What are the 5 steps to get a green card?
USCIS has recently taken steps to address the backlog issue and improve the processing and issuing of green cards. In March of 2022, the agency announced three separate initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce the burden on the immigration system.
One of these initiatives is to reduce processing times and shrink the backlog by increasing capacity, improving technology, and expanding staffing. The goal is to reduce processing times to the new target by the end of the 2023 fiscal year.
Another step to reduce the backlog is increasing the forms that qualify for premium processing. In addition to the current expedited processing of Form I-129: Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and certain cases involving Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, USCIS will now offer expedited processing for Form I-539, I-765, and more I-140 applications.
Another step being taken is extending the validity periods for certain employment authorization documents as well as providing expedited work authorization renewals for healthcare and childcare workers.
Conditional Green Card
Those receiving a green card through a new marriage or as an investor will instead be granted a conditional green card the first time they apply. As the name suggests, certain conditions must be met before a permanent green card can be issued.
A conditional green card is valid for two years, and once that period has expired, permanent residency gets revoked, and the holder is subject to deportation. However, this is avoided if they have filed to have the conditional status of the permanent residency removed. This application must be submitted up to 90 days before the conditional green card expires.
Marriage-based conditional green card holders will need to file Form I-751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. Investment-based conditional green card holders must file Form I-829: Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions. Once the application is filed, permanent residency will be extended in one-year intervals until the request is approved or denied.
See Also: How to Remove Conditions on Green Card
How VisaNation Law Group Attorneys Can Help
Are you interested in getting an EB-2? Make sure that all of your EB-2 green card costs are taken care of by retaining an immigration attorney. VisaNation Law Group lawyers are highly experienced with taking care of everything from the PERM Labor Certification to any possible Requests for Evidence. No case is too difficult to take on.
To schedule a consultation and speak with a VisaNation Law Group attorney, you can fill out this contact form and tell us a little about your case.
How Much Does a Green Card Cost?
The cost of applying for a Green Card varies depending on several factors, such as the applicant’s immigration status, age, location, and the type of Green Card they are seeking.
See Also: The Complete Requirements Needed to Apply for a Green Card.
To obtain a family-based Green Card, an applicant living in the United States is required to pay a government filing fee of $1760, while an applicant living outside the United States is charged $1200.
For those seeking a green card through employment sponsorship, the cost can be quite substantial. The employer is responsible for filing the initial application and paying the filing fee, which can range from $700 to $1,500 depending on the type of green card being sought. The employer may also need to pay for the cost of labor certification, which can cost up to $7,000.
In addition to the employer’s costs, the employee may also need to pay for the cost of legal representation. The legal fees associated with obtaining a green card can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but they can easily range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
It is important to note that this fee does not cover the cost of a medical examination, which is typically required and varies depending on the provider. The cost is higher if the beneficiary is a parent or sibling of the sponsor.
Apart from the above fee details,
Green Card Filing Fees and Other Expenses
When you apply for a green card, it’s important to be aware of the payment process and when fees are due. USCIS filing fees must be paid at the time you submit your application. If you are applying from within the United States, you can typically pay the fee by check or money order. If you are applying from outside the United States, you may be able to pay by credit card or electronic transfer.
Other expenses, such as legal fees and travel expenses, may be due at different times throughout the application process. It’s important to work with an attorney or immigration specialist to help you understand the timeline and requirements for these expenses.
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How Much Is a Green Card Application Fee?
In terms of family-based immigration cases, your green card application fee could be as low as $1,200 and as high as $1,760. The former is for the price for individuals applying from outside the U.S., and the latter is for the ones applying from within the country. These figures are only relevant to immigration cases that are straightforward and do not receive rejections, reconsideration, or other procedural setbacks.
The above cost of a green card application does not include medical examination fees. This varies drastically from country to country and even between cities in some countries. On average, you can expect to pay around $300 for your exam. However, prices can vary from $100 to $500 per exam.
When considering how much a green card will cost you, you should also consider additional fees you may encounter during the application process.
How much money do you need to get someone a green card?
How much does it cost to apply for a green card? The government filing fees for getting a family-based green card is $1760 for an applicant living in the United States or $1200 for an applicant living outside the United States.
What is the easiest way to get green card?
Green Card through the Green Card Lottery
Due to the high requirements in other Green Card categories such as employment-based, family, marriage, and investment Green Cards, the path through the Green Card Lottery is, for most people, not only the easiest but often the only way to a life in the USA.
How Can the Conditions Be Removed?
If you have received your green card through marriage and wish to remove the conditions after two years, you will need to submit an I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions and pay the $595 filing fee along with the $85 biometrics fee.
The USCIS requires you to submit the I-751 at least 90 days before the end of your two-year period. If you don’t do so, you may find yourself out of status when your marriage-based green card expires, which could have dire consequences for future immigration endeavors.
Which state is easiest to get a green card?
What Are the Most Immigrant Friendly States in the USA?
What are Other Costs Associated with Green Cards?
If your medical examination requires you to update your vaccinations, you may have to do so before receiving the completed medical examination report. The cost of vaccinations will depend on the provider and is separate from the medical exam fees.
Translation Services Fees
If you use any documents in other language (except English) in your green card application package, you must translate that particular document to English. To do this you must pay a range between $20 and $40 for translator.
Document Fees
To apply for a Green Card, you need to provide digital copies of your passport, marriage certificate, and birth certificate. It is also required to bring the original copies of these documents with you when attending the Green Card interview, regardless of whether you submitted your application in the United States or abroad. You need to pay for these documents as a charge for the government agencies.
Professional Photography Fees
You need submit two recent 2-inch-by-2-inch photographs, if the government ask to submit to verify your identity. If you use professional photography you need to pay for their service.
Travel Expenses
You may need to travel to different locations to attend the biometrics appointment, taking medical examination, to attend the green card interview. For these kind of travel you need to spend your money. This will not reimburse from government side.
Shipping Costs
You need to mail your green card application packages, supporting documents if required by USCIS. For this postage and mailing you have to pay the fee by your own.
Attorney Fees
A green card grants many rights and benefits to the owner. The primary right imparted on a green card holder is indicated by its official name of Permanent Resident Card. As implied, this card signifies that the holder has the right to remain in the country on a permanent basis as long as they do not commit any acts that would make them removable under immigration law.
Additional benefits of a green card include granting the permanent resident the right to:
Furthermore, the government can not revoke citizenship except in very specific and rare cases. That means that your residency in the United States will be protected. And unlike with green card holders, you will never need to reapply for the extension of this right.
A Brief History of Hikes in Family-Based Green Card Filing Fees
This increase continued until 2007 when it jumped again from $500 to $1,285, with an 88% increase.
The recent increase (from 2007 to date) shows that family-based green card and other immigration application processing fees have been rising far above the inflation rate. Here is a look at the 2016 and 2023 changes:
2016: On December 23, 2016, the USCIS posted a new fee schedule that effectively raised the fees associated with almost every USCIS form available. The USCIS implemented a new fee schedule that made some drastic changes to both temporary nonimmigrant as well as permanent immigrant visa categories. In 2016, the filing fees for family-based green card rose from $1,285 to $1,520.
2020: On November 14, 2019, the yet another change to petition filing fees, including family-based green card application forms. The agency planned to make the changes effective 2020. Though the rule has yet to be effective, if it does, green card applicants should expect an increase in the current fees.
2023: There haven’t been any changes to USCIS filing fees since 2020. However, USCIS added a Fee Calculator to their website that allows you to quickly calculate the costs of any of USCIS forms.
It’s Never Been Easier to Bring Your Family to the U.S.
Permanent Green Card
As mentioned, most green card applicants will receive a permanent green card the first time they apply. This green card is good for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely. However, a permanent green card can still be revoked if you violate certain conditions of your residency.
Applying for citizenship when you become eligible can help protect your right to remain in the country. Only very rare circumstances can empower the government to revoke citizenship once it has been attained.
Get Help With Your U. Green Card Application Today
Applying for a U.S. green card can often be a long and stressful process. Unfortunately, many factors in the application process are out of your control. However, that makes it even more important to do everything you can to take control of the things you can. An immigration solutions company can help you ensure that your application gets filed correctly.
Mistakes on a green card application can lead to significant delays. By filing everything right from the start, you won’t add any unnecessary time to the processing of your green card application. At ImmigrationDirect, we provide you with the tools you need to fill out your application forms correctly and ensure that you don’t miss any filing deadlines.
A green card can open up many opportunities, including clearing your path toward U.S. citizenship. After you have received your green card and are beginning to approach your eligibility date for citizenship, we can also help you through this process. Don’t hesitate to get started on the path to your new life today.
Marriage-Based Green Card Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about marriage green cards.
I want to join my spouse in the U.S. while my green card is being processed. Which visa can I apply for?
In the interim, you can join your spouse in the U.S. while your green card through marriage is being processed by applying for and obtaining a K-3 visa.
What is the age requirement to sponsor a marriage-based green card?
There is no stipulated minimum age for a marriage-based green card petitioner. However, you must be at least 18 years old and have residence in the United States before you can sign the Affidavit of Support Form. The affidavit form is one of the mandatory items for a marriage-based green card application, so the minimum age is effectively 18.
What should I do if I was a permanent resident when I filed a green card petition for my foreign spouse but now I am a citizen?
You will need to upgrade the petition you filed earlier from an F2 green card (family second preference) to the immediate relative (IR) category. You can do this by sending proof of your citizenship to the NVC. This will expedite the green card process, as higher priority is given to immediate relative applicants.
How long do I have to wait to apply for a green card after marrying my spouse?
You don’t have to wait for any particular period before applying for a green card. As soon as you are legally married, you can start your green card process, regardless of your location.
What happens if they divorce before the end of the 2-year period?
If a divorce occurs before the 2-year period ends, the foreign-born spouse is advised to file Form I-751 in order to apply for a “good faith marriage waiver.”
NOTE: Apart from the spouse, unmarried children under the age of 21 and parents of U.S. citizens (over 21) may apply for a green card as an immediate relative.
How long does it take to get a green card based on marriage?
In 2023, the average time that applicants have to wait to get a marriage-based green card was about 15 months. The shortest time is around 13 months, while the longest could be as many as 20 months. Your wait times will differ depending on the residency status of your U.S. spouse, whether they are an American citizen or a green card holder. However, your wait times could also be affected depending on your country of residence and whether you are applying from within the U.S. or outside the U.S.
Who is eligible for a marriage green card?
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a green card through marriage?
Under U.S. immigration law, you are not required to hire a lawyer for your marriage-based green card. If you have a straightforward case and a relatively unproblematic background, you would be able to successfully submit a marriage-based green card application by yourself.
Do you automatically get a green card when you marry a U. citizen?
Requirements for the Beneficiary (Applicant Requirements) The beneficiary, or person who is applying to receive a green card, is generally automatically eligible to receive a green card once they are lawfully married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
At the close of the 2021 fiscal year, which ended September 30th, 2021, there were more than nine million green card applicants in the processing backlog. Approximately 7.5 million of these applications were for family-based green cards, while about 1.6 million were for employment-based green cards.
Green card processing times continue to increase as the backlog continues to grow. Many potential reforms to green card processing have been proposed to speed up the process. However, as with most things in government, implementing change is a long process.
Marriage-Based Green Card Denial
If you get your green card by marriage denied, the USICIS likely included the reasoning for the denial in the letter. However, if you wish to avoid a denial, here are some of the common reasons it may occur.
If your marriage-based green card petition is denied, the denial letter should include instructions for appealing the decision if that is your decision. If you choose to do so, be sure to have an immigration attorney helping you, as the appeals process is a delicate legal issue.
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Green Card Through Employment
Obtaining a green card through employment is another common path that people take to permanent residence. The difficulty of obtaining an employment-based green card will vary depending on your experience, education, and skill level, as well as the industry in which you work.
Workers who possess extraordinary ability in the fields of art, science, athletics, education, and business have first preference. Also in this category are outstanding professors and researchers, as well as multinational managers or executives.
Second preference workers must work in a profession that requires an advanced degree or display exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business. Meanwhile, third preference workers perform skilled or unskilled labor and can work in a profession that requires education up to a bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.
When applying for an employment-based green card, your employer will submit Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers and pay the associated fee, as well as paying the fee for Labor Certification, if necessary. Meanwhile, you will have to go through consular processing or submit Form I-485. Investors can also get this type of green card by creating U.S.-based jobs.
Marriage-Based Green Card Interview Questions
Here are some sample marriage-based green card interview questions you may be asked during your meeting. Note that these are some possible marriage-based green card questions and in no way can we guarantee that these will be the exact inquiries:
There is a long list of potential marriage green card interview questions that may come up during your meeting. It’s best to speak openly and honestly when answering.
If you prefer a visual guide, don’t miss our complete Marriage-Based Green Card Interview Guide or check out our detailed complete guide for passing interview questions:
Can I work while waiting for green card?
Can I start working while I’m waiting for my green card? If you already have a valid work visa, such as an H-1B or L-1 visa, you can continue working in the United States even while your green card application is being processed.
What Kinds of Family-Based Green Cards Are There?
These green cards are only available to the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. If you keep up with the monthly visa bulletins released by the Department of State, you will see that these green cards have been excluded. This is because one of the main benefits of these is the fact that the priority dates for IR visas are automatically current, meaning that there is no obligatory waiting period once the petition has been approved. See the difference between IR-1 and CR-1 visas in our detailed guide.
Here are the five IR green cards:
The process of bringing an immediate family member to the U.S. can be quite lengthy, considering that you will have to search and fill out appropriate forms, and provide necessary supporting evidence. With VisaNation, there is no guesswork, our lawyers will take control of your application. Start your application today!
These green cards are available to the non-immediate relatives of U.S. citizens as well as the immediate relatives of lawful permanent residents (green card holders). In contrast to the IR green cards, these do have backlogged priority date waiting times.
You will need to select the green card that best fits your situation and that of the person who is receiving the visa.
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Married to a Permanent Resident
In relation to green card applications based on marriages to citizens, there are more who fall into the category of marriages to U.S. permanent residents than married to a citizen. For that reason, the demand is often very high. As there are some risks involved in getting a green card by marriage application, VisaNation Law Group’s immigration attorneys review all cases very carefully to ensure a successful result.
One of the most important parts of the marriage-based green card process, which we can help you with, is the gathering and preparation of the application and supporting documents. In most situations, a marriage is valid for immigration purposes if it is recognized by the law of the state where it occurs.
However, a legally valid marriage may still be disregarded if it is found to be a sham marriage, entered into by the parties to obtain immigration benefits and without any intention to live together as husband and wife.
Although getting a green card through marriage can often be the easiest way to obtain residency for a non-U.S. citizen, approval is not automatic. U.S. citizens applying for a fiancée visa or marriage green card must be aware that immigration officials will scrutinize their applications to ensure that the marriage is legitimate and bona fide, and not for the sole purpose of gaining immigration benefits.
The citizen and the foreign spouse must prove that the marriage is bona fide. If the citizen and foreign spouse have been married less than 2 years at the time the spouse becomes a permanent resident, a conditional 2-year green card will be issued.
Does divorce affect green card status?
Getting a divorce will not affect your permanent resident status. You need to renew your permanent green card every 10 years by filing Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. But there are no questions on this form about your marital or relationship status.
Get Help Applying for a U. Green Card Today
At ImmigrationDirect, we provide our clients with all the resources they need to get a green card through whichever path they take. The road to permanent residency can be long and costly. However, the benefits of becoming a permanent resident in the United States are worth the battle. One of these perks is that getting a green card is a necessary step on the path to U.S. citizenship.
Receiving citizenship through naturalization will grant you the full rights of native-born U.S. citizens. If you plan to remain in the United States for an extended period, citizenship might be the right choice for you. We can help you not only with the process of becoming a permanent resident but also guide you through the steps to becoming a United States citizen.
Cost to Get a Green Card
In most situations, getting a green card can be quite expensive. The exact cost to get a green card will vary depending on the path you are taking to permanent residency.
Cost to Get a Green Card Through Family
Getting a green card through a family member comes with several costs. Your family member must file Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative, which costs $535. Meanwhile, you must submit Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which costs $1,140. You must also have to pay $85 for your biometrics exam fee in most cases.
If you are getting your green card through consular processing, it will cost another $300 to $350. To improve your chances of getting your green card approved and speed the process along, you might also want to hire an immigration lawyer who will likely charge thousands of dollars. All told, you will probably pay between $2,000 and $7,500 for your initial green card.
Cost to Get a Green Card Through Marriage
The same forms will need to be filed to receive your green card through marriage as through any other familial relationship. When applying for a marriage-based green card, you will pay $1,760 in fees plus potential additional expenses such as hiring an attorney and translation services.
Cost to Get a Green Card Through Employment
Some of the costs associated with an employment-based green card will be paid by you, while others will be paid by your employer. For first preference immigrant workers, your employer will pay the Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers fee of $700. For a second or third preference immigrant worker, your employer will also pay $3,000-$4,000 for Labor Certification.
Meanwhile, you will pay $1,140 for Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with $325 for the Immigrant Visa Application, $85 for Biometrics services, and $220 for the USCIS Immigrant Fee. The total of all your expenses will be $1,770.
Immigrant investors will have to pay the same $1,770 as immigrant workers. However, they will also have to pay $3,675 for the processing of Form I-526: Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor.
Cost to Get a Green Card as a Special Immigrant
The costs for a green card as a special immigrant vary depending on the specific category under which you are applying. However, you can generally expect to pay at least as much as a family or employment-based green card.
Many special immigrants will have to file Form I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, which has a fee of $435 in addition to Form I-485.
Cost to Get a Green Card Through Refugee or Asylee Status
Refugees and asylum seekers will generally have to pay $1,140 for the processing of Form I-485, along with $85 for biometrics for those between the ages of 14 and 79. However, if you can not afford these costs, you can submit an application to have the fees waived.
Cost to Get a Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
When applying for a green card for human trafficking and crime victims you will have to pay the costs of $1,140 for Form I-485 and the $85 biometrics fee, if applicable. However, like refugees and asylum seekers, it is possible to apply to have these fees waived.
Cost to Get a Green Card for Victims of Abuse
Abuse victims can file Form I-360 for free. Like refugees, asylees, and victims of human trafficking and other select crimes, you can apply for a waiver of the fees for Form I-485 when applying for a green card for victims of abuse.
Cost to Get a Green Card Through Registry
Those who apply for a green card through the registry will have to file Form I-485 and pay the filing fee of $1,140.
Cost to Get a Green Card Through the Diversity Visa Program
Entering the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program lottery is free. However, those selected in the lottery will have to pay $330 for the Diversity Visa fee. Applicants outside of the U.S. will pay an additional $325 to file Form DS-260, while applicants already in the country on a temporary visa will pay $1,140 to file Form I-485 to adjust their status.
Cost to Get a Green Card Through Other Categories
The cost to get a green card for applicants in other categories can vary significantly. Some of these applicants may be able to get their fees waived, like refugees and asylum seekers, while others will pay up to thousands of dollars for their application and additional costs if they hire an attorney to help them with the process.
Speak with an immigration lawyer or immigration solutions company to get a better understanding of how much it will cost for your specific green card application.
Is it very difficult to get a green card?
No matter how you attempt it, it’s not easy to get a green card. The process of getting a green card can be very long and complicated. Doing it incorrectly could waste years and a lot of money. It also could expose you to deportation, criminal charges, and being barred from ever entering the US.
Obtaining a family-based green card is one of the most common paths taken toward immigration to the United States. You can qualify for a family-based green card through several different familial relationships. The closer your relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the quicker and easier the process of obtaining permanent residency will be.
You can apply for a green card as:
To begin the process of getting a green card through family, the sponsoring relative must file Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative, as well as provide proof of their status as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and proof of your familial relationship.
Meanwhile, if you are outside of the United States, you will have to go through consular processing. Once the submitted Form I-130 has been approved, it will be sent to the embassy or consulate in the country where you reside. You must submit Form DS-260: Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration and have a one-on-one interview with a consular officer.
If you are already in the U.S., you need to file Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with the USCIS. This form can be submitted simultaneously with Form I-130 if you are an immediate relative and must be submitted along with the required documents. You will then go through biometrics screening and an interview with a USCIS officer.
History of the Green Card
For much of the history of the United States, immigration into the country was unregulated. Eventually, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was created in 1933 as a division of the Department of Labor. In 1940, the INS was moved out of the Department of Labor and into the Department of Justice.
In the ‘40s, the Alien Registration Receipt Card was awarded to applicants seeking permanent residence in the United States. The Alien Registration Receipt Card was the predecessor of the Permanent Resident card that exists today. The original Alien Registration Receipt Card was bright green, which is why people began referring to it as a green card.
In 1977, the name of the green card was officially changed from an Alien Registration Receipt Card to a Resident Alien Card. Then, in 1997, the name was changed again, to the current Permanent Resident Card. In 2003, the INS has renamed the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is the current issuer of green cards.
The history of the green card is ever-evolving. Many other changes have been made to the card over the years. While some were minor, including changing the color of the card for some years, most were done to increase the security of this identification card.
K-1 Visa to Green Card
If you have a K-class visa and wish to transition to a green card through marriage, then here is the process:
Remember, if you are still in the U.S. under K status, you may not need to go through consular processing. However, the USCIS reserves the right to mandate a consular interview to any prospective immigrant.
Как получить грин-карту США
Подробнее о лотерее
Другие способы иммиграции
Документы для грин-карты
После одобрения заявки все кандидаты проходят собеседование в посольстве США.
В 2021 году все консульства США на территории России прекратили свою работу, поэтому пройти интервью в РФ нельзя. Победителям лотереи назначают собеседование в посольстве США в Польше.
Однако здесь есть еще одна сложность. Польша не выдает визы россиянам, и въехать туда можно только по уважительной причине.
Чтобы обойти запрет вы можете сначала отправиться, например в Германию, а оттуда уже вылететь в Польшу. Либо попросить перенести интервью в другую страну — например, Сербию.
Дополнительные документы
Свидетельство о рождении кандидата;
свидетельства о завершении предыдущих браков;
документы для приемных детей — свидетельство об усыновлении / удочерении, удостоверение опекуна и другие;
свидетельство о регистрации компании и инвестициях — для грин-карты на основании инвестиций;
документ, подтверждающий регистрацию доставки визовых документов (IV Delivery Confirmation page).
Консульство может запросить другие документы в зависимости от страны / индивидуального случая кандидата, а также их заверенные копии.
You will then likely go through biometric screening and have an interview with a consular or USCIS officer.
Some of the other categories for obtaining a U.S. green card include applying:
HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED TO HAVE TO PROCESS THE GREEN CARD AFTER WINNING?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=x7b-jAy9ASM%3Ffeature%3Doembed
Married to a U. Citizen
The husband or wife of a U.S. citizen is considered an “immediate relative” by law which means they are not held against any quota restrictions for receiving green cards via marriage. To start the process, the citizen would first need to submit an I-130 on behalf of their spouse and if they entered the U.S legally, they can file the I-485 adjustment of status in order to stay within the U.S.
Typically, the spouse will be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) within a 90-day window and in some cases may be approved to travel overseas. If a green card is granted to a marriage that is less than 2 years old, a 2-year time limit will be imposed on the card. To receive a ten-year green card the couple needs to submit Form I-751 within the 90-day period before the expiration of the initial green card.
Get the Marriage Green Card
What is the 7 years green card rule?
Under this bill, individuals would be eligible to apply for permanent status after living continuously in the United States for at least seven years.
Which Forms Do You Need for a Family-Based Green Card?
The forms that are usually required for the family-based green card preference categories depend on which path was used to apply for the green card. However, there are a few forms that are required for all situations:
If you entered or are entering the U.S. under a nonimmigrant K visa (meaning that you are the fiancé(e), spouse, or dependents of a fiancé(e) or spouse of a U.S. citizen), then there are several more forms that may be required before you can get a green card based on your situation.
Please note that this may or not be an exhaustive list depending on your situation. Because each immigration case is different, it is always advisable to consult with your immigration attorney to confirm which forms apply to your circumstances. As you can imagine, there are many forms and documents for family immigration applications. VisaNation lawyers make the entire process easy and simple. Start your immigration journey today!
Family-Based Green Card to Citizenship Filing Fees
The good thing about naturalization processing fees is that you may get a fee waiver or reduction in case you can’t afford the fees. Of course, as in most circumstances, you must meet certain eligibility criteria for a fee reduction or waiver. Also, if you are over the age of 74, you will not need to pay for a biometric fee, reducing the total cost to $640.
How can I get a green card in USA without marriage?
There are several routes to becoming a citizen in the United States, but by far, the fastest is to become naturalized by marriage. Expedited naturalization by marriage requires you to live in the United States with your citizen spouse for three years.
How long does it take to get a green card legally?
It takes 7 to 33 months to process a Green Card application.
The Green Card processing time depends on the type of Green Card you are applying for, the location of the processing office and other factors. Family Preference Green Cards processing takes from 1 to 10 years depending on the wait time and yearly caps.
How Long Will It Take to Get a Green Card?
The amount of time it takes to get a green card can vary depending on the route you are taking to obtain your permanent residency. Let’s take a closer look at some of the possible wait times for various green card applications.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through Family?
The wait time for getting a green card through a family member can vary dramatically depending on your relationship with the sponsoring family member and their residency status. For an immediate family member of a U.S. citizen, like a spouse, an unmarried child under the age of 21, or a parent, wait times range from six to 18 months.
For immediate family members of permanent residents, wait times can range from 11 months to over four years.
Meanwhile, for all other family members, the wait time is likely going to be much longer. In some cases, it can take as many as 10 years to get a green card as a family member of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Furthermore, family members with Filipino or Mexican citizenship can wait over 20 years for a green card.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through Marriage?
In most cases, getting a green card through marriage will take between six and 18 months if your spouse is a U.S. citizen. However, extra time can be added if you are living in the United States while your application is being processed.
For spouses of lawful permanent residents, the waiting period can be over four years.
See Also: Check the exact timeline of Marriage Green Card
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through Employment?
The wait time for an employment-based green card depends on the popularity of the employment category under which you are applying. In some cases, it can take less than a year to receive a green card. However, if applying under a popular category, you may have to wait as many as six years for acceptance of your application.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card as a Special Immigrant?
The wait times for a green card as a special immigrant can vary significantly depending on your specific status. However, generally speaking, you will likely be looking at a wait of around one year up to five years. Of course, in some complicated cases, the wait time can be even longer.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through Refugee or Asylee Status?
Wait times for refugees or asylees seeking green cards typically vary from eight months to two years depending on the backlog of refugee and asylum seekers and the immigration office where the application is filed.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims?
Victims of human trafficking and other select crimes become eligible to apply for a green card after three years of continuous residency in the United States. After that, the application can take another three years or more before they receive their green card.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card for Victims of Abuse?
The wait times for victims of abuse to get a green card will depend on the program through which they are applying. Obtaining a green card for a victim of abuse will likely take somewhere between two and five years.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through Registry?
As the Registry law currently stands, applicants can likely wait less than a year to receive their green card because there are very few people applying for a green card under this category. The reason for this is that the date for continuous residency is over 50 years ago, leaving very few eligible applicants in the country.
However, if the date for the registry changes and moves into the 21st century, many previously ineligible immigrants will be able to apply, and wait times will likely rise.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through the Diversity Visa Program?
If selected in the lottery under the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, you likely won’t have to wait as long for your green card as applicants in many other categories. In most cases, you can receive a green card through the Diversity Visa Program in one to three years.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through Other Categories?
The amount of time it takes to get a green card through other categories can vary wildly. Depending on the specific path towards permanent residency, you could be looking at as little as one year, all the way up to 10+ years.
Green Card Costs
For all types of green cards, the government filing cost starts from $535 to $2000. This range of green card fee varies for different categories and location. Apart from this there is fee for the medical exam, biometrics etc.,
What happens if you fail green card test?
F. Failure to Meet the English or Civics Requirements
If an applicant fails any portion of the English test, the civics test, or all tests during the initial naturalization examination, USCIS reschedules the applicant to appear for a second examination between 60 and 90 days after the initial examination.
Ten Tips for a Marriage-Based Green Card Interview
We know how stressful the interview process can be, so take a look at these ten tips to make the best of your situation.
Simple and Fast Marriage Green Cards
How to Reduce the Green Card Cost?
It is important to note that there are various ways to reduce the cost of obtaining a Green Card.
Applicants can request a fee waiver under certain conditions, which includes means testing’s of income relative to requested benefits, or household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing or financial hardship.
Hire an Immigration Lawyer for Your Green Card Case
The burden of proof to establish the legitimacy of the marriage falls upon the applicant. An experienced attorney can assist you in this task, both in preparing the application correctly and also advising the applicant, as to what kind of documents should be brought to the interview to increase the likelihood of success.
The immigration attorneys at the VisaNation Law Group have significant experience in all aspects of the marriage-based immigration process. They have successfully handled dozens of fiancée visa and marriage immigration cases.
VisaNation Law Group has assisted clients through every step of the process including completing the application forms correctly, preparing and gathering documents and necessary evidence, preparing and accompanying you and your spouse to the final immigration interview.
Our experienced immigration attorneys can advise you on what to expect when going through this process. Start your immigration journey today!
Again, it’s best to explore all of your options before beginning the application process. Contact an immigration attorney to learn what course of action is best for you and your spouse.
Green Card Through Special Immigrant Status
The specific process varies slightly for special immigrants depending on their particular status. However, generally speaking, they will need a sponsor to file paperwork supporting their permanent residency.
Afterward, the applicant can submit Form I-485 or Form DS-260, depending on whether or not they are in the country. They will then have biometrics taken and have a one-on-one interview before potential approval of their application for permanent residence.
How to Minimize Your Green Card Costs
While the cost of obtaining a green card can be high, there are several steps you can take to minimize your expenses:
How Much Time Will It Take to Get a Green Card?
The processing time for getting a green card can vary wildly depending on the path you are taking to obtain your permanent residency. Even the quickest road to a green card is going to take at least six months, while in some extreme cases, it can take upwards of 20 years to receive a green card.
Applying From Inside the U.
The current wait time for spouses and immediate family members (parents and minor children) of U.S. citizens applying through adjustment of status takes in months. The wait time can be significantly longer, usually two years or more, for spouses of US green card holders, and other relatives of U.S. Citizen, and green cards obtained through employment.
Applying From Outside the U.
The current wait time for spouses and immediate family members (parents and minor children) of U.S. citizens applying through consular processing takes in months. The wait time for spouses of green card holders from outside the U.S. also takes in months to complete. Rest green card wait time depends on the country caps and varies accordingly.
What is the hardest part of the green card process?
Labor Certification (PERM)
For petitions requiring this step, the Labor Certification process is often the hardest and most arduous step.
How Much Does A Marriage-Based Green Card Cost?
The cost involved with obtaining a green card through marriage varies depending on your age and immigration circumstances. Below is a detailed table of schedules associated with marriage-based green card costs as per USCIS green card guidelines:
Form Filing FeeApplying from Outside the U.S.Applying from Inside the U.S.
I-130: Petition for Alien Relative$535$535
I-485: Green Card ApplicationNot Applicable$1,140
I-864: Affidavit of Support$120$0
State Department Processing$325Not Applicable
USCIS Immigrant Fee$220Not Applicable
*See this chart under “Special Instructions” for the cost of filing the I-485 application.
It is important to note that these are only the mandatory costs required by the USCIS. You should also consider any travel costs as well as attorney fees when evaluating the total cost of your green card.
Attorney fees for marriage-based green cards vary dramatically across the U.S. on average, immigration attorneys charge anywhere between $1,500 to over $5,000. The fees would usually depend on the difficulty of your case and how many hours it would take the attorney to complete your application. Generally, if you have a simple case, you can expect to be on the lower scale of attorney fees, but if your case has multiple complications, you will probably end up on the higher end of the attorney fees estimations. You can reference our immigration attorney fees to become familiar with the services we provide and with the price points that you should expect.
EB-2 Green Card Cost
Now that we know the steps and the forms required for each one, we can compile the filing fees together to see what the total mandatory EB-2 green card cost will be.
So this brings the total EB2 green card cost to $1,450 as a best-case scenario for someone simply changing their status. If you are outside the U.S., the green card total cost could be up to $2,243. Work with your immigration attorney to determine what the fees will be for your case.
It is important to note that the I-140 fee and all costs associated with the PERM Labor Certification must be paid by your employer. However, the I-485 fee can be paid either by you or your employer. Additionally, the DS-260 and biometrics fees must be paid by you.