Green Card Options for International Students

1. What are the different Green Card options available for international students?


The different Green Card options available for international students include:

1. Employment-Based Green Card: This type of Green Card is available to those who qualify under EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories. To qualify, the applicant must have a job offer from a US employer. The employer must also be willing to sponsor the applicant for a Green Card.

2. Family-Based Green Card: This type of Green Card is available to those who have immediate family members who are already permanent residents or US citizens.

3. Diversity Lottery Green Card: The Diversity Lottery program is designed to provide permanent resident visas to people from countries with low immigration rates to the US.

4. Student Visa to Green Card: Those holding an F-1 student visa may be eligible for a Green Card through the Optional Practical Training Program (OPT).

5. Investor/Entrepreneur Green Card: This type of Green Card is available to those who invest a substantial amount of money in a business in the US and create jobs for US workers.

2. What are the steps to apply for a Green Card?


The steps to apply for a Green Card depend on the category of eligibility and the applicant’s current location. Generally, the steps include:

1. Determine Eligibility: Determine if you are eligible for a Green Card and which category of eligibility you fall under.

2. Collect Documents: Gather all necessary documents and forms before applying for the Green Card.

3. Apply for a Green Card: Submit the appropriate application form along with the supporting documents to the USCIS.

4. Wait for a Decision from USCIS: After submitting your application, wait for a decision from the USCIS. If your application is approved, you will receive your Green Card in the mail.

5. Attend an Interview: The USCIS may contact you to schedule an in-person interview depending on your category of eligibility. You must attend this interview in order to receive your Green Card.

3. How long does it take to get a Green Card after applying?


It generally takes between 8 and 14 months to receive a Green Card after application. However, processing times can vary greatly depending on which type of Green Card is applied for and which country the applicant is from.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Green Card?


In order to obtain a Green Card (formally known as a Permanent Resident Card), you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on the category of Green Card you are applying for; however, some common eligibility requirements include:

• Being sponsored by a family member, employer, or other qualifying organization in the U.S.
• Having a valid work visa or other valid immigration status.
• Meeting certain health and character requirements.
• Possessing the necessary qualifications for the category of Green Card you are applying for (such as having an offer of employment or meeting the family-based immigration criteria).
• Being able to demonstrate that you will not become a public charge in the U.S.

5. Are there any special considerations for international students applying for Green Card?


Yes. International students may be eligible to apply for a Green Card through several existing programs including family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, asylum or refugee status, certain humanitarian programs, and the Diversity Visa Lottery.

When applying for a Green Card, international students must provide proof of U.S. legal residency, such as a valid passport and U.S. visa. Furthermore, international students may need to provide additional documents such as proof of financial resources, proof of language proficiency, and proof of academic achievement.

6. How much does it cost to apply for a Green Card?


The cost to apply for a Green Card can range from $535 to $1,225, depending on the type of form you are submitting and your individual circumstances. The cost includes the application fee for Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and the biometric services fee for the background check.

7. What types of background checks are required when applying for a Green Card?


The background check required when applying for a Green Card involves a comprehensive review of an individual’s background. An individual’s criminal history, civil records, immigration status and potential security concerns are all verified for the consideration of a Green Card. Depending on the individual’s country of origin and their particular background, additional screening measures may also be required.

8. How can an international student find out if they are eligible to apply for a Green Card?


International students can find out if they are eligible to apply for a Green Card by consulting an experienced immigration attorney or a qualified organization that provides immigration services. Additionally, students can refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for detailed information about the various visas and pathways that might lead to permanent residence.

9. Is there an age limit for applying for a Green Card?


Yes. Generally, applicants must be under the age of 31 to be eligible for a Green Card. There are some exceptions, such as if the applicant is the spouse or unmarried child of a U.S. citizen, or a widow/widower of a U.S. citizen.

10. Does an international student need to provide financial evidence when applying for a Green Card?


Yes. In most cases, applicants for a Green Card must provide financial evidence showing that they can support themselves financially and will not become a public charge in the United States.

11. Are there any special application processes in place for international students who are applying for a Green Card?


Yes, there are certain categories of international students who may be eligible for a Green Card through a special application process. Generally, these are international students with extraordinary abilities or those who can demonstrate that they will benefit the US economy, culture, or educational systems. Eligible international students may be able to apply for an immigrant visa, which is the first step to applying for a Green Card.

12. Is it possible to obtain employment authorization while waiting for a Green Card application to be processed?


Yes, it is possible to obtain employment authorization while waiting for a Green Card application to be processed. This is known as a “work permit” or an “Employment Authorization Document (EAD)”. In order to obtain an EAD, applicants must apply for and be granted an EAD by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

13. How does an international student prove their identity when applying for a Green Card?


When applying for a Green Card, an international student must submit a copy of their passport or other valid government-issued photo identification. Depending on the country of origin, they may also need to include additional documents that prove their identity, such as a national identity card, birth certificate, etc.

14. What documents need to be submitted with the Green Card application?


The documents required for a Green Card application depend on the category under which the individual is applying. Generally, applicants must submit an application form, a copy of a valid passport or other travel document, evidence of the applicant’s identity and nationality, financial documents, and evidence of any required qualifications for the green card category. Applicants may also need to provide additional documentation such as medical exam results, proof of legal residence in the US, and proof of family relationships.

15. Are there any restrictions on the type of job an international student can work while on a Green Card?


Yes, there are restrictions on the type of job an international student can work while on a Green Card. The most common restrictions include: (1) no self-employment, (2) no work outside the U.S., (3) only working with an approved employer, and (4) no specific types of jobs such as working with sensitive information or high tech research.

16. Are there any special programs available specifically for international students looking to obtain a Green Card?


No, there are no special programs available specifically for international students looking to obtain a Green Card. International students must apply for a Green Card through the normal application process.

17. How long is a Green Card valid once it has been issued?


A Green Card is valid for 10 years.

18. Are there any fees associated with renewing a Green Card?


Yes, there is a fee associated with renewing a Green Card. It costs $540 to apply to renew or replace a Green Card (Form I-90).

19. Are there any additional requirements that international students must meet in order to apply and receive permanent residence through a Green Card?


Yes, some additional requirements that international students must meet in order to apply for and receive permanent residence through a Green Card include demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependents, passing a medical examination, providing biometrics (fingerprinting and a photograph), establishing proof of good moral character, and passing a security clearance.

20. What rights and privileges does a permanent resident have after obtaining a Green Card?


A permanent resident of the United States:

– Can live and work in the US indefinitely, as long as they do not commit any actions that would make them removable under immigration law.

– Can apply to become a US citizen after 5 years of permanent residence.

– Is eligible for Social Security and Medicare benefits.

– Is eligible for certain federal programs, such as public assistance and housing assistance.

– Is eligible for most types of employment in the US.

– Has protection under US labor laws.

– Can travel to and from the US with a valid Green Card.

– Can petition to bring certain family members to the US (spouse, children, etc.).