10 Steps to Getting Your Green Card
A Complete Guide for Applicants
Getting a Green Card, also known as lawful permanent residency, is an important process for individuals who want to live and work in the United States on a long-term basis. Many people seek clear guidance on the steps required to navigate this system successfully.
Understanding the process can help applicants meet eligibility requirements and avoid common delays. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to prepare the necessary documents and respond to requests from immigration authorities.
1) Determine your eligible Green Card category
The first step in the Green Card process is to identify which eligibility category applies. There are several categories, and applicants must meet the specific requirements for at least one.
Common categories include family-based, employment-based, refugee or asylee status, and the Diversity Visa lottery. Other categories exist for special situations, such as certain crime victims or religious workers.
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. For example, a person may qualify based on being a close relative of a U.S. citizen, or through a job offer from a U.S. employer.
Applicants should visit the official USCIS website or speak with an immigration professional to review all available categories. Each category has its own rules, forms, and supporting documents.
Selecting the correct category is necessary before moving forward. Starting in the wrong category can delay or harm an application’s chances. Careful review at this stage can help avoid common mistakes later in the process.
2) File the immigrant petition (Form I-130 or equivalent)
The second step in the green card process is filing an immigrant petition. Most family-based applicants use Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form is usually submitted by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident on behalf of their relative.
Filing Form I-130 is necessary to prove a qualifying relationship exists between the petitioner and the person seeking the green card. The USCIS reviews the petition to confirm all information and evidence are valid.
In some cases, other forms may be required instead of I-130, such as I-140 for employment-based applicants. Each case must use the correct petition form based on the specific green card category involved.
Documents, such as birth certificates, marriage records, and a filing fee, will need to be submitted with the petition. After submission, the applicant will receive a receipt notice from USCIS as confirmation.
Processing times can vary, but approval of the immigrant petition is an essential step before proceeding with further parts of the green card application process.
3) Wait for petition approval from USCIS
After filing the immigrant petition, applicants must wait for a decision from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS reviews the submitted documentation, checks the eligibility of the petitioner and beneficiary, and ensures the petition meets all regulatory requirements.
Processing times for petition approval can vary based on petition type, service center location, and current caseloads. It is common for applicants to monitor their case status online using the USCIS Case Status system and their receipt number.
During this waiting period, USCIS may request additional information or documents to support the petition. If requested, applicants should respond promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Once USCIS makes a decision, notification is sent by mail. Approval of the petition is required before the case moves forward toward the next steps, such as National Visa Center processing or adjustment of status.
4) Receive a notice to proceed with Green Card application
After the initial petition is reviewed by USCIS, the applicant may receive an official notice to proceed. This notice is crucial because it signals that the petition has passed the first stage of review and that the applicant can move forward.
Typically, this notice comes in the form of Form I-797C, Notice of Action. This document serves as confirmation that USCIS has received and is processing the applicant’s case.
The notice will provide information about the next steps in the Green Card process. It may include instructions for submitting the Green Card application (Form I-485) or details about required supporting documents.
Applicants should review the notice carefully. Missing deadlines or failing to respond to requests for information can delay the process or result in denial.
They should also keep a copy of all correspondence for their records. Accurate and timely responses help ensure the application continues to move forward.
5) Submit Form I-485 to adjust status if inside the U.S.
Applicants present in the United States can apply for a green card through the adjustment of status process. This process uses Form I-485, which must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Before filing Form I-485, eligibility is important. Applicants need an approved immigrant petition or must qualify under a specific category. It’s necessary to confirm all requirements with USCIS before starting.
Form I-485 asks for detailed information about identity, immigration history, and background. Supporting documents such as birth certificates, passport pages, and proof of lawful entry are usually required.
USCIS charges a filing fee for this form, which varies based on age and category. Payment can be made online or by mail as directed by current USCIS instructions.
After submitting Form I-485, USCIS will provide a receipt notice. Applicants should keep this notice to track their application status online using the provided receipt number.
6) Complete biometric services appointment
After submitting the initial application, the applicant will receive an appointment notice for a biometric services appointment from USCIS. This notice provides the date, time, and location for the appointment.
At the appointment, the applicant must bring the original appointment notice and a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or permanent resident card. These documents are required to verify the applicant’s identity.
USCIS will record fingerprints, take a digital photograph, and collect a signature. The process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes once it starts with an officer.
The purpose of the biometrics appointment is to confirm the applicant’s identity and conduct background and security checks. Applicants should avoid bringing accessories or items that might interfere with fingerprinting or photographs.
If someone cannot attend the scheduled appointment, they must promptly follow USCIS instructions to reschedule. Missing or skipping this step could delay the green card process.
7) Attend an interview if required by USCIS
USCIS may require applicants to attend an interview as part of the green card process. The interview often takes place at a local USCIS office. Applicants are notified by mail with the date, time, and location.
For family-based applications, the petitioner usually needs to attend the interview with the principal applicant. Both parties should bring requested documents and forms of identification.
During the interview, a USCIS officer will verify the information in the application and may ask additional questions. The officer may also review supporting evidence and clarify any points as needed.
Interviews are not required for every green card case. USCIS decides whether an interview is necessary based on the type of application and each case’s specifics. It’s important for applicants to monitor their case status and attend any scheduled interview to avoid delays.
8) Undergo a medical examination by an approved physicia
Applicants must complete a medical examination as part of the green card process. This examination helps determine if the applicant is inadmissible to the United States on health-related grounds. Only physicians approved by the U.S. immigration authorities are permitted to conduct this exam.
The examination covers a physical check-up, review of medical history, and required vaccinations. Applicants cannot use their regular family physician unless they are a designated civil surgeon or approved panel physician. The doctor will use Form I-693 to record results and vaccinations.
After the exam, the approved physician will seal Form I-693 in an envelope. The applicant must submit this sealed form to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or bring it to the visa interview, depending on the application type. It's important not to open the sealed envelope before submission.
If any additional medical tests or vaccinations are needed, the physician will inform the applicant during the visit. Applicants should bring their vaccination records, government-issued identification, and any relevant medical documents to their appointment. Costs for the exam and required immunizations can vary.
9) Submit Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) if sponsored
If a person is being sponsored for a green card, the sponsor must complete Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form is required to show that the incoming immigrant will have adequate financial support and will not rely on the U.S. government for assistance.
The sponsor should be either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who petitioned for the applicant. In some cases, a joint sponsor may also be allowed if the main sponsor does not meet the income requirement.
The sponsor must provide proof of income and possibly assets. Income usually must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. Supporting documents like tax returns, W-2s, and proof of employment are often needed.
The completed Form I-864 and supporting documents are submitted to the National Visa Center (NVC) or with the green card application, depending on the process. By signing the affidavit, the sponsor commits to financially support the immigrant if necessary.
Failure to submit a complete and accurate Form I-864 can result in delays or denial of the green card application. It is important to carefully review all instructions before submission.
10) Pay all required application and biometric fees
Applicants must pay government filing fees at different stages of the green card process. These fees cover the cost of processing applications and required background checks.
Most green card forms, such as Form I-485 or Form I-130, have set filing fees listed on the USCIS website. In some cases, other fees may apply, depending on the specific type of application or category.
Applicants filing online are guided through the payment process and can use a credit, debit, or prepaid card. Those submitting paper forms generally pay by check or money order as specified by USCIS instructions.
A separate fee is charged for biometrics appointments. This biometric fee pays for fingerprinting, photographs, and signature collection.
USCIS may adjust fees, so applicants should verify the latest amounts directly with USCIS before submitting payment. Payment must be made in full for the application to move forward.
Some categories offer fee waivers or exemptions, usually based on financial hardship or specific eligibility. Applicants should check if they qualify before submitting a waiver request.
Understanding the Green Card Process
Securing a U.S. Green Card involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and correctly filing several critical application forms. Each step requires close attention to instructions and requirements, making advance preparation important.
Common Eligibility Categories
Eligibility for a Green Card depends on the applicant’s relationship to the United States or a U.S. citizen or employer. The main categories include family-sponsored (such as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens), employment-based, refugee or asylum status, and the Diversity Visa lottery.
Family-based applicants typically include spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents of U.S. citizens, and certain other relatives. Employment-based applicants include workers with specialized skills, multinational executives, or individuals who have received a job offer from a U.S. employer. Refugees and asylees eligible for a Green Card must generally have lived in the U.S. for at least one year since being granted refugee or asylee status. The Diversity Visa lottery provides a limited number of Green Cards to individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. Some investors, special immigrants, and others may also qualify under specific programs.
Key Application Forms Explained
The Green Card process typically requires two core forms: an immigrant petition and Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Immigrant petitions vary based on the category:
Form I-130: Used for family sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Form I-140: For employment-based applicants, usually filed by the U.S. employer.
Form I-589 or I-730: For refugees and asylees.
After the appropriate petition is approved, applicants use Form I-485 to apply for a Green Card if they are already in the U.S. Those applying from outside the U.S. use consular processing, completing forms and interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Supporting documents—proof of relationship, employment, or eligibility—must be provided at each step.
Maintaining Permanent Resident Status
Permanent residents must follow specific rules to avoid losing their Green Card. Proper travel planning and timely document renewal are essential responsibilities.
Travel and Reentry Considerations
A lawful permanent resident should limit trips outside the United States. Absences of less than six months generally do not affect residency, but trips lasting six to twelve months may lead to additional questioning upon reentry. Any absence over twelve months can result in the loss of permanent resident status unless a reentry permit was obtained before leaving.
Intent to maintain a U.S. residence is critical. If a resident appears to have moved to another country or makes the U.S. a secondary home, this can be grounds for revocation of status. Before traveling abroad for extended periods, residents should document ongoing U.S. ties, such as a home lease or job.
Recommended steps before long trips:
Apply for a reentry permit if planning to stay outside the U.S. for more than a year.
Keep U.S. bank accounts, file U.S. taxes, and maintain a U.S. address.
Carry proof of ongoing ties when returning to the U.S.
Renewing or Replacing Your Green Card
A Green Card is typically valid for ten years and must be renewed before expiration. Failing to renew does not automatically mean loss of status, but an expired card can cause issues with employment, travel, or proving legal status. Permanent residents should start the renewal process within six months of the card’s expiration by submitting Form I-90.
If a Green Card is lost or stolen, residents must file for a replacement immediately using the same form. Cardholders should provide accurate personal information and supporting documents to avoid processing delays.
Key points to remember:
Monitor the expiration date of your Green Card.
Use Form I-90 to renew or replace.
Carry a valid Green Card at all times to confirm your status and avoid legal issues.
