Become a legal permanent resident of the United States.
It takes a long time to become a legal permanent resident of the United States.You will need someone to sponsor your application once you determine your eligibility.Evidence of your status, employment, or relationship will have to be given by you and your sponsor.The process of becoming a legal permanent resident will usually take at least a year from the date you start filing, but successful applicants will finish the process with their Green Card, which grants permanent legal residence.
Step 1: If you have a family member sponsor you, you can be eligible.
Sponsorships from a family member are one of the most common forms of eligibility.If you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen, you may be able to apply.The U.S. is located in the United States.The spouse of a U.S. citizen or legal resident is a family member.
Step 2: Sponsor through your employer.
Employers are willing to sponsor immigrants for permanent residency.If you possess an exceptional skill or ability that is not found in the general working population, this is required.If you do a test with the labor market to show that there are no available individuals for the job in the US, you'd be eligible for a green card.Preference is given to immigrant workers who have extraordinary abilities in the sciences, art, education, business, or athletics, as well as exceptional researchers and professors.Those who need an advanced degree, those with exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences, or business, and those who are seeking a national interest waiver are all given secondary preference.Third preference is given if you are a skilled worker.Professionals need at least 2 years of training or experience, while skilled workers only need a bachelor's degree.Other workers are not temporary or seasonal.Under the Physician National Interest Waiver, physicians who agree to work full-time in clinical practices in a designated underserved area for a set period of time may apply.Immigrant investors who are in the process of investing at least $1 million in non-rural areas or $500,000 in a rural area may be eligible for employment sponsorship.
Step 3: You should check to see if you qualify as a special immigrant.
Some immigrants may be able to get special immigrant status.Those employed as religious workers, international broadcasters, and those employed by an international organization may qualify for this status.Afghanistan or Iraqi nationals who worked as a translator for the U.S. government in Iraq may be able to apply.People are employed by an international organization or NATO.Special Immigrant juvenile status is available to children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parents.
Step 4: You need extraordinary circumstances to qualify for legal residency.
If you were granted asylum for refugee status at least one year ago, you may qualify for legal residency status.You have a T or U non immigrant visa if you are the victim of human trafficking.You are an abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen.Since January 1, 1972, you have resided in the U.S.You meet all of the terms outlined for sponsorship under non-common circumstances.
Step 5: Meet a lawyer.
You should meet with a U.S. Immigration Attorney before you file for lawful permanent resident status.They can help make sure that you are completely eligible, they can also help you prepare your forms and documents, and assist with any issues that may arise.You can check the U.S. Justice Department's List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers to see if there are attorneys or legal resources in your area.
Step 6: You should have your sponsor file your petition.
The person sponsoring your immigration will need to file an immigrant petition for you.You need to file a petition if you qualify to do so.How you qualify for lawful permanent resident status will affect the petition and documentation you need.The forms are available on the website.Talk to your immigration attorney or immigration services office if you don't know what forms you need.If you can't get to an office, you may be able to get advice over the phone.You just need to file the I-485 application form if you already have an approved immigrant petition and visa.
Step 7: If you fill out Form I-485, submit it to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service.
The application form for your green card is called Form I-485.The form is 18 pages long and requires you to provide information about yourself, your family, and your eligibility.The form needs to be submitted to the correct office once fully completed.How you qualify for your status will affect the office you submit to.The correct filing address for your eligibility category can be found on the website of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Step 8: The filing fee should be paid.
Along with your I-485, you will need to submit your filing fee.You can pay with a credit card or submit a check.$750 for children under 14 filing with the I-485 of at least 1 parent is the most expensive of the fees.
Step 9: You can schedule your services appointment.
You can schedule a biometrics services appointment at a local Application Support Center after you file your application.You can provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature if you show up to your local center at the time and date listed on your appointment notice.USCIS will use these appointments to confirm your identity and conduct background and security checks.Bring your appointment notice and a valid form of photo ID with you to the appointment.
Step 10: You should attend your Green Card interview.
After your application and petition have been processed, you will be scheduled for an interview with someone from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.Depending on your application and circumstances, the interview will be different.It's important to be honest, polite, and calm during your interview.If there is a change in your status between when you file your application and your interview, you should provide all the necessary evidence.If you can't arrange an interview with someone who speaks your native language, you should have someone help you with translation issues.
Step 11: If your application is pending, avoid traveling abroad.
You will not be allowed to travel outside of the U.S. while your application is pending.If you have to leave the country for any reason, you need to apply for an advance parole document.
Step 12: Carry your green card with you.
You should carry your Green Card with you at all times once you become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.This is the proof that you are allowed to live and work in the U.S.It is similar to a driver's license or passport in that it is a photo ID.
Step 13: You shouldn't travel outside of the U.S.
For more than a year at a time.Losing lawful permanent resident status is possible if you remain outside of the U.S. for more than a year.If you need to be outside of the U.S. for more than a year, you may have to apply for a re-entry permit.
Step 14: The Green Card can be renewed six months prior to the end of the year.
Green cards can be renewed every 10 years.6 months prior to your green card's expiration date is the ideal time to begin the renewal process.If you have a green card that is based on a spouse or family member, you can apply to have the condition removed after 2 years.