Many people around the world dream of settling or building a long-term career in the United States of America (USA).
One of the most important requirements for achieving that goal is obtaining a Green Card.
A Green Card, officially referred to as a Permanent Resident Card, grants an individual the legal authority to reside and work permanently in the United States, regardless of their country of citizenship.
To help prospective immigrants, the United States government has established a clear process that applicants must follow to obtain permanent resident status.
Below are the seven essential steps required to secure a US Green Card:
1. US Green Card: Check your eligibility
The starting point for anyone seeking a Green Card is confirming that they meet the eligibility requirements. The US government offers several categories through which individuals may qualify for permanent residency.
Applicants must first determine the category that applies to their circumstances before moving forward with the application process. The link to check the eligibility categories for a US Green Card is available on the official USCIS website.
2. US Green Card: File immigrant petition
Once eligibility has been established, the next requirement is filing an immigrant petition.
In most situations, this petition is submitted by a qualified sponsor on behalf of the applicant. However, depending on the specific eligibility category, certain individuals are permitted to file the petition on their own.
3. US Green Card: Wait for approval
After the immigrant petition has been submitted, the applicant must wait for a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
No further step can be taken until USCIS approves the petition. Once approval is granted and an immigrant visa becomes available under the applicant’s category, the individual can then move ahead with applying for permanent residence.
4. US Green Card: Application processes
The application procedure differs depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside the United States.
Individuals already living in the United States typically apply through the Adjustment of Status process by submitting Form I-485 to USCIS.
Applicants residing outside the United States generally complete their application through Consular Processing with the US Department of State.
5. US Green Card: Complete biometrics
Following the submission of the application, applicants must attend a biometric appointment at a designated application support centre.
During this appointment, USCIS gathers fingerprints, photographs, signatures, and other biometric data required to process the application and carry out the necessary background checks.
6. US Green Card: Attend an interview
After completing the biometric stage, applicants may be invited for an interview, depending on the category under which they are applying and the specific type of Green Card requested.
At the interview, immigration officials examine the application, verify supporting documents, and ask relevant questions before reaching a decision on the case.
7. US Green Card: Await decision
Filing an immigrant petition, completing biometrics, or attending an interview does not guarantee that a Green Card will be issued.
The final decision is made only after USCIS or the appropriate US authority has reviewed all submitted documents, completed the required background checks, and confirmed that the applicant satisfies every eligibility requirement.
If the application is approved, the individual will receive a Green Card, granting them the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States. If the application is denied, the applicant will be notified of the reason for the decision as well as any available options.
