If you’ve dreamed of becoming a permanent resident of the United States, you may have looked into the Green Card process and felt confused about what to do. Here, we’ll describe the steps you need to go through in order to apply for and get a Green Card. It’s time to turn that American dream into a reality!
5 Key Steps to the Green Card Process
Step 1: Find out if you are eligible for a Green Card.
What is the easiest way to get a Green Card? United States immigration law has set up a few different ways that individuals can obtain a Green Card, but not everyone is eligible. The most common ways to get a Green Card are through family, employment, special immigrant status, refugee status, or visa.
Green Card through family
If you have a family member living in the United States, you may qualify for a Green Card. Keep in mind that sponsors will need to meet specific requirements, such as a minimum income. For example, if you want to get your parents a Green Card, you are assuming financial responsibility for them. Another way to qualify for a Green Card is through marriage. To get a Green Card through family, first file Form I-130. Then, file your Green Card application.
Green Card through employment
If you have filed an employment-based petition– EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, or EB-5– and it has been approved, you may be eligible for a Green Card. Before applying for a Green Card, make sure to file Form I-140.
Green Card through humanitarian protections
If you are a special immigrant, refugee, victim of human trafficking or crime, or survivor of abuse, you may qualify for a Green Card.
Step 2: Begin the PERM Labor certification process.
This step only applies if you are applying for an employment-based Green Card. If you have secured a job offer from an employer in the US, choose the appropriate employment visa category. The categories range from EB-1A for industry leaders to EB-5 for immigrant investors. While many of these categories do not require PERM Labor certification, the majority of the workforce falls under the category of skilled and professional workers.
If you are a skilled or professional worker under EB-3, you’ll need to enter the Program for Electronic Review Management (PERM) to begin the labor certification process. This phase can take up to 18 months, to prove that you won’t be taking a job from an American citizen. For the final step, your employer will need to submit the ETA-9089 to the Department of Labor (DOL).
Step 3: Check the Visa Bulletin for visa availability and priority dates.
Once you’ve started the process for labor certification through the PERM and prepared the appropriate immigrant petition based on family, employment, or other visas, congratulations– the hardest part is over! (If you are not sure which immigrant petition to file, see Step 1.) An experienced immigration attorney will ensure that your supporting documents are in order. Now it’s time to wait!
Some petitions require hundreds of pages and can take up to a few months. While premium processing can speed up the process, it can take years to be approved for a Green Card. One of the most important things you can do for your immigration case is to check the Visa Bulletin for visa availability and priority dates. The immigration experts at Laird Law can help you make the most of every opportunity.
Step 4: File forms and gather necessary documents.
Once you have filed the appropriate immigrant petition from Step 1 and started the labor certification phase in Step 2 (only if necessary), you are ready to apply for a Green Card! To apply for a Green Card, you will need to file Form I-145, also called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. To file Form I-145, you will need a current priority date on the Visa Bulletin as noted in Step 3.
Step 5: Prepare for an Adjustment of Status interview.
While waiting for your Green Card to be approved, it’s a good idea to get prepared for coming appointments. You may need to attend a Biometrics Appointment in person so that you can provide your fingerprints, photo ID, and your signature. USCIS will complete a background check and may request proof of a medical exam. In an Adjustment of Status interview, be prepared to confirm details about your current immigration status and work history.
Step 6: Stay tuned for your Green Card!
After a successful interview, stay tuned for your Green Card! While it may be six months before your Green Card is approved, once your adjustment of status is complete, you should receive your permanent resident card in less than 90 days. Considering current USCIS backlogs, the entire process of getting a Green Card can take approximately three years. But you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting by yourself! Laird Law is knowledgeable in immigration law and is committed to making your American dream a reality.
Learn more about the Green Card process from start to finish with Laird Law.
Take the next step to citizenship and open the door to unlimited opportunities! As a Green Card holder and permanent resident, you’ll finally be able to enjoy the freedoms that you deserve. You worked hard to get here! Our expert team of immigration attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of US immigration law and guarantee a seamless transition for you and your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more about how to get a Green Card.
