Whether you are applying through family sponsorship, employment, or other categories, each step must be followed carefully to avoid issues. Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, submit the appropriate forms, and provide sufficient documentation to prove their qualifications.
There are different types of green cards, including:
- Family-Based Green Cards. For spouses, children, parents, or siblings of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Employment-Based Green Cards. These are for skilled workers, professionals, and other categories, such as religious workers or multinational managers.
- Special Immigrant Categories. For individuals like Crime Victims or asylum seekers.
The process generally begins with filing an immigrant petition, such as Form I-130, for family sponsorship. Once the petition is approved, applicants move forward with consular processing or adjustment of status if they are already in the U.S.
Key Aspects of the Process
There are some aspects you should be particularly careful about. Some of those are:
- Biometrics appointments. Where fingerprints and other biometric data are collected.
- Interviews. Required in many cases, especially for family-based green cards, to verify the authenticity of the relationship.
- Documentation. Providing sufficient evidence, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and other essential forms.
Processing times may vary throughout the green card application, so applicants should be prepared for potential delays. It’s important to work closely with immigration authorities, meet deadlines, and provide accurate information to avoid potential denials.
