1. What role do USCIS Service Centers play in green card processing?

USCIS Service Centers are responsible for the initial review and adjudication of most green card applications. They review documents for accuracy, verify the eligibility of applicants, and process applications for initial approval. The USCIS Service Centers also issue notices of approval or denial for green card applications, as well as issues related to other immigration benefits.

2. How do USCIS Service Centers help with green card processing?

USCIS Service Centers provide services related to the processing of green cards, including reviewing applications, conducting background checks, verifying documentation, and issuing permanent resident cards (green cards). They also provide customer service to green card applicants.

3. What types of green card applications are processed by USCIS Service Centers?

USCIS Service Centers process several types of green card applications, including: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card; and Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.

4. How long does it typically take for a green card application to be processed by a USCIS Service Center?

It typically takes around 6 months for a green card application to be processed by a USCIS Service Center. However, the exact processing time is dependent on the type of green card application and the Service Center’s workload.

5. What types of documents are required to be submitted to a USCIS Service Center for green card processing?

In order to apply for a green card, applicants must submit a variety of documents to the USCIS Service Center. These documents include:

• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

• Form G-325A, Biographic Information

• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Document
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
• Copy of birth certificate
• Copy of passport
• Two passport-style photos
• A copy of the applicant’s nonimmigrant visa (if applicable)
• Evidence of lawful admission or parole into the United States (if applicable)
• Evidence of current lawful nonimmigrant status (if applicable)
• Evidence of any previous applications for a green card (if applicable)
• Documents related to any criminal convictions (if applicable)

6. Does the USCIS Service Center provide customer assistance with green card processing?

No, the USCIS Service Center does not provide customer assistance with green card processing. You can contact the U.S. Department of State or the National Visa Center for more information on green card processing.

7. Does the USCIS Service Center contact applicants with updates about their green card applications?

Yes, the USCIS Service Center will contact applicants with updates about their green card applications.

8. Are decision notices typically issued by the USCIS Service Center after the green card application has been processed?

Yes, decision notices are typically issued by the USCIS Service Center after the green card application has been processed.

9. Are appeals of denied green card applications handled by the USCIS Service Center?

No, appeals of denied green card applications are handled by the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

10. How does the USCIS Service Center verify information provided in a green card application?

In order to verify the information provided in a green card application, the USCIS Service Center will conduct background checks, interview applicants, and review provided documents. The USCIS will also use the Document Verification Service (DVS) which is a database of entry and exit records for people who have previously been admitted to the US. Additionally, the USCIS may contact relevant employers or previous landlords to verify employment and residency.

11. What are the criteria used by the USCIS Service Center to approve a green card application?

The criteria used by the USCIS Service Center to approve a green card application are as follows:
1. The applicant must have a valid immigration status and meet eligibility requirements.
2. The applicant must have an approved petition in place for which they are filing the green card application.
3. The applicant must have valid documentation to prove identity and other required information.
4. The applicant must demonstrate their admissibility to the U.S., which includes being able to pass all relevant background checks, provide evidence of financial stability, and show proof of good moral character.
5. The applicant must demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially during their stay in the U.S.
6. The applicant must demonstrate that they are not inadmissible to the U.S. under any immigration or criminal offenses.

12. Does the USCIS Service Center provide information about the status of a green card application at any time?

Yes. USCIS offers an online case status check that allows you to track the progress of your green card application. You can also contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center for further information.

13. Does the USCIS Service Center provide assistance with completing forms for a green card application?

No, the USCIS Service Center does not provide assistance with completing forms for a green card application. However, USCIS provides resources, such as a guide for completing the green card application, online tools to check the status of an application, and customer service representatives who can answer questions about an application.

14. Does the USCIS Service Center provide guidance on the best way to submit a green card application?

No, the USCIS Service Center does not provide guidance on the best way to submit a green card application. Applicants must refer to the instructions provided in the Form I-485 instructions in order to ensure they are completing and submitting the application correctly.

15. Are certain types of documents required to be filed directly with the USCIS Service Center for green card processing?

Yes, certain types of documents must be filed directly with the USCIS Service Center for green card processing. These include Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence), Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), and Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal).

16. Is there a fee associated with having a green card application processed by a USCIS Service Center?

Yes, there is a fee associated with having a green card application processed by the USCIS Service Center. The current fee for Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status is $1,140.

17. How does the USCIS Service Center prioritize different types of green card applications?

USCIS Service Centers prioritize green card applications based on the date the request is received and the type of application. Applications that are subject to numerical limits, such as employment-based green cards, are given priority over other applications. USCIS also gives priority to applications filed by veterans or their relatives and those filed on behalf of crime victims. Applications from people with extraordinary abilities or those seeking to live in the U.S. for humanitarian reasons are also prioritized.

18. Does the USCIS Service Center provide translations services for foreign language documents submitted in support of a green card application?

No, the USCIS Service Center does not provide translation services for foreign language documents submitted in support of a green card application. Applicants must submit their own certified translations of any foreign language documents.

19. Does the USCIS Service Center have personnel who speak languages other than English to assist applicants in submitting their green card applications?

No, USCIS Service Centers do not have personnel who speak languages other than English. USCIS provides language assistance services to help individuals understand the immigration process and to assist in completing and submitting applications. There are over 200 languages offered through these services. To access those services, individuals must call the USCIS toll-free telephone number at 1-800-375-5283.

20. Does the USCIS Service Center provide legal advice or guidance on any issue related to green card processing?

No, the USCIS Service Center does not provide legal advice or guidance on any issue related to green card processing.