Living and working permanently in the United States is the goal of most foreign people. The only way to do that is to acquire a U.S. Green Card, but the process is not as easy as one may think of it. There are many things that you need to do and consider. Some processes may be complicated and take a long time.
There are many ways on how to get a U.S Green Card. Here are some things you need to know to process one.
VISA
People who want to have a Green Card must have a visa first. There are two types of visas as a ticket to getting your permanent residency. An immigrant visa is the easiest and a faster way to get a green card as it is given to those who are planning to live and work permanently in the U.S. While a non-immigrant visa is mostly given to people who want to go the United States as a tourist, for medical purposes, as a business person, for studying or even for contractual employment. A non-immigrant visa can still be upgraded to a green card just as long as you know what specific category you would fall under.
CATEGORIES
Categories are actually about what type of green card you should petition for. If a family, relative, a child, or a spouse is planning to petition for you, then you should apply for a Family Green Card. While those who are a current employee of a US-based company, your employer can request for you and for your family too. If you are worried about having no one to petition you, that’s not a problem as you can do self-petition. If you want to know more about its process, check out Ashoori Law for more detailed information.
PROCESS
As soon as you have already determined to what category you will fall under to process your green card, then it’s time for you to learn the process. The things you need to prepare and how long it will take depends on what kind of green card you will apply for, but once you have chosen one, here are some of the common steps that you need to take when processing your application.
1. After your visa is approved, you need to fill-up the form that you will be given from the USCIS. Make sure that you have provided the necessary information that they need. Please provide all the requirements they will ask you together with the form. Avoid making mistakes and submit the forms before the deadline given by the office.
2. Once you have submitted everything, you would need to wait for further instructions on whether you need to pass additional requirements. You will receive a notice for your biometrics appointment where your fingerprints will be taken, your photograph, and for your electronic signature too. They are acquired for doing a background check.
3. If you passed the background check, you would receive an interview invitation. Try to show up on the date indicated, don’t be late and be presentable.
4. Lastly, wait for the final verdict if you have been granted your green card or not. If ever you pass, you will receive a notice in the mail on how to claim your green card. Unfortunately, if you are not approved of the green card, you may file an appeal to USCIS.
Another tip when processing your green card is always seek advice from an attorney. It is better to have someone who knows the legal process concerning your green card application.