Most Analysed FAQs About Green Card Application
Getting a Green card and becoming a legal citizen of U.S. is a dream of many. Millions of applications pour in every year. Before rolling out your Green card application, you might have a lot of questions. You might know about U.S. immigration law, but you still might be confused about how it applies to your case. But there’s probably someone who’s been in the same boat as you and has asked similar questions. Here’s some FAQs for guidance on Green card application and process.
- What is a green card?
A green card, issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), proves you’re a legal permanent resident and lets you live and work in the United States. Green cards are valid up to 10 years and thereafter need renewal, but conditional green cards based on marriage or investment last only 2 years.
- What is a lawful permanent resident?
A permanent resident, also called a green card holder, is a foreign national authorized to live and work anywhere in the United States and sponsor certain relatives for their own green cards (U.S. Citizenship).
- What is conditional permanent residence?
A conditional green card is valid for only two years, issued to a permanent resident. You have to file Form I-751 to remove the conditions and get a permanent green card. In most cases, a conditional green card is issued to a spouse married <2 years and to an investor. If you don’t file Form I-751, your permanent resident status will expire and you’ll be deported from the U.S.
- Why are green card applications rejected?
A green card can be denied for many reasons, including but not limited to mistakes on the forms, missing documents, insufficient funds, or not meeting eligibility requirements. To know more, refer to the Top 7 Silly Mistakes to Avoid While Applying For Green Card.
- Can I work in the U.S. before receiving my green card?
If you’re already working here on a work visa, you can usually keep working here while waiting for your green card. To legally work in the U.S., you need either a work permit or permission under your visa and/or status. You cannot work legally if you don’t have a work permit, or even if you’re a Green Card holder.
- What’s the difference between a fiancé and a marriage visa?
A fiancé visa is a temporary visa available to people engaged to U.S. citizens who live outside the U.S. and plan to get married within 90 days of arriving in the U.S. A marriage green card is available for U.S. citizens’ spouses and for U.S. permanent residents’ spouses, whether living in the United States or abroad, and ultimately provides permanent residence.
- How much time does it take to receive a green card?
There are many ways to get a green card, and the timeline for each pathway is different. Depending on the situation, the marriage-based green card process can last as little as 10 months or over 3 years.
- How much does a green card cost?
The cost of each green card application is different. The government charges $1,760 in fees for a marriage-based green card, plus other costs, if the spouse seeking a green card lives in the United States. If the spouse lives abroad, the government charges $1,200 in fees plus other costs.
What is USCIS?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It’s a government agency that oversees legal immigration to the US. USCIS handles a lot of stuff, like green cards, naturalization, work permits, and travel permits.
What’s the visa bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin, issued monthly by the US Department of State, shows whether your green card application can move forward, based on when your I-130 petition was originally filed.
Looking for help with your green card application?
Cosmos Immigration is one of the best immigration services in the UAE, with a strong team of licensed paralegals, professional consultants working for years. We strongly believe every case is different, and guidance from industry experts will get you through. We assist you with your green card application, interview preparation, appointments, post landing services and much more. Take a free assessment today, and our team will get back to you within 24 hours to assist with your green card application.
