card and it is meant to span over a period of ten years. Furthermore, it can and should also be renewed with the USCIS.
The Steps To Get a Green Card.
- Determining Your Eligibility For a U.S Green Card: The first step you need to take to get a green card is to check if you are eligible to be granted permanent residency. Basically, there are set categories provided for by the United States immigration law, that are eligible to be granted the U.S green card. Hence, you need to check if you fit into any of the set categories. The categories that provide eligibility include being a special immigrant, being sponsored by your family or immediate relative who is a green card holder or U.S citizen, through a skilled job offer, through special circumstances like being a refugee, being a victim of abuse or victim of human trafficking. If you are a fit to any of the set categories, then you are eligible.
- Filling Your Immigrant Petition: For the next step of getting a green card, you are to fill an immigrant petition. However, to file an application for permanent residency, you must have someone file an immigrant petition for you. Therefore, your immigrant petition should be filed on your behalf by a sponsoring company or family member. However, there are certain instances where you can file your petition yourself. Furthermore, before moving to the next step, your immigrant petition must be approved by the USCIS and there must be a visa available in the category you’re eligible in.
- File an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with the USCIS: Upon approval of your immigration petition, the next step is to determine the application process to go through in order to get your green card. To this, the application process to go through is based on where you are applying from. If you are already living in the U.S, you will have to go through filing for an adjustment of status. In contrast, if you are living outside the U.S, you will need to file for permanent residence through consular processing. Upon submission of your application for either, the USCIS will review your application.
- Biometrics Appointment: The next step is going for your scheduled biometric appointment and going through the biometric process.
- USCIS Interview: This is a very important step. It is where you will be invited for an interview with the USCIS, after your biometric. However, you should note that there is no outright approval or denial giving at the interview, rather, approval or denial will be given after. If you are approved, then the next step is where you are issued your green card.
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