Family-Based Green Cards in Florida

1. How long does the process of obtaining a Family-Based Green Card take in Florida?

The amount of time it takes to obtain a Family-Based Green Card in Florida can vary greatly depending on the specific individual situation. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 10 years or more. The exact length of time depends on many factors such as the type of family relationship, the number of visas available for the family category, and the individual country of origin.

2. What documents do I need to submit in order to obtain a Family-Based Green Card in Florida?

In order to obtain a Family-Based Green Card in Florida, you will need to submit several documents, including:

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
• Birth Certificate (or other proof of relation)
• Passport-style photographs
• Proof of legal entry into the United States (if applicable)
• Any necessary fees
• Any additional forms or evidence required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

3. Does Florida allow for dual citizenship with a Family-Based Green Card?

Yes, Florida allows for dual citizenship with a Family-Based Green Card. According to the US Department of State, dual citizenship is allowed and recognized in the United States. The US does not require that applicants or holders of US visas, permanent residence, or citizens renounce any foreign citizenships they may hold.

4. Are there any special procedures I need to follow if I want to apply for a Family-Based Green Card from Florida?

Yes, the U.S. Department of State provides specific instructions for applying for a family-based green card from Florida. These instructions can be found on their website and include details about the forms you need to complete, the documents you need to submit, the fees you must pay, and the processing time for the application.

5. What is the filing fee for a Family-Based Green Card in Florida?

The filing fee for a Family-Based Green Card in Florida is $535, plus an $85 biometrics fee.

6. Is it possible to expedite the processing of a Family-Based Green Card in Florida?

Yes, it is possible to expedite the processing of a family-based green card in Florida. However, the specific details of the process depend on the individual case. Generally, individuals can submit an expedite request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through the online system or by phone. USCIS will review each request on a case-by-case basis and may approve the expedited processing of a family-based green card in Florida if there is a compelling reason to do so.

7. Does Florida have different requirements to obtain a Family-Based Green Card than other states?

No, the requirements for obtaining a Family-Based Green Card are the same in all U.S. states.

8. Are there any restrictions on how long I can stay in Florida with a Family-Based Green Card?

No, there are no restrictions on how long you can stay in Florida with a Family-Based Green Card. However, if you stay in the U.S. for more than six months at a time, you will need to file a Form I-131 in order to re-enter the country. Additionally, if you plan to stay outside of the U.S. for more than one year, you will need to apply for a re-entry permit prior to leaving the country.

9. Can I use public benefits such as Medicaid or food stamps with a Family-Based Green Card in Florida?

Yes, you can use public benefits such as Medicaid or food stamps with a Family-Based Green Card in Florida.

10. Is it possible to renew my Family-Based Green Card while in Florida?

Yes, it is possible to renew your Family-Based Green Card while in Florida. You will need to submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, along with the applicable fees. Depending on your situation, you may also need to submit additional documents and forms. It is important to review and follow all the instructions in the form carefully.

11. What are the requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen after receiving a Family-Based Green Card in Florida?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that an individual must have held a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for at least five years as a permanent resident of the United States before applying for naturalization. The individual must also have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months of the 5-year period preceding the date of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Additionally, the individual must have lived within the state or USCIS district having jurisdiction over the application for at least 3 months prior to filing. The individual must be able to demonstrate good moral character, knowledge of English and knowledge of the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution. The individual must also have taken and passed a civics test.

12. Is it possible to travel outside of the U.S. with a Family-Based Green Card from Florida?

Yes, it is possible to travel outside of the U.S. with a Family-Based Green Card from Florida. However, travelers must make sure that they have a valid passport and their green card before traveling. Additionally, travelers should check with the embassy or consulate of the country they are visiting to make sure they meet all the requirements for entry.

13. Does Florida allow for the transfer of a Family-Based Green Card to another family member?

Yes, Florida does allow for the transfer of a Family-Based Green Card to another family member. The process is called “Visa Portability,” and it allows eligible green card holders to transfer their green card from one family member to another. The process is relatively simple and can be done through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

14. What types of employment are allowed with a Family-Based Green Card in Florida?

A family-based green card holder in Florida is eligible to work in any type of employment, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, or contract work with private employers. They may also be self-employed, start their own business, or work in public service.

15. Are there any special rules for international students who have obtained a Family-Based Green Card in Florida?

International students who obtained a Family-Based Green Card in Florida are subject to the same rules and regulations as all other permanent residents of the United States. They are subject to federal, state, and local laws and must comply with all regulations pertaining to work, travel, and immigration status. Additionally, they must register for selective service if they are male and between the ages of 18-25. International students are also eligible for certain types of financial aid and may be able to apply for in-state tuition at public universities and colleges.

16. How can I check the status of my Family-Based Green Card application in Florida?

To check the status of your family-based Green Card application in Florida, you can contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that is responsible for processing your application. You can contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or you can check the status of your application online at uscis.gov/check-case-status.

17. Are there any restrictions on how much money I can make with a Family-Based Green Card in Florida?

Yes, there are restrictions on how much money one can make with a family-based green card in Florida. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has set a minimum annual income requirement for sponsors of family-based green card holders. This requirement is known as the “affidavit of support,” which is designed to ensure that the sponsored family-member will not become a public charge. In Florida, the minimum annual income requirement for sponsors of family-based green card holders is $21,137.

18. Does Florida offer any special assistance or services for those applying for a Family-Based Green Card?

Yes, Florida offers access to the Florida Migrant Farmworker Project, which provides assistance to those applying for family-based green cards. The project provides legal aid and assistance with filing applications and navigating the immigration process.

19. What rights and privileges do I have with a Family-Based Green Card from Florida?

With a family-based green card from Florida, you will have the most important right granted to all green card holders: the right to live and work in the United States permanently, as long as you meet certain conditions. You are also eligible for certain benefits, such as the ability to apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain period of time, as well as access to federal welfare programs, Social Security benefits, and Medicaid coverage. You may also be eligible for certain educational benefits and state and local government benefits.

20. Can I apply for citizenship after receiving a Family-Based Green Card from Florida?

Yes, you may apply for U.S. citizenship after receiving a Family-Based Green Card from Florida. To do so, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having lived in the United States for at least five years and having been physically present in the United States for at least half of that time. You must also be able to demonstrate good moral character, a basic understanding of the English language, and a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics). Additionally, you must have paid your taxes and not have committed any criminal offenses. If you meet these requirements, you may file Form N-400 to apply for citizenship.