Green Card is the document that gives you the right to live and work in the USA permanently. Application steps vary from person to person. In this article, you will learn about the basics of applying for a Green Card and many useful links that will direct you to the right resources!

Eligibility for Application:

First, you need to find out if you are eligible to apply. For this, you can examine various immigration categories. To find Green Card eligibility categories, please see this list: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility-categories 

Finding an Application Sponsor:

Most applicants will need a sponsor who is a legal resident of the United States. In most cases, an immigration petition is a necessity and has many forms. You can access the most common forms using this link: https://www.uscis.gov/forms.

There are some exceptions to the petition requirements. Please read your eligible category details carefully to learn more about this.

Choose Your Application Process:

If you are eligible to apply, you can move on to choosing which application process to use. There are two application processes. One is “Adjustment of Status” and the other is “Consular Processing”.

You proceed with “Change of Status” if:

• If you are currently in the United States and want to change your status to legal permanent resident.

You will proceed with “Consular Procedures” if:

• If you are currently abroad and want to have a Green Card.

For details of each application process, please read more at the links below:

• Change of Status:  [https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-of-status]
• Consular Procedures:  [[invalid URL removed]]

General Steps to Follow for Your Application:

Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing share some of the procedures required when applying for a Green Card:

• An immigration petition is a must (with some exceptions I mentioned above).
• Filling out your application document.
• If you are proceeding with Change of Status, you apply by filling out I-485: https://www.uscis.gov/i-485 . You can use this [link] for mail.  
• If you apply through Consular Processing, you must apply for an immigration visa at the U.S. consulate in your place of residence.
• Go to your interview appointment (This is required for Consular Processing only. However, Change of Status applicants may also be invited to an interview).
• The decision on your application will be sent to you: Green Card or a visa package. This depends on your application process. The necessary information is included on the pages of the process you are applying for.

The Green Card lottery is the most common path to US citizenship. Millions of people from all over the world are trying their luck to get this visa. Therefore, the popularity of the Green Card brings with it many legal questions that need to be answered. As a dynamic and up-to-date immigration law firm, we understand the potential legal challenges that come with your application. In this context, we offer a meticulous and enlightening legal service that will ease your burden and stress. We believe in the promise of our motto: We care, we work, we succeed.