US Green Card Application Process and Precautions

Applying for a US green card (permanent resident card) is a complex process that involves multiple steps and precautions. The following are the basic process and key considerations for applying for a US green card:

1、 The main ways to apply for a green card
The main ways to apply for a US green card include the following categories:

Family reunion:

U.S. citizens or green card holders can apply for a green card for their spouse, children, parents, or siblings.

Direct relatives of citizens (spouse, unmarried minor children, parents) have no quota restrictions, while other relatives need to wait for scheduling.

Occupational Immigration:

EB-1： Outstanding talents, outstanding professors/researchers, and executives of multinational corporations.

EB-2： Highly educated professionals or individuals with special abilities.

EB-3： Technical workers, professionals, and non-technical workers.

EB-4： Special occupation immigrants (such as religious workers).

EB-5： Investment immigration requires investing a certain amount of money and creating employment opportunities.

Refugees or asylum:

After obtaining refugee or asylum status, one can apply for a green card.

Diversified Immigration Visa (Green Card Lottery):

Green cards are issued annually to citizens of eligible countries through a lottery system.

2、 Green Card Application Process
The following is the general process for applying for a green card:

The official website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
website:

This website【 https://www.uscis.gov 】Provide detailed information on green card applications, including application forms, fees, processing times, policy updates, etc.
Main function:

Form Download: Download the forms required for green card application (such as I-130, I-140, I-485, etc.).

Application Guide: View detailed steps and requirements for various types of green card applications.

Cost inquiry: Understand the relevant fees for applying for a green card.

Case status inquiry: Check the application progress by entering the receipt number.

Policy Update: Get the latest immigration policies and regulations.

Other related websites

US State Department Visa Bulletin:

website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html

Used to inquire about the scheduling of family reunification and occupational immigration.

US Embassy in China:

website: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn

Applicable to applicants who apply for a green card through consular processing procedures.

1. Determine eligibility for application
   Choose the appropriate green card application category based on your own situation.

Confirm whether it meets the specific requirements of the category (such as family relationships, professional qualifications, investment amount, etc.).

2. Submit application
   Family Cluster: I-130 Form (Foreign Relatives Application) submitted by US citizens or green card holders.

Occupational immigration: Typically, employers submit the I-140 form (Foreign Worker Immigration Application).

Investment Immigration Category: Submit Form I-526 (Investment Immigration Application).

Asylum or Refugee Category: Submit Form I-589 (Asylum Application) or apply through the Refugee Procedure.

3. Waiting for scheduling
   For categories with quota restrictions (such as partial family reunification and occupational immigration), waiting for scheduling (Visa Bulletin) is required.

The scheduling varies depending on the application category and nationality.

4. Submit an application for identity adjustment or consular processing
   If the applicant is already within the United States, they can submit Form I-485 (Application for Adjustment of Status).

If the applicant is overseas, they need to go through the consular processing procedure and undergo an interview at a US embassy or consulate abroad.

5. Biometric recognition and interview
   After submitting the application, the applicant needs to complete biometric identification (fingerprint collection).

Some applicants are required to attend interviews and answer questions from immigration officers.

6. Waiting for approval
   The immigration office will review the application materials and may require additional documents.

The approval time varies depending on the type of application and individual circumstances.

7. Obtain a green card
   After the application is approved, the applicant will receive a green card.

The green card is valid for 10 years and needs to be renewed before expiration.

3、 Precautions
material preparation

Ensure that all documents are genuine and complete, including identification documents, marriage certificates, work certificates, financial certificates, etc.

Non English documents require certified translations.

Scheduling and Quotas

Some categories, such as family reunification and occupational immigration, have annual quota restrictions and require patient waiting for scheduling.

The scheduling progress can be checked through the Visa Bulletin of the US State Department.

Immigrant tendencies

When applying for a non immigrant visa (such as a tourist visa), avoid showing immigration tendencies, otherwise you may be rejected.

legal status

Applicants who adjust their status within the United States must maintain legal status, otherwise it may affect their green card application.

Interview preparation

During the interview, it is necessary to truthfully answer the immigration officer’s questions and avoid providing contradictory or false information.

legal advice

Green card application involves complex legal issues, it is recommended to consult a professional immigration lawyer or licensed immigration consultant.

cost

The cost of applying for a green card is relatively high, including application fees, biometric fees, lawyer fees, etc., and a budget needs to be prepared in advance.

4、 Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my green card application is rejected?

Additional materials can be provided or a new application can be made based on the reasons for visa refusal, and an appeal can be filed if necessary.

Rights and Obligations of Green Card Holders

Rights: May reside and work permanently in the United States, and enjoy some social welfare benefits.

Obligation: To comply with US laws, file taxes on time, and avoid long-term departure.

How to convert a green card to a citizen?

After holding a green card for at least 5 years (or through marriage for at least 3 years), one can apply for citizenship.

5、 Summary
The application for a US green card is a complex and time-consuming process, and applicants need to choose the appropriate path based on their own situation and ensure that the materials are authentic and complete. It is recommended to maintain patience throughout the entire process and seek professional help if necessary.

For more information, please visit the official website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): https://www.uscis.gov .