JOBVISA-INFO: US Permanent Card

Obtaining a U.S. Green Card, which grants lawful permanent residency, involves a detailed process that varies depending on the eligibility category under which you apply. Here’s an overview of the most common pathways to a Green Card: <a href="https://vnisinvestment.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/the-xanh-my-la-gi.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="USA GReen Card" border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1200" height="378" src="https://vnisinvestment.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/the-xanh-my-la-gi.jpeg" title="Green Card USA" width="640" /></a>                                                            Image Credit: vnisinvestment 1. Determine Your Eligibility Category:   There are several paths to obtaining a Green Card, each with specific eligibility criteria:    - **Family-Based Green Cards**: For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings.   - **Employment-Based Green Cards**: For workers in specific job categories or those who have a job offer from a U.S. employer.   - **Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery**: For individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.   - **Refugee or Asylee Status**: For those granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S.   - **Other Special Categories**: Including Green Cards for victims of human trafficking, crime, abuse, or those under specific government programs.  2. Family-Based Green Card Process:   If applying through a family member, the process typically involves these steps:    **a. U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Petitions**   - **Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)**: Filed by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish the qualifying family relationship.   - **Approval**: Once the I-130 petition is approved, it establishes the priority date, which determines when you can apply for a Green Card based on visa availability.    **b. Wait for Visa Availability**   - **Immediate Relatives** (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens): No wait for a visa; they are immediately available.   - **Other Relatives**: Must wait for a visa to become available according to the Visa Bulletin, which depends on your preference category and country of origin.    **c. Apply for the Green Card**   - **Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)**: If you are in the U.S., you can file this to adjust your status to a Green Card holder.   - **Consular Processing**: If you are outside the U.S., you will apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.    **d. Attend an Interview**   - **Interview**: Attend an interview at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office or U.S. consulate.   - **Biometrics**: Submit fingerprints, photos, and other required biometric information.    **e. Green Card Issuance**   - If approved, you'll receive your Green Card in the mail or at the U.S. consulate where you applied. 3. Employment-Based Green Card Process:   If applying through a job offer or employment, the process typically involves these steps:    **a. Labor Certification (if required)**   - **PERM Labor Certification**: The employer must obtain a certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) to show there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position.    **b. Employer Files Petition**   - **Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)**: Filed by the U.S. employer on your behalf.    **c. Wait for Visa Availability**   - Like family-based Green Cards, employment-based Green Cards are subject to visa caps. Check the Visa Bulletin for your priority date.    **d. Apply for the Green Card**   - **Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)**: If you are in the U.S., you can apply to adjust your status.   - **Consular Processing**: If outside the U.S., apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate.    **e. Attend an Interview**   - **Interview**: Attend the required interview and submit biometrics.    **f. Green Card Issuance**   - Upon approval, you'll receive your Green Card. 4. Diversity Visa Lottery Process:   The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is an annual program:    **a. Submit an Entry**   - **DV Lottery Entry**: Submit your entry online during the open registration period. No fee is required.    **b. Selection**   - If selected, you will be notified and given a ranking number.    **c. Apply for the Green Card**   - **Form DS-260**: Complete the immigrant visa application online.   - **Submit Documents**: Provide required documents like your birth certificate, passport, and police certificates.    **d. Interview and Biometrics**   - **Consular Interview**: Attend an interview at a U.S. consulate.   - **Biometrics**: Submit fingerprints and other biometric data.    **e. Green Card Issuance**   - If approved, receive your immigrant visa and enter the U.S. as a permanent resident. 5. Refugee or Asylee Process:   **a. Refugee or Asylee Status**   - **Asylum Application**: If granted asylum or admitted as a refugee, you may apply for a Green Card after one year.    **b. Apply for Green Card**   - **Form I-485**: Apply to adjust your status to a Green Card holder.    **c. Green Card Issuance**   - Upon approval, receive your Green Card.  6. Special Categories:   **a. Self-Petitioning (e.g., VAWA)**   - Certain individuals, such as those under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), can self-petition for a Green Card without needing a sponsor.    **b. Apply for Green Card**   - **Form I-360**: File the petition and then apply for the Green Card. 7. General Steps for All Categories:   **a. Medical Examination**   - Undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved doctor.    **b. Background Check**   - Undergo security checks and submit required documents.    **c. Pay Fees**   - Pay the necessary filing and processing fees. 8. Receive the Green Card:   - If your application is approved, you will receive your Green Card, which allows you to live and work permanently in the U.S.  Tips:- **Stay Informed**: Immigration laws and policies can change, so it’s important to stay up-to-date.- **Consult an Immigration Attorney**: Consider seeking legal advice to navigate the complex immigration process effectively. This process can be lengthy and requires careful attention to detail, so patience and preparation are key.

Most Common Pathways to a Green Card in the USA!

Obtaining a U.S. Green Card, which grants lawful permanent residency, involves a detailed process that varies depending on the eligibility...