Apply for a Green Card

Are you ready to live and work permanently in the United States? A Green Card—also known as lawful permanent residence—is your gateway to a new life filled with opportunity. At immigration question, we connect you with attorneys that can simplify the Green Card and help you understand your options so you can move forward with confidence.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card grants non-citizens the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It is the first step toward becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization. There are various types of Green Card applications, each with unique eligibility requirements, application procedures, and benefits.

Benefits of Having a Green Card:

Live and work permanently in the U.S.
Travel freely in and out of the country
Sponsor certain family members
Path to U.S. citizenship
Access to federal benefits (after meeting certain conditions)

Types of Green Card Applications

1. Family-Based Green Card Application

U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members like a spouse, children, parents, or siblings.

2. Employment-Based Green Card Application

Available to workers with special skills, advanced degrees, or those investing in the U.S. economy.

3. Asylum or Refugee Green Card Application

If you've been granted asylum or refugee status, you can apply for a Green Card after one year.

4. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

A yearly lottery gives Green Cards to people from countries with low U.S. immigration rates.

How to Apply for a Green Card

There are two main paths:

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

If you are already in the United States, you may apply for a Green Card without leaving the country. This involves filing Form I-485, along with supporting documents. It's often used for family-based and employment-based petitions.

Consular Processing

If you are outside the U.S., you will apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. This process is managed by the National Visa Center (NVC) and involves an interview before your immigrant visa is issued.

How Immigration Attorneys Can Help

»They analyze your eligibility
»They prepare and file all necessary paperwork
»They communicate with USCIS and consulates on your behalf
»They help you avoid delays or rejections
»They provide personalized support every step of the way

Green Card Eligibility Requirements

»A qualifying family or employment relationship
»Lawful entry into the U.S. (for AOS applicants)
»No major criminal convictions
»No immigration violations (in most cases)
»Evidence of financial support (Affidavit of Support in family cases)

What Documents Will You Need?

»Passport and birth certificate
»Form I-130 (for family-based) or Form I-140 (for employment-based)
»Form I-485 (for adjustment of status)
»Medical examination (Form I-693)
»Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
»Proof of lawful entry (I-94 record or visa)
»Evidence of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)

Processing Times and Fees

Green Card processing times vary depending on your category and country of origin. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often experience faster processing.

Fees may include:

»Petition fees (e.g., I-130 or I-140)
»Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing fees
»Biometrics fee
»Medical exam costs
»Legal representation (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Green Card process take?

Processing times vary widely based on your application type, country of origin, and current USCIS workload. Family-based applications can take 1-2 years, while employment-based may take 6 months to several years.

Can I travel while my Green Card application is pending?

If you have a pending Adjustment of Status application, you can apply for Advance Parole (Form I-131) to travel internationally. Without it, leaving the U.S. may abandon your application.

Can I work while waiting for my Green Card?

With a pending Adjustment of Status, you can apply for work authorization (Form I-765). This typically takes 3-5 months to process.

What happens if my Green Card application is denied?

If denied, you may be able to appeal the decision, file a motion to reopen or reconsider, or reapply. Consulting with an immigration attorney is highly recommended in this situation.