How to Apply for a Green Card to Enter the United States in 2023

There are a few exceptions to the general rule that one must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States (often known as a “green card holder”) for a certain period of time (usually five) before applying for citizenship.

With a green card from the United States, you have the option of permanently settling down in the country. Green card holders typically undergo the process of “naturalisation.”

A candidate must also fulfil a number of other requirements, including as being a good, upright person, being well-versed in U.S. history and governance, and being willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

1. Guidelines for Obtaining a Green Card

There are several basics you should know before applying for a green card in the United States. The first is the importance you place on receiving encouragement. An advocate is someone who backs your efforts, like a family member or boss. The second is the necessity of obtaining a settler visa.

This can be acquired through numerous lottery drawings, corporate sponsorships, or even family sponsorships. The third is to conduct your own personal inquiry and clinical evaluation. Finally, you’ll need to prove that you have a compelling reason to stay in the United States, such as employment, school, or family ties.

If you have everything listed above, you can submit your application for a green card. Starting with Form I-485, the Application for Permanent Residence or Change of Status, is the first order of business. You can find this format on the USCIS website. When you are satisfied with the design, submit it to the USCIS along with an estimate of costs.

Once the USCIS has received your application, an interview with you will be scheduled. Support, your immigrant visa, a clinical evaluation, and a background check will all be discussed at this conference.

Your motives for wanting to settle in the United States will also be scrutinised. Following the interview, USCIS will decide whether or not to approve your application. If your application is approved, you will receive a green card and be a very long-lasting resident of the United States.

2. Requirements to Obtain a Green Card

There are some baseline requirements that you must satisfy before applying for a green card. You need to:

Come from a country that allows its citizens to visit the United States (most countries do).

Carry a significant piece of national identification from your own country.

Possess a completely clean record.

To enter the United States, you must have a valid reason, such as employment, education, family, or tourism.

There are also clear requirements that vary with the type of green card being sought. If you want to apply for a green card in the business category, for instance, you need a work offer from a company in the United States.

The next step, assuming you meet the requirements, is to submit your application to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). It is important to read the rules thoroughly and have all of the required papers ready before beginning the application process because it can be lengthy and complicated.

3. The Green Card Application Process

The United States welcomes people from all around the world, and the majority of green card applications can be submitted remotely. Checking your eligibility for a green card is the first thing to do. Family sponsorship, corporate sponsorship, or evacuee/asylee status are probably the most well-known ways to qualify.

If you have a citizen or permanent resident family, they can vouch for you and help you get a green card. The relative that is financially supporting you should be given the opportunity to provide proof that they are able to do so without placing you on public assistance. A Testimony of Support must be completed by the support as well.

A job offer from a company in the United States increases your chances of being approved for a green card based on employment. Perhaps a number of business categories exist, and their respective requirements vary. For instance, the company could need to show that they sought to hire a US specialist but were unable to find one with the necessary skills.

You may be eligible for refugee or asylee status if you have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country. A green card application can be submitted from inside the United States. You will need to complete an I-360 form and may also be required to attend a meeting.

After ensuring your eligibility for a green card, the following step is to complete the necessary structures. The most widely recognised template is Form I-485, the Application to Change Status. To apply for a green card while already physically present in the United States, you must follow this procedure. If you are applying for a work visa from outside the United States, you must complete Form DS-260.

After you’ve submitted the necessary paperwork and paid the application fee, you can next submit any necessary supporting documents and reports. Documentation requirements vary by eligibility category but typically consist of things like a birth certificate, proof of financial assistance, or a contract for services.

When everything is in order, a USCIS officer will look through your application. If everything is in order, a meeting will be set up with you. There will be inquiries about your application and your eligibility for a green card from the USCIS officer. If the official verifies your eligibility, you will be issued a green card. Congratulations! You are on the path to citizenship in the United States.

4. Required Documentation for a Green Card Application

Gathering the required documentation is the most important part of applying for a green card in the United States. You may need to provide all of the following depending on your specific situation:

An official visa

– A Declaration Made At The Time Of One’s Birth

Legally binding declaration of marriage

Detach from the established order

Letter(s) on the Job

Account Explanations

Budgeting paperwork

If you are applying because of your marriage to a U.S. citizen, you must also provide proof of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or visa.

If you are applying because of your current or previous work in the United States, you must include a letter of offer or agreement from your manager, as well as proof of your qualifications.

Once you have all of the required documentation in hand, you can submit your application for a green card. The form can be downloaded from the USCIS website.

A meeting at the nearest US government agency or department will be arranged after you have submitted your application. You’ll be asked to bring your application materials and answer questions about it during the meeting. Assuming the consular official is persuaded that you merit a green card and have a genuine interest in visiting the United States, you will be granted one.

5. The Cost of a Green Card Application

Green card applications usually cost around $1,000. However, the price tag may be anything from $500 to $2,000, depending on the type of green card being sought and the country of application. There is a non-refundable application fee, plus additional costs for a medical exam, fingerprints, and a photo. If you decide to enlist legal representation for your application, you are responsible for covering their fees as well.

Some people may be put off applying for a green card because of the cost involved. If you are unable to pay the fees, there are some organisations who may be able to assist you. Green card applicants on a tight budget might get financial assistance from the Public Migration Regulation Centre. The Catholic Legal Movement Organisation also runs a grant programme to help eligible people pay for the cost of applying for a green card.

Green card fees may seem prohibitive, but it’s important to keep in mind that having one is a major milestone in the path to full citizenship in the United States. The green card grants you permanent residency and the right to work in the United States. You’ll be able to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without any restrictions. The benefits that come with having a green card make the application process worthwhile for some people, despite the cost.

The process of becoming a citizen of the United States through the most usual route is lengthy, but well worth it for individuals who want to live and work in the greatest country on Earth. Even if there are several developments associated with the application interaction, the cycle can be made more manageable and fruitful by adhering to the following suggestions.