A green card is a document that allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. There are several ways to get one, including family-based immigration or employment immigration.
Both of these processes have their own timelines, application forms and supporting documents. Ultimately, you will need to decide which is best for your situation.
Form I-130
Form I-130 is the first step in the Green Card application process. The form is used to petition for a family-based or employment-based green card. It also applies to a nonimmigrant seeking refugee status or asylum. This form has some very specific requirements, so it’s best to consult an immigration attorney before filling it out.
You can find more information about the steps for filing Form I-130 on USCIS’s website. The form is designed to be as clear and easy-to-understand as possible, so it’s a good idea to read the instructions closely before starting.
The form asks questions about the applicant’s personal details. These include the person’s name, date of birth, gender, height, and other biographical information. It also requires the applicant to provide details about their current and previous employers. It also asks about their education, work experience and other qualifications for the job.
It’s important to keep in mind that if the applicant’s visa is denied, the application will be rejected, and they’ll have to start over with the entire process from scratch. However, if the application is approved, they’ll be notified and then sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), where it will be held until a visa number is available.
When filing Form I-130, the applicant should complete it carefully and submit it as soon as possible. This is to ensure that it is processed as quickly as possible and in the most effective way.
Once the form is submitted, it will be reviewed by USCIS officials. During this time, the applicant may receive an RFE (Request for Evidence). If they receive an RFE, they must respond within 87 days.
After receiving a response, USCIS will make a decision on whether to accept or deny the petition. During this time, the applicant should also be notified of the reasons for the decision.
You should contact an immigration attorney if you have any questions about the Green Card application process. They will be able to help you through each step and guide you through the entire process.
The process for obtaining a Green Card is complex and can take a long time, but it is well worth the effort. It’s a great opportunity to start a new life in the United States.
Form I-140
Form I-140 is an immigration form submitted by an employer to petition for an alien worker on behalf of themselves or a company that employs them. It is one of the most popular USCIS forms and is used when a foreign worker meets the qualifications for obtaining a green card to work in the United States.
When you submit this form, you will be asked to indicate whether you want the immigrant to apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing or through adjustment of status (AOS) in the United States. Generally, beneficiaries of employment-based EB-2 and EB-3 petitions will apply for a visa through consular processing, while some beneficiaries of other types of employment-based immigrant visas are eligible to apply for a green card via adjustment of status.
If you are using consular processing, the embassy or consulate will issue the immigrant a CR-1 or IR-1 visa. This type of visa is a temporary visa that allows the immigrant to enter the United States for up to 180 days. If the immigrant stays in the United States longer than 180 days, they will be subject to penalties for their unlawful presence, including a bar on re-entry into the U.S.
Before you submit this form, make sure you have all the information and documentation you need to support your claim of immigration eligibility. If you are unsure of what to provide, consult with an immigration attorney in DC.
Providing inaccurate information can result in the denial of your green card application. For instance, you may not be able to provide the required proof of financial resources. Alternatively, you might not be able to prove that you have the necessary medical or educational qualifications.
In addition, the USCIS cannot accept an incorrect address or phone number on the form. To avoid this problem, be sure to provide accurate and complete contact information.
If you are filing a Form I-140 for your spouse or children, be sure to include all their information and signatures as well. If you used an interpreter to help you complete the form, include their name, certification and signature as well. In addition, if you hired an attorney or another representative to assist you with the process, they will need to fill out Form G-281 or Form G-28 and submit them along with your I-140.
Form I-485
Form I-485 is the most important of all Green Card application forms. It is the form used to petition for a family member to receive a Green Card or to adjust status if you have already arrived in the United States.
The Green Card Application Process is complex, but if you know what to expect, it can be easier to navigate. This process will take you through several steps, including filing a petition, paying fees and providing documentation. You’ll also need to submit an affidavit of support, get a medical exam and more.
First, you need to file a petition with USCIS. You can do this online or by mail. If you have an attorney, he or she may provide advice on the best type of petition for your situation.
You can also choose to file with USCIS in person at a local office. This will often be faster than submitting the petition online. You can check the USCIS website for a list of processing times for each form.
After you’ve filed the form, you need to wait for USCIS to approve your petition. If they do, you’ll be granted Green Card status and become a legal resident of the United States.
Your sponsor must sign this form, and it binds him or her to support you financially until you are granted your Green Card. This is the only way that you can prove to USCIS that you have enough money to cover your expenses while in the U.S.
The affidavit of support will include information about your financial situation, such as how much income you earn, savings and assets, and sources of income that can be continued while in the United States. It should also include a detailed plan for how you’ll pay for your everyday needs, such as transportation.
If you’re not sure how to fill out the form or what questions to ask your sponsor, it can be helpful to seek the help of an immigration attorney in DC. He or she will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that your paperwork is complete and accurate.
Form I-131
Form I-131 is the USCIS form that lawful permanent residents of the United States, conditional Green Card holders and some immigrants who need to leave the United States temporarily must use to request travel documents. These include a Green Card, advance parole, reentry permit, refugee travel document and certain non-immigrant visas.
Depending on your case, you may also need to complete additional forms and submit supporting documents to the government. This can include a request for evidence (RFE), birth certificates, criminal records, financial statements, or a medical exam. Also make sure to prepare for green card marriage interview questions if at all applicable.
Once the Form I-131 is completed and submitted, it is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). It will be held until a visa number becomes available or until you apply for your green card.
The NVC will then process your application and notify you whether it is approved or denied. Generally, a decision on your green card application will take 6-14 months.
In addition to this, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment with USCIS, which is typically done at a local office. Then you will need to go for a green card interview with a consular officer.
This can be a lengthy process, and you can expect to be detained at the consulate for a few days. The interview is where you will be asked questions about your background and reason for wanting to immigrate to the U.S.
If your case is denied, you will be notified and given the opportunity to appeal the decision. If your case is approved, you will receive an approval notice and a physical green card.
Some immigration law violations or health issues can lead to an applicant being deemed inadmissible. Those individuals should speak with an immigration lawyer to see if they qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility.
Those who are unable to obtain a waiver can face further obstacles to obtaining a green card. If they have lived unlawfully in the United States for 180 days or more, the law can impose a bar on them from returning for up to three years.
Consular processing can be a lengthy and difficult process, especially for people living overseas. It is essential to follow the steps and submit all necessary paperwork on time.