1. What is a Green Card for Special Immigrants?

A Green Card for Special Immigrants is a form of permanent residency in the United States that is available to certain categories of individuals with approved petitions. These categories include religious workers, veterans, international broadcasters, former employees of the Panama Canal Zone government, as well as certain individuals from Iraq and Afghanistan who have worked for or on behalf of the United States government.

2. Who is eligible to receive a Green Card for Special Immigrants?

Those eligible for a Green Card for Special Immigrants include: religious workers, certain employees of the U.S. government abroad, retired employees of international organizations, certain physicians, Afghan and Iraqi translators, certain former employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone government, and certain minors who were abandoned or abused by a parent.

3. How do I apply for a Green Card for Special Immigrants?

To apply for a Green Card for Special Immigrants, you must first submit Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. Once the I-360 is approved, you must submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the appropriate supporting documents and evidence. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review your application and determine your eligibility.

4. What are the requirements to qualify for a Green Card for Special Immigrants?

The requirements to qualify for a Green Card as a Special Immigrant vary depending on the category of special immigrant. Generally, the applicants must meet the following requirements:

1) Be physically present in the U.S. in an authorized status;

2) Be able to demonstrate that their presence in the U.S. is necessary or desirable;

3) Be admissible to the U.S. under applicable immigration laws and regulations;

4) Have an approved Form I-360 petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);

5) If applicable, have an approved labor certification; and

6) Have an approved immigrant visa petition from the Department of State.

5. How long does it take to get a Green Card for Special Immigrants?

The timeline for processing a Green Card for Special Immigrants depends on the specific category under which the individual is applying. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year from the time of submitting the application.

6. Can I travel outside the U.S. while my Green Card for Special Immigrant application is pending?

Yes, you can travel outside the U.S. while your Green Card for Special Immigrant application is pending. However, you will need to obtain a valid re-entry permit before leaving the U.S. This permit will allow you to re-enter the country after you have been outside the U.S. for more than one year.

7. Are there any fees associated with the Green Card for Special Immigrant application process?

Yes, there are fees associated with the Green Card for Special Immigrant application process. Fees vary depending on the type of application and include an application fee, biometrics fee, and any other applicable fees. The fees are outlined on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website and should be paid at the time of submission.

8. How long is a Green Card for Special Immigrants valid?

A Green Card for Special Immigrants is valid for 10 years. After 10 years, the Special Immigrant must renew the card to maintain lawful permanent resident status.

9. Can I work in the U.S. with a Green Card for Special Immigrant?

Yes, you can work in the U.S. with a Green Card for Special Immigrant. This type of Green Card allows you and your immediate family members to live and work in the U.S. lawfully. You may also be eligible for certain public benefits, such as health insurance, Social Security benefits, and other programs.

10. Can I bring family members with me if I receive a Green Card for Special Immigrant?

It depends on the type of Green Card you receive. If you receive a Green Card as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, then you may bring your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age with you. If you receive a Green Card as a Special Immigrant, then you may bring your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age, but only if they are also eligible for Special Immigrant status.

11. Are there any restrictions on a Green Card for Special Immigrant?

There are some restrictions on a Green Card for a Special Immigrant. The most common restrictions are:

• You must maintain continuous residency in the U.S.
• You must not be convicted of any crimes or be subject to any form of criminal deportability.
• You must not be inadmissible for any reasons related to the terrorist activity.
• You must register for the selective service (if applicable).
• You may not be employed without prior authorization from the USCIS.

12. What are the benefits of having a Green Card for Special Immigrant?

The primary benefit of having a Green Card as a Special Immigrant is the ability to live and work permanently in the United States. A Green Card holder can also travel freely and has access to additional opportunities, such as the ability to become a U.S. citizen. A Green Card holder is also eligible for social services, such as welfare, Medicare, and Social Security, and can sponsor close relatives for US immigration. Lastly, a Green Card holder can seek protection under U.S. law from deportation and removal proceedings.

13. Will I be required to provide additional documents in order to receive my Green Card for Special Immigrants?

Yes, you may be required to provide additional documents in order to receive your Green Card for Special Immigrants. These documents may include passports, birth certificates, evidence of your special immigrant status, employment records, and other documents that prove your identity and eligibility for a Green Card.

14. How often do I need to renew my Green Card for Special Immigrants?

If you are a Special Immigrant and have been granted a Green Card, you will need to renew it every ten years. However, if your Green Card was issued before October 30, 2000, it does not need to be renewed, and you will be able to keep it indefinitely.

15. Is there a language requirement in order to receive a Green Card for Special Immigrants?

No, there is no language requirement for receiving a Green Card for Special Immigrants. However, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as demonstrating they have been of “good moral character” for the past five years, that they have obtained a valid passport and other documents, and that they are admissible to the United States.

16. What happens if my application for a Green Card for Special Immigrants is denied?

If your application for a Green Card for Special Immigrants is denied, you will receive a written notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explaining why your application was denied. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply for the Green Card. However, in some cases, you may not be eligible to appeal or reapply, so it is important to read the notice carefully and contact an immigration attorney.

17. Are there any other ways of obtaining a Green Card for Special Immigrant besides applying?

There are a few other ways of obtaining a Green Card for Special Immigrant, such as an approved family-based petition, an approved employment-based petition, an approved VAWA self-petition, or being granted asylum in the United States. Additionally, some special immigrants may be eligible to adjust their status while in the United States.

18. Can I transfer my current permanent resident status to a Green Card for Special Immigrant status?

No. The Green Card for Special Immigrant status is a special category of permanent residency that is only available to certain immigrants. You cannot transfer your current permanent resident status to this category. However, if you meet the criteria for this program, you can apply for it and if approved, you will be granted permanent resident status through this program.

19. Are there any limitations or restrictions on the types of jobs I can work with a Green Card for Special Immigrant?

Yes, there are certain limitations and restrictions on the types of jobs that you may work with a Green Card for Special Immigrant. These restrictions vary depending on the category for which you have received the Green Card. Generally, all Special Immigrants must remain employed in the field of work they were used to obtain their Green Card or in a field closely related to the work they were used to obtain their Green Card. Additionally, certain Special Immigrants may only be allowed to work for a specific employer or be limited to working only in the United States.

20. Can I apply for U.S. citizenship after obtaining a Green Card for Special Immigrant status?

Yes, you can apply for U.S. citizenship after obtaining a Green Card through the Special Immigrant status. To be eligible, you must have maintained Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen). You must also meet all other requirements for naturalization, such as passing the civics and English tests, and demonstrating good moral character.