Green Card Eligibility
In order to be eligible for a Green Card, an applicant must belong to one of the immigrant categories outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It is common to obtain a Green Card by marriage, but, generally, all applicants must be eligible to enter the US through employment, investment, family, refugee status, or through some other pre-established means. Applicants must be admissible into the United States in order to qualify for a US Green Card. There must be no security, health, or criminal issues which would make an applicant ineligible to enter the US. In cases where a Green Card applicant has to apply for a US visa first, the visa must be secured or available before the Green Card application is submitted.
The Green Card and Green Card Renewal Application Process
Applying for a Green Card is a complex process, and there are numerous ways to get a US Green Card. For example, one can receive a permanent resident card by marrying a US citizen or by applying for one through the sponsorship of a family member or employer who is already a US citizen. Some people are eligible to receive a Green Card through an asylum or refugee status. In some cases, people receive a permanent resident card through the US Green Card lottery. In each case, the Green Card application process is a little different. Keep in mind, also, that the application for a Green Card, Green Card renewal, and Green Card replacement are all different processes.
In general, to apply for a Green Card, you will need to submit a Green Card application, supporting documents, and a filing fee. Depending on how you become eligible for a Green Card, your filing fees and documentation requirements may differ. For example, if you are applying for a Green Card through marriage, you will first apply for a K-1 visa to enter the United States and get married. Then, you will need to apply for a conditional Green Card. After you have been married for a few years you can petition to adjust your status to receive a permanent Green Card. Your fiancè(e) will also need to file the Petition for Alien Fiancè(e), Form I-129F. If you are applying for a Green Card through employment, however, your employer will need to file a petition on your behalf and you will also need to file. There are, in fact, many Green Card application forms to be filed by both you and those sponsoring you.
Once you receive your Green Card, it will be valid for ten years. You will need to file for a Green Card replacement if your card is damaged, lost, stolen, or if the information on your card becomes outdated. Remain vigilant about your card's expiration date. When your Green Card is about to expire, you will be required to file Green Card Renewal Form I-90 to extend your Green Card status.
Understanding the Green Card and Green Card Renewal Process
The process of securing a permanent resident card can be confusing. There are numerous forms involved and numerous ways to become eligible for a Green Card. With so much at stake, the process can seem overwhelming. Moreover, unintentional errors or omissions can delay your Green Card application, sometimes significantly. To mitigate these difficult aspects, we offer a number of quality resources that can take the guesswork out of the Green Card process. Our Green Card Renewal resources, for example, can show you exactly how to prepare to renew your Green Card easily and quickly online when it is about to expire. Don't lose your status through carelessness. Our Green Card replacement resource can show you exactly how to preserve your permanent residency if your Green Card is stolen or lost.
There are many resources specifically tailored to those applying for a permanent resident card through different eligibility requirements. We have resources for you if you are filing any of the following forms: Form I-864 Affidavit of Support; Green Card for Brothers or Sisters Application; Green Card for Children Application; Green Card for Domestic Employee or Unskilled Labor Application; Green Card for Multinational Executives and Managers; or the Green Card for Parent(s) Application. Our resource packages can help you apply for a permanent resident card. Each package contains the latest version of the applicable USCIS forms as well as detailed, step-by-step instructions that allow you to quickly and easily apply for a Green Card.