Green Card
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the U.S. government that grants the holder permanent residency status. With a Green Card, individuals can live and work in the United States indefinitely and enjoy many of the same rights as U.S. citizens. It also offers a pathway to U.S. citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements, typically after 3-5 years.
How to Apply for a Green Card
The process for getting a Green Card varies depending on whether you apply from within the U.S. or abroad. There are two primary Green Card application forms:
1. Applying for a Green Card from Within the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)
If you are already in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, have been selected for the Diversity Visa lottery, or are eligible through a family or employer petition, you must file Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status). This form allows you to change your visa status to permanent residency without leaving the country.
2. Applying for a Green Card from Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)
If you are outside the U.S. and seek to enter as a permanent resident, you will use Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application). This process is often called “consular processing” and applies to immigrants through family, employer sponsorship, or the Diversity Visa program.
Regardless of where you apply, the Green Card process can be complex. That’s why expert guidance is essential to ensure all paperwork is filedcorrectly and your case moves forward without unnecessary delays.
Required Documents for Green Card Applications
- A completed Green Card application form (Form I-485 or DS-260)
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., family relationship, employment offer, or Diversity Visa selection)
- Valid passport or travel document
- Birth certificate and any marriage or divorce certificates, if applicable
- Medical examination and vaccination records
- Affidavit of Support (for family-based applications)
- Any additional documents requested by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the consulate
Each case is unique, and the documents required may vary. Working with an immigration professional ensures all the necessary paperwork is complete and correctly submitted.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Green Card?
The processing time for a Green Card can vary significantly depending on the type of application and where you are applying from. Some cases may take a few months, while others can take years. Processing times often depend on visa availability, the applicant’s category, and country of origin.
Family-based Green Cards can take 12 to 36 months to process. Employment-based Green Cards may vary even more, depending on the applicant’s profession and country quotas. The Diversity Visa Green Card is subject to annual deadlines.
The cost also varies. For applicants applying from within the U.S., the government filing fee for a family-based Green Card is $3005, while for those applying from abroad, the fee is $1340. Remember that these fees do not include the cost of medical exams, which vary by provider.
If you’re unsure of your case status, you can check the progress of your application online through the USCIS case status tool.
Need Help Applying for a Green Card? Call 360 Immigration Law Group
We offer free consultations and can assist you via phone, Zoom, or WhatsApp. Whether you need help with paperwork, eligibility questions, or navigating the immigration system, we are here for you. Contact us today at 954.667.3660 to schedule your free case consultation and take the first step toward securing your Green Card.