How to Apply for USA Green Card

A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is a document that grants non-U.S. citizens the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It serves as proof of their legal immigration status and authorizes them to reside in the country as a permanent resident.

Obtaining a green card is a significant milestone for individuals from outside the United States, as it provides them with numerous benefits and opportunities. Here are some key aspects and advantages of having a green card:

• Permanent Residence: A green card signifies that the holder has been granted permanent resident status in the United States. This means they are allowed to live and stay in the country indefinitely 

• Employment Opportunities: Green card holders have the freedom to work in any job or profession of their choosing within the United States. Unlike non-immigrant visa holders, they are not limited to specific employers or job categories, providing them with greater flexibility and career options.

• Residency Flexibility: With a green card, individuals have the freedom to live anywhere in the United States. They are not bound to a particular state or region and can move within the country as they please.

• Social Security Benefits: Green card holders are eligible to receive Social Security benefits upon retirement or if they meet specific criteria. These benefits include retirement income, disability payments, and access to Medicare.

• Education and Research Opportunities: Permanent residents have access to public education and can attend colleges and universities at the same tuition rates as U.S. citizens. They may also be eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

• Sponsorship of Family Members: Green card holders have the ability to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence in the United States. This can include spouses, unmarried children, and, in some cases, parents and siblings.

• Path to U.S. Citizenship: One of the significant advantages of obtaining a green card is the potential path to U.S. citizenship. Green card holders can apply for naturalization after meeting specific requirements, such as residing in the United States for a certain period (usually three to five years) and demonstrating good moral character.

Green Card Application

When applying for a green card, the specific application form to be used will depend on whether you are applying from within or outside the United States. Here are the main green card application forms for each scenarios:

Green Card Application from Within the United States 

If you are already in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, have been selected for a diversity visa, or are eligible for adjustment of status through family or employment, you will need to file Form I-485, also known as the Application to Adjust Status. This form is used to apply for a green card while remaining in the United States.

Form I-485 requires you to provide information about your immigration history, personal background, employment history, and family members. You will also need to undergo a medical examination and submit supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police clearance certificates if applicable. Additionally, you may need to attend an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.

Green Card Application from Outside the United States

If you are seeking an immigrant visa from abroad, either through family sponsorship, employer sponsorship, or the diversity visa program, you will need to complete Form DS-260, known as the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. This form is used to apply for an immigrant visa, which upon approval, allows you to enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

Form DS-260 is an online form that collects information about your personal, educational, and employment background, as well as your family members. You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and financial sponsorship documents. Additionally, you may be required to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

Application Timeline 

The processing time for a green card, whether applying from within or outside the United States, can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the type of green card and the applicant’s country of origin. While I can provide you with some general estimates, it’s important to note that these timelines are subject to change and can be influenced by factors beyond the control of the applicant. Here is a rough outline of the processing times for different scenarios:

From Inside the United States 

• Spouses and immediate relatives (parents and minor children) of U.S. citizens: The current estimated wait time for adjustment of status applications is 13.5-23.5 months.
• Spouses of U.S. green card holders: The processing time for this category can vary but is generally longer than for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, typically around two years or more.
• Other relatives of U.S. citizens and employment-based green cards: The wait time for these categories can be much longer, often extending to several years.

From Outside the United States 

• Spouses and immediate relatives (parents and minor children) of U.S. citizens: For applicants in this category going through consular processing, the current estimated wait time is around 13-15 months.
• Spouses of U.S. green card holders: The processing time for this category can also vary widely and depends on the applicant’s country of origin. Unfortunately, the specific wait time for spouses of green card holders applying from outside the United States is not mentioned in your question.

Green Card Application Fees 

The government filing fees for a family-based green card are $1,760 for applicants applying from within the United States and $1,200 for applicants residing outside the United States. These fees are specifically for the application forms related to family-based green cards.

It’s important to note that the government filing fees mentioned above do not include the cost of the required medical examination. The cost of the medical exam can vary depending on the provider you choose. You will need to find an authorized civil surgeon who can perform the medical examination and inquire about their fees.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that in 2023, there was a proposal by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to increase the application costs for various visa application types, including forms I-130 and I-485. If approved, the proposed fee increase would impact most visa application categories. However, the specific details of the fee increases and the current status of the proposal are not provided in the information you provided.

The proposed fee changes are not yet in effect, and it’s essential to stay updated by checking the USCIS website or consulting with an immigration attorney to get the most accurate and current information regarding government filing fees for green card applications.

General Application process 

The general application process for obtaining a Green Card typically involves the following steps:

• Immigrant Petition: A sponsoring individual or entity, such as a family member or employer, usually files an immigrant petition on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition establishes your eligibility for a Green Card and is also known as the sponsorship or petitioning process. In some cases, you may be eligible to file the petition for yourself.

• Visa Availability: Once USCIS approves the immigrant petition, you need to wait for a visa to become available in your specific category. The availability of visas is determined by various factors, including family relationships, employment sponsorship, diversity visa programs, and more.

• Filing the Application: After a visa becomes available, you will need to file either a Green Card application (Form I-485) with USCIS if you are already in the United States, or a visa application (Form DS-260) with the U.S. Department of State if you are outside the United States. These forms provide detailed information about your background, immigration history, and personal details.

• Biometrics Appointment: Once your application is received, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment. At the appointment, you will be required to provide fingerprints, photographs, and a signature. This information is used for background checks and identification purposes.

• Interview: Depending on the category of your Green Card application and your individual circumstances, you may be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, the officer will ask questions to verify the information in your application and assess your eligibility for a Green Card.

• Decision: After the interview and completion of the necessary background checks, USCIS will make a decision on your application. You will receive a notification indicating whether your Green Card application has been approved or denied.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and requirements may vary depending on your individual situation, such as the type of Green Card you are applying for (family-based, employment-based, diversity visa, etc.) and any specific circumstances that may apply to your case.

Tracking your Application

If you have already submitted Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and your case is currently pending with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you can refer to the “While Your Green Card Application Is Pending with USCIS” page on the USCIS website for further information and guidance.

On this page, you will find resources and instructions on various aspects related to your pending Green Card application. Here are some common topics covered on the USCIS website:

• Checking Case Status: You can use the USCIS online case status tool, known as “Case Status Online,” to track the progress of your application. By entering your receipt number, you can obtain real-time updates on the status of your case and any recent developments or actions taken by USCIS.

• Updating Address: It is crucial to keep USCIS informed of any changes in your contact information, particularly your address. The website will provide instructions on how to update your address online through the USCIS Change of Address tool or by completing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address.

• Making Appointments: If you need to schedule an appointment or have questions related to your pending Green Card application, the USCIS website provides guidance on how to request an appointment or get in touch with USCIS through their contact channels.

The “While Your Green Card Application Is Pending with USCIS“ page on the USCIS website is a valuable resource that can provide you with specific instructions and updates regarding your individual case. It’s important to consult the USCIS website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the status of your pending Green Card application.

To track the delivery of your Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or Travel Document, you can follow these steps:

• Sign up for a Case Status Online account: By creating an account on the USCIS website, you can receive automatic case updates, including the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) tracking number when your card or travel document is mailed. This will allow you to track the status of your package.

• Register for Informed Delivery through USPS: Informed Delivery is a service provided by USPS that allows you to receive daily images of mail being sent to you. By signing up for Informed Delivery, you can automatically track the packages you are expecting, set up email and text alerts, and even provide delivery instructions to your mail carrier.

• Check USPS tracking information: Once you have the USPS tracking number for your package, you can use it to track the delivery progress through the USPS website. This will provide you with real-time updates on the location and status of your package.

• Contact your local post office if necessary: If the USPS tracking information shows that your package was delivered but you have not received it, it is important to contact your local post office immediately to inquire about the situation. They may be able to provide additional information or assistance.

It is crucial to ensure that the mailing address you provided on your application is accurate and up-to-date. If your address changes after you have filed your application, you must update your address with both USCIS and USPS as soon as possible. Failure to update your address promptly may result in delays or the potential loss of your document(s). To ensure that you provide USCIS with the correct address format recognized by USPS, you can use the USPS Look Up a ZIP Code tool.

Remember to follow the instructions provided by USCIS and USPS to track the delivery of your Green Card, EAD, or Travel Document accurately and promptly.